Joomla's Minimum System Requirements
This table illustrates the three most important programming softwares that are required to run Joomla along with minimum requirements. It also illustrates three options that must be enabled on the server. These options, do not show any type of minimum requirements, it just needs to be enabled on the apache server. (Last three options on the table)
| Software | Min Requirement | Recommended | Web Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHP | 4.3.10 | 4.4.7 | http//php.net |
| MySQL | 3.23.x or above | http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/5.0.html | |
| Apache | 1.3 or above | http://httpd.apache.org | |
| mod_mysql | |||
| mod_xml | |||
| mod_zlib |
Now, just because Joomla is going to meet the minimum system requirements, doesn't mean the extensions are going to meet the minimum system requirements. You need to check each extension you picked individually and also make sure it meets the requirements for each. Take a look at your "beta" extension list you created and look at the "minumum requirements" you listed for each extension.
Meeting Recommended Settings
One thing that truly helps in the development of a Joomla site, is to not only meet the minimum system requirements, but also meet the recommending settings. Here are Joomla's recommended settings, in addition to the mimimums. Note, if you do not meet these, it doesn't mean it will not operate, it just means it will not be operating "optimally".
- Safe Mode
- Recommended setting: ON
- Open basedir
- Recommended setting: Site dependent
- Display Errors
- Recommended setting: OFF
- Short Open Tags
- Recommended setting:
- File Uploads
- Recommended setting: ON
- Magic Quotes
- Recommended setting: ON
- Register Globals
- Recommended setting: OFF
- Output Buffering
- Recommended setting: OFF
- Session Save Path
- Recommended setting: Site dependent
- Session Auto Start
- Recommended setting: OFF
- XML Enabled
- Recommended setting: ON
- Zlib Enabled
- Recommended setting: ON
- Mbstring Enabled
- Recommended setting: ON
Selecting a Good Host
Finding a good host on the web is a very difficult process and there are many ways in which companies have found ways to tempt you with the better bargain. We urge you to weigh performance in when you are selecting hosting and don't fall for "cheap hosting".
Joomla uses up a bit of server resources, so, we need to get a host that can handle a lot of incoming requests, and back-end processing. We need to be sure first of all, that the hosting meets the minimum requirements and wherever possible the recommended settings as well. If you do not have this as a default, you can ask the host whether or not they can change your account to meet the recommended settings.
If you need to refer them to this article, do so! They will know exactly what we are talking about here and will help determine if they have what it takes to host you!
One more thing that truly helps in selecting a hosting provider is to look at the reviews. If a host has won awards, more than likely it is for a reason. Take a look at a variety of hosts if necessary and compare who has the best reviews. We need a host that's there for the client, and doesn't just throw their support requests in an email queue for later. We need top notch service!
Our Recommendations
Check the Joomla Resource Directory for Hosting Providers
Obtain at Least 1000MB Disk Storage to Start
Obtain at Least 2500MB in Bandwidth to Start
Obtain Linux or Unix Operating System
If possible, get hosting with Cpanel Account Management Software.
If you cannot afford Joomla's Hosting Providers, go with Host Gator. We are pretty darn partial to them, due to their unparalled support and green hosting.
Host Gator utilizes wind turbine technology to cool and power their servers. We think this is a worthy hosting provider, and we have never had an issue with them yet. Knock on wood!
Once you feel like you have selected the right host, on to securing your domain and hosting.
Conclusion
By this point we have addressed the minumum server requirements and recommended settings. We have also gave some tips on selecting a good hosting provider. Be sure to read our other articles about planning your Joomla site.