To install Discus onto a Unix server using telnet or SSH:

1. Visit the appropriate download page (Discus Freeware or Discus Professional) and follow the instructions to obtain the appropriate tar, gzipped file (discus3_10_xxx.tar.gz). Note that the file name will vary depending on whether you are downloading the Freeware or Professional version, and which international version you are downloading if any. Save this file to a place on your hard drive where it will be easy to find later.

2. Using an FTP program (or SFTP/SCP capabilities of your SSH program as appropriate), transfer the discus3_10_xxx.tar.gz file to your web server. Select binary mode if that choice is offered. NOTE: Do NOT extract this file with a zip program on your own computer!

3. Start a telnet or SSH session to your server and navigate to the directory where you uploaded the discus3_10_xxx.tar.gz file.

   cd directory

4. Unzip and extract the tar archive. This will create a subdirectory called discus3_10 with the installation files. Note that in place of the "xxx" in the following file name you must substitute the actual name of the file that you downloaded!

   tar -xzvf discus3_10_xxx.tar.gz

   Some unix systems do not support the above command. If you receive an error message about the -z flag not being supported, try the following command instead:

   gzip -dc discus3_10_xxx.tar.gz | tar -xvf -

   or:

   gunzip discus3_10_xxx.tar.gz; tar -xvf discus3_10_xxx.tar

5. Use Perl to run the initial setup script in the UNIX shell.

   cd discus3_10; perl setup.pl

   You will be prompted to follow these on-screen instructions:

   • Enter license number (if you are installing Discus Professional)
   • Choose Perl interpreter
   • Choose CGI extension
   • Choose CGI directory

   This step generates a script called board-setup.cgi (or perhaps board-setup.pl) within the CGI script directory that you provided in the last step. This script provides an HTML form with additional instructions to help you configure your discussion board.

6. Use your web browser to access the WWW setup form at http://your.domain.com/cgi-bin/board-setup.cgi. Here, you need to substitute in the appropriate URL to correspond to the directory where this script was copied. If you get 404 (not found), you have this URL wrong.

   When the interactive setup form appears, follow the on-screen instructions to configure your Discus board.

   When you are finished, click the button to submit the form. This should immediately bring up a screen which lists further instructions.

7. In your command window, execute the post-installation script.

   perl install.pl

8. Access your installed board!

   The URL is given both in the telnet window and in your browser. You should immediately ensure your security by setting up a password for the board administrator's account. To do this:

   • Click the "Administration" link

   • Enter "admin" for your username, and leave the password box blank

   • Click the "Log In" button and follow the instructions to set up a password and register

9. Set up your board!

   DiscusWare strongly suggests that all of our new customers complete the "Board Administrator Getting Started" tutorial to learn the basics of operating the administration and user interface, and to confirm that the software was properly installed.