A Unix, Linux, FreeBSD or other Unix based hosting account
Ability to install the wrappers if your hosting account doesn't run under your user ID
An HTML or Text Editor that can save in ASCII text mode
FTP Access to your hosting space
Optional: Telnet or SSH access to install the files
Optional: SSL for secure shopping connections

Hosting Account

CGI scripts such as AgoraCart are written in Perl and run best under Unix and Linux based servers. Windows based servers are not covered and are not officially supported. Servers can be configured in numerous ways so it's important that you find out your current capabilities to run CGI scripts.

If you need hosting or need to upgrade, check out the "Authorized Hosting Area" for hosting companies that are AgoraCart compatible with all the capabilities you need to run a successfull storefront.

Hosting Account User ID

To minimize problems and hours of frustration, you should determine if your hosting account runs scripts under your account ID or if you have the capability to install the wrappers. Installing the wrappers would require either Telnet (or SSH) access or the willingness of your server admin to install and compile the wrappers in such a way that it would allow script to run under the SUID for your hosting account. If none of these options are available, then we recommend that you look for a new hosting service. For tips on how to determine your account ID, Click Here.

Editors

In order to make changes to your site, you will need a way to edit some of the store files. We do not recommend that you use MS Frontpage. On a basic level, windows users can use NotePad or WordPad which come with most Windows versions. There are also many free html and text editors at software depositories such as TuCows.com. We highly recommend HotDog Pro or Even the easier to use HotDog PageWiz found at Sausage.com

After editing most store files, they need to be saved in ASCII format and uploaded to your hosting space.

FTP Client

In order to get your files uploaded you will need an FTP client. There are many free and inexpensive ones found at TuCows.com. WS_FTP and CuteFTP are recommended in most cases.

Telnet or SSH Access to your hosting space

This is not required, but helpful in installing the script. Many hosting companies offer this type of access either within an online hosting account control panel such as CPanel. Others may offer it as a stand alone service that would require a Telnet or SSH client. SSH is basically an encrypted version of Telnet, which provides more security when performing server tasks. Some hosting clients offer these services but require you to ask for them to be enabled before they are fully functional. Some hosting companies also offer this acccess via a link in a control panel. If you need a client software package for this type of service, there are a few listed at TuCows.com. NOTE: another alternative to FTP or Telnet/SSH installs is to use a script called AdminPro which will allow you to install the store files, set permissions when FTP programs fail. AdminPro is especially useful for begginers and/or when a hosting account is running under a "nobody" type ID setting.

SSL

Though this is not required, it will show your customers that you are serious about protecting their information. SSL can usually be purchased for each individual site. Many hosting companies provide what is called Shared SSL where you can use their SSL capabilities without leaving your site. If shared SSL is available, it must run under your ID (or not change IDs) and must be on the same server and map to your hosted account (pointing to your directories where your site is located but under an https:// URL). Basically, this means that you can access your very same store files as you would with your domain name, but maybe with another URL that is secure.