Before installing Task Session, make sure your hosting environment meets the requirements below. The good news: Task Session is extremely lightweight at only ~10 MB, and it’s designed to run smoothly even on affordable shared hosting plans. If you can host a PHP website, you can almost certainly run Task Session.
This article covers everything you need to check before running the install wizard: server software, PHP version, database, SSL, disk space, file permissions, and browser compatibility.
Minimum Requirements — Quick Checklist
- PHP 8.0 or higher (PHP 8.1–8.2 recommended)
- MySQL 5.7+ or MariaDB 10.3+
- Web Server: Apache 2.4+ (with mod_rewrite) or Nginx 1.18+ or LiteSpeed
- SSL/HTTPS: Required for production — mandatory for Google OAuth integrations
- Disk Space: 50 MB minimum (10 MB app + database + file uploads)
- PHP Extensions: PDO, mbstring, OpenSSL, cURL, GD/Imagick, JSON, fileinfo
- File Permissions: Directories: 755 / Files: 644
- Ability to create a MySQL database and database user on your host
Server Requirements (Detailed)
The Task Session install wizard automatically runs a requirements check when you visit /install/ on your server. If anything is missing, it will tell you. But it’s best to verify these in advance so you can fix issues before starting.
PHP Version
Required: PHP 8.0+ (PHP 8.1–8.2 recommended)
The installer and all application features require PHP 8+. Earlier versions (7.x) are not supported. PHP 8.x offers better performance and security. Most hosting providers now offer PHP 8.0+ by default. Check your version from cPanel ? Select PHP Version, or run php -v via SSH.
Database
Required: MySQL 5.7+ or MariaDB 10.3+
You need the ability to create a database and a database user. The installer will ask for your DB host (usually localhost), database name, username, and password — and it verifies the connection instantly. MySQL and MariaDB are functionally equivalent for Task Session.
Web Server
Required: Apache 2.4+ (with mod_rewrite enabled), Nginx 1.18+, or LiteSpeed
Apache with mod_rewrite is the most common and easiest setup. LiteSpeed (common on shared hosting) is fully compatible. Nginx works well but may need manual rewrite rules.
SSL / HTTPS
Required for production use
SSL is not optional for Task Session. It’s required because:
- Your clients access the portal to view projects, download files, and pay invoices — all data must be encrypted in transit.
- Payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, 2Checkout) require or strongly recommend HTTPS for API calls and redirect URLs.
- Google Login (OAuth) requires HTTPS redirect URIs. HTTP-only sites cannot use this integration.
- Google Drive API also requires HTTPS for OAuth authorisation.
- Modern browsers flag HTTP sites as “Not Secure”, which erodes client trust.
Free SSL is available via Let’s Encrypt on most hosts. In cPanel, look for “SSL/TLS Status” or “AutoSSL.” On VPS, install Certbot: sudo certbot --apache or sudo certbot --nginx.
Disk Space
Required: 50 MB minimum (500 MB–1 GB recommended)
Task Session itself is only ~10 MB. Additional space is needed for your database, uploaded project files, media, and backups. Scale based on how many files your clients and team will share.
File Permissions
Required: Directories 755 / Files 644
The installer and upload features require correct file permissions. Incorrect permissions are a common cause of installer failures and blank pages. Set via cPanel File Manager or SSH: chmod -R 755 directories/ and chmod -R 644 files/.
RAM
Recommended: 256 MB+ (512 MB+ for VPS)
Shared hosting plans typically provide 256–512 MB, which is more than sufficient. VPS users should allocate at least 512 MB for the full PHP + database stack.
Required PHP Extensions
The install wizard checks for these automatically. If any are missing, the installer will report them. Most shared hosting providers have these enabled by default.
| Extension | Purpose | Status |
|---|---|---|
| PDO & PDO_MySQL | Database connectivity. Required for Task Session to communicate with MySQL/MariaDB. | Required |
| mbstring | Multi-byte string handling. Essential for text processing and multi-language support (EN, ES, IT, FR). | Required |
| OpenSSL | Encryption and secure communications. Needed for HTTPS, Google OAuth, payment gateway API calls. | Required |
| cURL | HTTP requests. Used for Stripe, PayPal, 2Checkout communication, Google API calls, and updates. | Required |
| GD or Imagick | Image processing. Handles profile pictures, file thumbnails, and image uploads. | Required |
| JSON | Data encoding/decoding. Used throughout for API responses, settings, and real-time chat. | Required |
| fileinfo | File type detection. Validates uploaded files as part of Task Session’s malware scanning system. | Required |
| zip | Archive handling. Used for bulk file downloads, backup exports, and update packages. | Recommended |
| intl | Internationalization. Proper formatting of dates, numbers, and currencies across locales. | Recommended |
How to enable missing extensions: cPanel users go to Select PHP Version ? Extensions ? check the missing ones ? Save. VPS/SSH users install via package manager: apt install php8.1-mbstring php8.1-curl php8.1-gd php8.1-zip then restart PHP/Apache.
What the Install Wizard Checks Automatically
When you upload Task Session to your server and visit /install/ in your browser, the wizard runs an automated requirements check before proceeding. Here’s what it validates:
| Check | What It Verifies | If It Fails |
|---|---|---|
| PHP Version | Confirms PHP 8.0+ is running | Upgrade PHP via cPanel ? Select PHP Version or contact your host |
| Required Extensions | Scans for all mandatory PHP extensions | Enable missing extensions in your PHP configuration |
| File Permissions | Verifies directories are writable (755) and files readable (644) | Fix permissions via SSH or cPanel File Manager |
| Database Connection | Tests MySQL/MariaDB credentials you enter | Double-check host (usually localhost), DB name, username, password |
| Writable Directories | Confirms upload and cache directories are writable | Set ownership to web server user or adjust permissions to 775 |
Choosing the Right Hosting Type
Task Session runs on nearly any PHP hosting setup. Here’s how to choose the right one for your team size and technical comfort level.
1. Shared Hosting (cPanel)
Cost: $3–$15/month
Best for: Freelancers, solo users, and small teams (1–10 users) getting started.
Advantages: Cheapest option. cPanel makes setup easy (File Manager, phpMyAdmin, PHP version selector). Most plans include free SSL, email, and automated backups. Task Session’s ~10 MB size runs perfectly on shared resources.
Limitations: Shared server resources. Limited SSH access. Slightly slower under heavy concurrent use. Less control over server configuration.
Verdict: Best for Getting Started
2. VPS Hosting
Cost: $10–$50/month
Best for: Growing agencies and teams of 10–50+ users who want full control and better performance.
Advantages: Dedicated resources (CPU/RAM). Full SSH and root access. Better performance under load. Easy to scale up. Ideal for configuring SMTP, Google OAuth, and payment gateways with full control.
Limitations: Requires basic server administration (or use a managed VPS like Cloudways/RunCloud). You handle updates, security patches, and backups.
Verdict: Best Balance of Power & Cost
3. Dedicated Server
Cost: $50–$200+/month
Best for: Large agencies with 50+ users, heavy file storage, and compliance requirements.
Advantages: Maximum performance and security. Complete hardware control. No resource sharing. Ideal for agencies handling sensitive client data (law firms, financial services).
Limitations: Most expensive. Requires server administration expertise or a managed hosting provider.
Verdict: Maximum Power & Security
4. Cloud Hosting (DigitalOcean, AWS Lightsail, Vultr, Hetzner)
Cost: $5–$100+/month
Best for: Tech-savvy teams who want scalability, snapshots, and global data centre options.
Advantages: Highly scalable. Pay-as-you-go. Easy server snapshots for backups before updates. Global data centre locations for teams and clients in different regions.
Limitations: Costs can be unpredictable without monitoring. Requires technical setup. No cPanel by default (unless you add a control panel like RunCloud or ServerPilot).
Verdict: Most Scalable
Browser Compatibility
Task Session’s admin panel, staff workspace, and client portal are fully responsive across desktop and mobile browsers.
| Browser | Min. Version | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | 90+ | Full Support |
| Mozilla Firefox | 88+ | Full Support |
| Apple Safari | 14+ | Full Support |
| Microsoft Edge | 90+ | Full Support |
| Chrome Mobile (Android) | 90+ | Full Support |
| Safari Mobile (iOS) | 14+ | Full Support |
| Internet Explorer | Any | Not Supported |
How to Verify Your Hosting Setup
Not sure if your server is ready? Here’s how to check each requirement before running the installer.
Check PHP Version & Extensions
cPanel: Log in ? Select PHP Version (or MultiPHP Manager) ? view your PHP version and toggle extensions on/off.
SSH (VPS): Run php -v for version and php -m to list installed extensions.
phpinfo() method: Create a file called info.php in your web root with the content <?php phpinfo(); ?> and visit it in your browser. This shows all PHP configuration details. ?? Delete this file immediately after — it exposes sensitive server information.
Check Database Version
cPanel: Open phpMyAdmin ? the version is shown on the homepage. Also confirm you can create a new database from cPanel ? MySQL Databases.
SSH: Run mysql --version or log in and run SELECT VERSION();
Check SSL Status
Visit your domain with https:// — if you see a padlock icon in the browser address bar, SSL is active. If not, enable it via cPanel ? SSL/TLS Status or install Certbot on your VPS.
Check Disk Space
cPanel: Disk usage is shown on the dashboard sidebar.
SSH: Run df -h to see available space.
Additional Requirements for Integrations
If you plan to use Task Session’s Google integrations or connect payment gateways, you’ll need a few extra things beyond the base server requirements:
| Integration | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
| Google Login (OAuth) | HTTPS (mandatory), Google Cloud Console project with OAuth 2.0 credentials, correct redirect URI matching your Task Session URL. |
| Google Drive API | HTTPS (mandatory), Google Cloud Console project with Drive API enabled, OAuth 2.0 credentials, authorised redirect URI. |
| Stripe | Stripe account with API keys (publishable + secret). Separate test and live keys — use the correct environment. |
| PayPal | PayPal Business account with API credentials or PayPal email. Sandbox available for testing. |
| 2Checkout | 2Checkout merchant account with Seller ID and API credentials. |
| SMTP Email | SMTP server details (host, port, username, password, encryption). Required for reliable email notifications, client onboarding invites, and invoice alerts. |
Pre-Installation Checklist
Run through this checklist before uploading Task Session files to your server. If all items are checked, you’re ready for installation:
- PHP 8.0+ is installed and active on your hosting
- All required PHP extensions are enabled (PDO, mbstring, OpenSSL, cURL, GD, JSON, fileinfo)
- MySQL 5.7+ or MariaDB 10.3+ is available
- You can create a new MySQL database and database user with full privileges
- Web server is Apache (with mod_rewrite), Nginx, or LiteSpeed
- File permissions are set correctly (directories: 755, files: 644)
- SSL/HTTPS is active and working on your domain
- At least 50 MB of free disk space is available (500 MB+ recommended)
- You have FTP/SFTP access or cPanel File Manager to upload files
- SMTP credentials are ready (if you want email notifications from day one)
- Your Task Session licence key is ready for activation
Common Issues Before Installation
If the install wizard reports errors, these are the most frequent causes and their fixes:
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| “Requirements check failed” | Missing PHP extensions or wrong PHP version | Upgrade to PHP 8.0+ and enable missing extensions via cPanel ? Select PHP Version ? Extensions |
| “Database connection failed” | Wrong DB host, name, username, or password | Verify credentials in cPanel ? MySQL Databases. Host is usually localhost. Ensure user has all privileges. |
| Blank white page | PHP errors suppressed or wrong file permissions | Set directories to 755 and files to 644. Check PHP error log. |
| “Permission denied” errors | Web server can’t write to required directories | Set ownership to web server user (e.g., chown -R www-data:www-data) or permissions to 775. |
| Google Login / Drive won’t configure | SSL not active or redirect URI mismatch | Ensure HTTPS is working. Copy exact redirect URI from Task Session settings into Google Cloud Console. |
Critical Security Reminders
- Always delete the
info.phpfile after checking your PHP configuration — it exposes sensitive server details. - After running the Task Session installer, you must delete the
/install/folder from your server. Leaving it accessible is a documented security risk. - Both of these are explicitly called out in Task Session’s official documentation as critical post-install security steps.
