Hi,
I have two options for webhosting HostGator and Arvixe.
I want to install a Joomla website and both of them provide different script installers.
Which one should I go with Fantastico or Softaculous ?
conn,
First, take a look at the other recent thread on HostGator.
Second, relying on installers is a very bad thing to do as they make large programs easy to install but they are not designed to update the programs. Why is that important? Because suites like Joomla and WordPress update frequently to patch security issues as they are discovered. Installers aren’t (as) concerned about that as you MUST be (to avoid being hacked).
Third, I have a client who demanded a Joomla installation. As you know, Joomla requires a significant amount of processing which makes it a terrible program to use on a shared server. To satisfy my client, I found WebHostingBuzz’s “specialist hosting” which offers a Joomla-tailored (among others) account. My client is happy which makes me happy - particularly as there has yet to be a problem after a couple of years. WMB has servers in the US and Europe so be sure to link to the location serving your target audience.
Back to your question: I’d not depend on installers but Fantastico is what is typically provided with cPanel so they’d get my vote just on that basis.
Regards,
DK
This seems to be a common misconception. Just because you install using Softaculous does not mean you have to use the Softaculous updater. In the case of WordPress, or any other system that has an inbuilt updater, you’d be crazy not to use that rather than Softaculous’s.
Secondly, many of these web applications don’t have auto-update systems at all - Joomla itself didn’t until very recently. If Softaculous etc provide something that’s 100 times better than running old unpatched applications.
Neither of these are reasons not to use fantastico or softaculous; just don’t use their update systems unless there’s not one provided by your application.
Third, I have a client who demanded a Joomla installation. As you know, Joomla requires a significant amount of processing which makes it a terrible program to use on a shared server. To satisfy my client, I found WebHostingBuzz’s “specialist hosting” which offers a Joomla-tailored (among others) account. My client is happy which makes me happy - particularly as there has yet to be a problem after a couple of years. WMB has servers in the US and Europe so be sure to link to the location serving your target audience.
Joomla, properly set up, is not particularly resource hungry. If you have been using hosting that has problems with it, you’ve been using poor quality hosting. Perhaps strong words, but this has been borne out by years of hosting Joomla sites with no problems. No doubt there are resource intensive components/modules, but that’s not directly Joomla’s problem. It should be no more resource heavy than WordPress.
Back to the original question - Softaculous appears cheaper, has more scripts, and is more regularly updated. Fantastico appears to have been largely deserted by it’s owner, so I’d say its day is gone. Softaculous is also getting a lot of recommendations. You left out Installatrong, which is about half the price of Fantastico (Softaculous is about 1/4 the price). Installatron is also good, but has less scripts. I think on balance I’d use Softaculous.
Fantastico is fine, you setup in seconds 
Both are very similiar but I use Fantastico
I’ve been using Softaculous for a while now and it’s been great with regular updates. Pricing isn’t bad either on it.
You can’t go wrong with either. Both will install it for your just fine. Another option would be to install it yourself if you don’t want to deal with the fees associated with these installers. Installation instructions are fairly easy. You just need the database information and some admin configurations then once you use the installer PHP file - you are all set.
Softaculous is the way to go. If you use php5 + softaculous you will greatly reduce your susceptibility to hacks. Keep it upgraded and your security will be more solid.
Softaculous having much more auto installer scripts as compare to the Fantastico therefore you can prefer Softaculous
For example Magento script is missing on Softaculous
I think you meant it’s missing from Fantastico; it’s certainly present in Softaculous in all my hosting packages.
I’d look at the quality of the hosting first before looking at what offers better installers to be honest. I tried to install MyBB with Softaculous and I hated the options it gave me. A lot better to install it manually. But Softaculous do have a good range of apps to install.
Fantastico is usually always up to date in terms of having the latest script versions too though. Rarely have I seen an exploited script still on Fantastico or Softaculous actually.
Yes, you are correct the Magento script is missing in the Fantastico and available in the Softaculous
I think Softaculous is better autoinstaller at the moment. Fantastico was OK, but Softaculous is contantly updated with new scripts and worths more.
[FONT=Verdana]OK - I think we’ve covered this issue and the OP hasn’t bothered to return. Thanks to all who contributed.
Thread closed.[/FONT]