Hey guys,

I was out of this industry for quite a while and when I left Fantastico was the "it" auto installer software.

I'm now seeing mention of:

http://installatron.com/

and

http://www.softaculous.com/

I was curious if anyone can make any comparisons as to which is "best" and also if I'm missing any.

Does anyone suggest doubling up on these scripts since the licensing is so low or would that cause issues? I know some like Fantastico, some like installatron...

I've never heard of softaculous until about 3 minutes ago. The script support looks to be HUGE.

We use installatron and think it's awesome. Haven't tried out softaculous yet. So we can't really compare the two yet - but installatron is definitely better than fantastico.

And I've heard of softaculous a few months ago. Haven't had the time or a big enough motivation to try it out yet.

Thanks for the reply njoker555. Appreciated.

I think I'm going to purchase the other two (Install and Soft) and give them a try.

I personally don't like the Fantastico UI, some scripts seem outdated and we're now seeing permissions errors on uninstall of some scripts.

Fantastico doesn't update scripts as quickly as installatron - so there is a security risk there.

We moved away from Fantastico in late 2008 and went straight to installatron. Don't regret the change.

Let us know how softaculous is, I don't know too many people that have tried it.

Softaculous seems to have a bigger script library even for its free version.

Softaculous seems to have a bigger script library even for its free version.

Free version!? *ears perk up* lol. I'm going to have some time tomorrow so I'll test / order it and report back. I'm very intriqued with that library.

I am using Fantastico, Softaculous premium and Installatron and they all seem to work fine together.

The only concern I have had recently is that Softaculous added Wordpress MU which I don't want on the server and Dolphin that requires alterations to the server set up such as:
Quote
* If some security module is installed on the server (such as mod_security for Apache), it should be able to be disabled or set up for specific folders.
* You should be able to run executable files (necessary for ffmpeg.exe)

However when I realised they were there it only took seconds to disable them. A plus side to Softaculous was the addition of WHMCS installer which can make life easier.

Customers seem to like having the choice however many seem to favour installing using Softaculous over Installatron and Fantastico, which I think is due to the ratings system and instant demos.

Installatron seems to bring out updates for the scripts it installs faster than the rest, maybe this is the beginning of the end for fantastico unless they update it soon.

I am using Fantastico, Softaculous premium and Installatron and they all seem to work fine together.

The only concern I have had recently is that Softaculous added Wordpress MU which I don't want on the server and Dolphin that requires alterations to the server set up such as:
Quote
* If some security module is installed on the server (such as mod_security for Apache), it should be able to be disabled or set up for specific folders.
* You should be able to run executable files (necessary for ffmpeg.exe)

However when I realised they were there it only took seconds to disable them. A plus side to Softaculous was the addition of WHMCS installer which can make life easier.

Customers seem to like having the choice however many seem to favour installing using Softaculous over Installatron and Fantastico, which I think is due to the ratings system and instant demos.

Installatron seems to bring out updates for the scripts it installs faster than the rest, maybe this is the beginning of the end for fantastico unless they update it soon.

Thanks for taking the time to provide such a detailed post. I (and others) really appreciate it!

- Mekhu

Subscribed! I have been looking into all of the installer scripts trying to make a decision, hopefully this will help! Let us know how Softaculous and Installatron workout! :agree:

It seems Softaculous are going all out to be the best installer, I just received the following and thought I would update:

The Softaculous Team has released Softaculous 2.6
This version of Softaculous has some cool new features (JavaScript Installers) and a complete new interface. JavaScript Libraries is the distinct feature of 2.6

A complete list of changes:

1) New Interface or Theme in the Admin and User Panel. The theme is well designed and has a unique look. It also removes many references to Softaculous.com

2) Javascripts as a New type of Installs. We have added 13 Javascript Libraries that users can install on their websites. This is a completely new feature and users will love. It opens up new avenues and we will INNOVATE more in this segment. We will add more scripts that users will be able to use and SCRIPTIFY their websites! 3) Listing of all Installations is a new Admin Feature added in 2.6. You can check outdated installations as well.

*** left out all the other points they make ***

The main feature of this release is a new interface and JavaScript Installers.

So I guess i will be spending today to see what they have added and how it all works now :D

It seems Softaculous are going all out to be the best installer, I just received the following and thought I would update:

The Softaculous Team has released Softaculous 2.6
This version of Softaculous has some cool new features (JavaScript Installers) and a complete new interface. JavaScript Libraries is the distinct feature of 2.6

A complete list of changes:

1) New Interface or Theme in the Admin and User Panel. The theme is well designed and has a unique look. It also removes many references to Softaculous.com

2) Javascripts as a New type of Installs. We have added 13 Javascript Libraries that users can install on their websites. This is a completely new feature and users will love. It opens up new avenues and we will INNOVATE more in this segment. We will add more scripts that users will be able to use and SCRIPTIFY their websites! 3) Listing of all Installations is a new Admin Feature added in 2.6. You can check outdated installations as well.

*** left out all the other points they make ***

The main feature of this release is a new interface and JavaScript Installers.

So I guess i will be spending today to see what they have added and how it all works now :D

Thanks so much for updating all of us! This is definitely a good discussion.

I promise I'll make good on my word of purchasing softaculous today and trying it out. I'll give my feedback later tonight. I'm very excited to be honest!

I've just started looking into script installers, so this thread is really useful. Will keep an eye on developments.

I used Softaculous before, its better than any other auto installter. It got more scripts than other and developer seems updating it frequently. While fantastico seems dead.

I also have same opinion.
Thanks

Softaculous is an auto installer for cPanel and DirectAdmin.

Installatron's Integration API allows Installatron to be integrated into any in-house or licensed web hosting control panel.

Comparison can not do.