Open Source Software

Posted 04th October, 2018

Most modern websites are built using freely available software, which can be adapted by anyone from beginner user to an advanced user, to build a website.

This is open-source because anyone can see the website source code.

Software includes Wordpress, Joomla, Magento and many more.

Within these guides we cover common errors and guides for many different software types - and our Fixed.net experts have experience with a vast array of different software. Most open source software is based around a set of website files and a database. The files and database are linked, and some basic information is set, using a configuration file. Software can be installed manually (see for example Wordpress Manual Installation), or most hosting providers include an autoinstaller such as Softaculous or Installatron which handles the process for you and provides you with default login details. You will have at least one login to the administration area of your website. Advantages Themes Plugins Designers Features Disadvantages Can be badly optimised Vulnerable to hacking Lack of proper support

Configuration Files While most open source software is designed around the same principles, the exact config can vary. Here is a cheat sheet for most common scenarios, with clickable links for deeper articles.

Software Configuration File URL Setting Admin Area Wordpress wp-config.php In the database under wp_options, or can be overridden in the config file. By default at /wp-admin, although this can also be overridden in the config file. Joomla configuration.php

Magento

Drupal

OpenCart

CubeCart