This is a very simple step by step guide to install OSQA on Windows server in production. This guide is applicable to IIS 7+ based servers, which include Windows Server 2008, 2008 R2, Windows Vista and Windows 7. Latter two should not be used for production solutions though. Please follow these steps:
1. Download Microsoft Web Platform Installer, and install it.
2. Run Web Platform Installer and click “Options”.
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3. Add Helicon Zoo feed into “Display additional scenarios” field: http://www.helicontech.com/zoo/feed Select “IIS” as a target web server.
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A new tab named “Zoo” should appear on the main page of Platform Installer.
4. Go to Zoo → Applications and add OSQA, then click install.
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5. Accept license agreements
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Web Paltfrom Installer will start downloading and installing required components, which include Python 2.7.2, Django 1.3, Helicon Zoo Module, MySQL and OSQA itself.
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6. Setup new web-site dialog will appear. Fill it with your site specific values.
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7. Database dialog will open. Fill it to create new or use existing MySQL database.
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Default administrator user name for MySQL is ‘root’ and default password is empty.
Installation will configure database and run migration scripts, you can now launch web site by clicking on a link:
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Congratulations! You have finished installation and may start using OSQA on your Windows server with Microsoft IIS in production:
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