# Installing Open Journal Systems using Softaculous

> Install Open Journal Systems, a platform for publishing scholarly journals, on your hosting account in a few clicks with Softaculous in cPanel.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/apps/softaculous/installing-open-journal-systems-using-softaculous/

**Open Journal Systems (OJS)** is an open‑source journal management and publishing system developed by the Public Knowledge Project (PKP). With **Softaculous**, you can install OJS quickly and easily through cPanel.

## Why Use Open Journal Systems?

- Designed for managing and publishing scholarly journals.
- Provides editorial workflow tools (submission, peer review, editing, publishing).
- Supports multilingual publishing.
- Quick one‑click installation via Softaculous.

## Steps to Install Open Journal Systems

1. **Log in to cPanel.**

   - Navigate to the **Softaculous Apps Installer** section.
2. **Search for Open Journal Systems.**

   - In the Softaculous dashboard, type *Open Journal Systems* in the search box.
   - Or browse under **Others → Open Journal Systems**.
3. **Click Install.**

   - The installation page will open.
4. **Choose Protocol.**

   - Select `https://` or `https://www` if your site has an SSL certificate.
   - Select `http://` or `http://www` if SSL is not installed.
5. **Choose Domain.**

   - Select the domain where OJS will be installed.
6. **Set Directory.**

   - Leave blank if you want OJS installed at the root (e.g., `example.com`).
   - Enter a folder name (e.g., `ojs`) if you want OJS installed at `example.com/ojs`.
7. **Configure Site Settings.**

   - **Site Name** → Enter the name of your journal site.
   - **Site Description** → Provide a short description of your platform.
8. **Configure Admin Account.**

   - **Admin Username** → Choose a unique username.
   - **Admin Password** → Use a strong password (Softaculous provides a strength meter or can generate one).
   - **Admin Email** → Enter the administrator’s email address.
9. **Database Settings.**

   - Provide a database name or accept the default.
   - Configure table prefix if needed.
10. **Advanced Options (Optional).**

    - Configure automated backups and rotation.
    - Enable email notifications for updates.
    - Choose auto‑upgrade options for OJS.
11. **Install.**

    - Review settings and click **Install**.
    - Wait for confirmation. Softaculous will display the OJS login URL (e.g., `example.com/ojs`).

> **Note:**
- Open Journal Systems installation via Softaculous is available in **Softaculous Premium**.
- Always use a strong admin password.
- Keep OJS updated to prevent vulnerabilities.
- Consider enabling automatic backups for added protection.
- If you want your domain to go directly to OJS, leave the **In Directory** field blank.