Two Ways to Install Drupal

The first step in getting started with Drupal is to install it. :)

There are two ways to install it.

• Standard Installation
• Via Fantastico

Each has it's advantages and disadvantages.

Standard Drupal Installation

This is widely regarded as the best way to install Drupal because you are more likely to install the latest version, and also because upgrading to the latest version is less risky.

We recommend you read Drupal's Getting Started Guide for instructions on how to install Drupal.

Installing Drupal via Fantastico

While some regard installing Drupal with Fantastico as cheating, it is a fast and easy way to install Drupal. As mentioned before, Fantastico may or may not have the latest version, so it is possible that you would not be installing the latest version.

Also, upgrading via Fantastico can be a pain if you make any customizations to the Drupal code, or install any modules or skins. This is the widely cited reason for not installing Drupal via Fantastico. It is recommended that you follow the upgrade instructions given by Drupal.org instead of using Fantastico to upgrade.

If you are wanting to test out Drupal and see if it is right for you, then definitely use Fantastico to install Drupal if it is available. It is a fast and easy way to get started and see what Drupal can do.