Update: The great folks at RackSpace are offering six months credited (a.k.a. free) services for hosting NewsCloud in the Rackspace Cloud.
NewsCloud can now be installed quickly, easily and affordably in just a few steps. Watch the video and follow the steps below:
1. Choose a server. Use an existing server or sign up for a hosting account. We recommend Rackspace's 1 GB Cloud server (configured with Linux Ubuntu 10.04) which costs $45/month (first six months can be credited, making it free). Make note of your server's IP address.
2. Point your domain name at your server. You can use an existing domain e.g. www.yoursite.com or any subdomain e.g. newscloud.yoursite.com or register a new domain. Learn more about mapping your domain name to your server.
3. Register for a Facebook application. Sign up for a Facebook application and configure it with your domain name. Make note of your application's secret keys.
4. Install NewsCloud. We've simplified the installation scripts to just a few lines. Note: be sure your computer is configured properly with Ruby on Rails. Also, here is a summary of the settings you'll need before you run the script.
> git clone git://github.com/newscloud/n2.git
> cd n2
> cap newscloud:run
Visit your website (e.g. www.yoursite.com) to see your fresh NewsCloud installation, then use our wizards to customize it at your administrative dashboard (e.g. www.yoursite.com/admin). This customization checklist may be helpful.
During the coming year, we will continue to make the NewsCloud platform simpler to install, customize, manage and moderate. Our work is funded through April 30, 2012 with the generous support of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Stay tuned to this blog or follow us on Twitter (see button below) for updates.
