This topic describes how to install WebSphere Application Server - Express as the root user on a Linux platform or on a UNIX platform, or from a user ID that belongs to the administrator group on a Windows platform. This topic also describes installing IBM HTTP Server and the application clients.
Before you begin
Read through this topic and its related topics to prepare for installation and to make yourself familiar with installation options, before you start to use the installation tools. Review the hardware and software requirements on the IBM WebSphere Application Server supported hardware, software, and APIs Web site to get started.
The launchpad is the preferred method of starting the installation. Use the Launchpad to access the product overview, the installation guide, and the readme file. Of course, the main purpose of the launchpad is to launch the installation procedure.
See Using the launchpad to start the installation for more information.
If you encounter a problem such as needing more disk space or temporary space or missing prerequisite packages on your Linux or UNIX system, cancel the installation, make the required changes, and restart the installation.
Log on as a member of the administrator
group to successfully install the product. You cannot install the product
correctly from a user ID that does not belong to the administrator group.
Some steps of the installation procedure require the administrator group ID
to have the following advanced user rights, Act as part of the operating
system and Log on as a service.
Why and when to perform this task
This topic provides an overview of installation procedures. Use the information in this topic to learn about the types of installation available. This topic has links to more detailed installation topics.
Perform the following procedure to start your installation.
Steps for this task
If you cannot use a graphical user interface on your operating system for some reason, use the wizard in silent mode.
The typical installation of the Express product installs all of the features.
The custom installation lets you select features to install.
After installing Express, you can install it again to update the system files by installing previously uninstalled features.
A silent installation requires you to edit the response file that contains all of your installation choices. After creating a valid response file, issue the install command with the -silent parameter and the -options parameter from a command window.
The installer program does not support the ISMP -console installation method at this time.
After installing a WebSphere Application Server product, you can use the application server to serve applications over the Internet. It is not necessary to install the IBM HTTP Server or another Web server. It is also not necessary to install Web server plug-ins. You also do not need to install the Application Client unless the application you are deploying was designed to run as a client application. You also do not have to install an integrated development environment. The development environment is for developers of Web applications.
The installation solution diagrams in Planning the installation show the components that are present in different types of environments.
See Installing IBM HTTP Server for more information about installing IBM HTTP Server.
If you install the IBM HTTP Server or another Web server, you must install a binary module for the Web server to enable it to communicate with WebSphere Application Server products. Before you can install a Web server plug-in, you must install the Web server.
After installing a Web server plug-in, the Plug-ins installation wizard configures a new element in the application server configuration called a Web server definition. You can then manage applications for the Web server using the administrative console.
See Installing Web server plug-ins for more information.
See Installing Application Client for WebSphere Application Server for more information.
See Roadmap for installing Rational Web Developer for more information.
Result
You can install IBM WebSphere Application Server - Express, Version 6 by following this procedure.
You can also install IBM HTTP Server, the Web server plug-ins for WebSphere Application Server, and the application clients for WebSphere Application Server.
What to do next
Deploying an application
See Fast paths for WebSphere Application Server for information about getting started deploying applications.
Related tasks
Task overview: Installing