Installing Dolphin

Dolphin is web-platform that must be installed to a web-server. This is a quick set of generic installation instructions. If, at any stage, you need more details use the Dolphin 7 Detailed Installation Guide.

Check Requirements

Before installation, make sure your have the following:

• Hosting web server, complying with ​Dolphin System Requirements.
• Registered domain name, or IP address.
• Web server access details to MySQL, cPanel and FTP (or shell).

Step 1. Download & Extract

Download the current version of Dolphin to your local computer or directly to your hosting server. Once you have downloaded, you should decompress (unzip) the Dolphin archive file.

• ​Download current version of Dolphin

Step 2. Create A Database

Create a database for Dolphin on your web server, as well as a MySQL user who has all privileges for accessing and modifying it.

Most hosts offer simple interface to create databases and database users. For example, if your web host has cPanel you probably can see phpMyAdmin in the main menu or a the section labeled Databases. Just create an empty database that the Dolphin installer will later fill with tables and data.

Step 3. Upload Dolphin Files

Upload all the Dolphin files to the desired location on your web server using FTP. If you've downloaded Dolphin to your server directly, move them using shell.

• If you want to install Dolphin into the root of your domain (e.g. ​http://mysite.com/), move or upload all contents of the unpacked Dolphin directory (but excluding the directory itself) into the root directory of your web server.

• If you want to have your Dolphin installation in its own subdirectory on your web site (e.g. ​http://mysite.com/community/), create the "community" directory on your server and upload Dolphin files to the directory via FTP.

Step 4. Run Dolphin Installation Script

Run the Dolphin installation script by accessing install/index.php in a web browser.

• If you uploaded Dolphin files to the root directory, you should visit ​http://mysite.com/install/index.php .
• If you uploaded Dolphin files to a subdirectory "community", for example, you should visit ​http://mysite.com/community/install/index.php .

Installation instructions should appear in your browser. Follow them carefully to complete the installation (setting permissions, specifying server details, setting cron jobs, etc).

Step 5. Delete Install Folder

Login to your web-server via FTP or shell and delete /install folder - this is an important step for your site security.

Step 6. Install & Connect Media Server

Dolphin comes with a free Media Server software, based on Red 5. Media Server is required for media streaming features of some Dolphin modules. Some hosting providers already have it installed, but you may need to install one yourself if you plan to use Dolphin with media streaming.

• If your hosting provider already has Media Server installed, login to your site Admin Panel at /administration and go to Modules -> Flash Apps and then click Settings. Here you will have to enter Media Server details obtained from your web-hosting provider.
• If you are configuring your own media server, follow Media Server Installation instructions.
• If you are not using media-streaming features of some Dolphin modules, ignore this step.

Step 8. Register Your License

License is required if you want to remove Boonex reference banner from your site. ​You can buy a license here.

• Log into Dolphin's Admin Panel at /administration and enter your license number into the License field of the License Registration box.

Start Using Dolphin

Dolphin is now installed and is ready to use. Login to your Admin Panel at /administration and follow "Initial Steps" tutorial to install your first modules and configue basic settings of your new site.