Moodle 2.0

Installing Moodle
Installation Step 5: Creating the Moodle
database and user
While the Moodle data directory stores files uploaded by students, and some larger
files, the Moodle database stores most of the information for your Moodle site. By
default, the installer uses the database name moodle and the username moodleuser.
Using these default settings gives any hacker a head start on breaking your site.
When creating your database, change these to something less common. At least
make the hackers guess the name of your database and the database username.
You should also choose a strong password for the Moodle database user. Here are
some recommendations for strong passwords:
• Include at least one number, one symbol, one uppercase letter, and one
lowercase letter.
• Make the password at least 12 characters long.
• Avoid repetition, dictionary words, letter or number sequences, and
anything based on biographical information about yourself.
You will need to create the Moodle database, and the database user, before you run
Moodle's installation routine. Otherwise, the installation process will stop until you
have created the required database.
Creating the database
Moodle can use several types of database. The recommended type is MySQL. There
are many ways to create a database. If you are using a shared hosting service, you
might have access to phpMyAdmin. You can use this to create the Moodle database
and the database user.
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