To successfully install and use glFusion you must have a fully operational web server, a database, and the server side scripting language PHP. glFusion is developed and tested primarily on the Apache web server version 2.x, but it should run on any modern web server. glFusion has been successfully installed and is running on other web servers including Zeus, Lighttpd, and Microsoft IIS.
glFusion still supports PHP v4.x, but the PHP Foundation has already announced the end of life of the v4.x branch. Using PHP v5.x series is a better long term choice. Currently, the Web Services feature of glFusion requires PHP 5. If you are running PHP v4.x, Web Services will be automatically disabled.
glFusion supports a MySQL database.
Minimum Requirements
| Software | Requirement | Minimum Recommended | Web Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHP | 4.3.10 | 5.2.x | http://www.php.net |
| MySQL | 4.0.18 | 5.2.x | http://www.mysql.org |
| Apache | 1.3.x | 2.2 series | http://www.apache.org |
Your server or hosting environment must have the following items available for you to install and run glFusion.
glFusion is designed where many of the files should reside outside of the publically available web root area. All core functions of the website are stored outside of the public web directory completely inaccessible to web visitors. This makes the “attack surface” of the website extremely small.
glFusion can run with a host that does not allow access to the directory above the web root, but the preferred environment will allow you to properly host these files in a private, non-public directory.
Many hosting providers implement security controls which can disable or remove some features of the PHP language. glFusion will generally work with these types of hosts provided they are properly configured. Some items to look for when choosing your host or setting up your environment include:
glFusion will still work if the answer is yes to the above questions, but it will be critical that your hosting provider have everything properly configured. If you run into problems, the support forums here at glFusion.org are a great place to find the answer.
Also, check and see if the hosting provider allows you to modify PHP settings using either a php.ini file or via the .htaccess file. You may want to adjust some of the PHP configuration settings such as maximum upload size, it is always easier when you can make the changes without having to go through the tech support channels.
glFusion does require that certain directories in the public web space be writable. For example, the backend/ directory is where the RSS files are kept. This directory must be writable by the web server. During the installation, the installer will automatically create the siteconfig.php file in the root of your web space, so the installer will need to have write access.
SourceForge's hosting is an example of a provider that does not allow the web applications to write to files in the web space. When this restriction exists, glFusion is not a good choice as a CMS.
This is a list of hosts that folks have had success running glFusion. This is not an endorsement or advertisement for any specific service. Please validate the the host meets your needs before signing up.
If you have had success running glFusion with your hosting company, feel free to add them to the list.