Important Software

First thing's first: you will need to know your computer architecture such as 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) in order to install the proper software. **Don't freak out! This isn't that hard to find.**

* **On Windows:** Using Windows 10 or 11 go to your search bar, typically found at the bottom of the screen, and type "System Information". Click the result that appears. You'll then see something like the image displayed on the right (click the image to enlarge). Look for x86 or x64 mention.
* **On Mac:** There is a text-based tutorial here.
* **On Linux:** There is a text-based tutorial here.
* **Please Note:** I have not tested the Mac and Linux tutorials myself because I only have Windows 10.

* **If you can't find it don't fret!** **Use this general rule of thumb:**
	+ If you have a new computer then you may download either 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) software. The only real difference is 32-bit is more compatible and 64-bit software may have better performance.
	+ However, if you have an older computer then install 32-bit (x86) software to be safe.
	+ Basically old computers were made to support 32-bit but as technology improved 64-bit became the new standard.

## Recommended Software

1. **Java**
	* **Purpose:** Is required to run a Minecraft server. Since you'll likely be running your server on a shared Minecraft Host, you technically do not need to have Java installed on your own computer. However, if you wish to run a test server on your own computer then you will need it installed. As of Minecraft 1.18, Java 17 or later is required.
	* **For Windows/Mac/Linux:** Download here. Click the image to see where to go from there. Once it has downloaded run the installer.
2. **Text Editor Software**
	* **Purpose:** It'll allow editing files so much easier than using your operating system's default software thanks to syntax highlighting and advanced keyword search features.
	* **For Windows:** Notepad++ (Download Page)
	* **For Mac/Linux:** Your Choice **OR** Pulsar
3. **FTP/SFTP Software:**
	* **Purpose:** When hosting your server using a hosting service, the server files themselves will be stored on the company's hardware. You'll be able to access those files via an online panel but in order to upload or download files to your computer then you'll need to access them using an FTP/SFTP client software. Some FTP/SFTP software can also be used to edit your files.
	* **Recommended For Windows:** WinSCP (How to Install & Use Video: here)
	* **For Windows/Mac/Linux:** FileZilla
		+ **[Windows] How to Install & Use:** https://youtu.be/yCYL-TM2Yo4
		+ **[MacOS] How to Install & Use:** https://youtu.be/DJmgvRj6U5A
		+ **[Linux] How to Install:** https://youtu.be/cCWBRjR6lGk
		+ **Please Note:** Do not download the third-party software (bloatware) it'll offer you during the installation process. Uncheck these boxes.
	* **Alternatives:** Here
4. **File Compression/Decompression Software:**
	* **Purpose:** This program is very similar to the popular WinRAR software. They both allow you to compress many files into a zipped folder to minimize the space it takes up. They also both allow you to decompress, or unzip, zipped folders. The short answer as to what makes them different is 7-Zip is more compatible with other software, it is completely free, and supports every operating system.
	* **For Windows/Mac/Linux:** 7-ZIP
5. **Optional MySQL Database Manager Software** **(Advanced):**
	* **Purpose:** For creating MySQL database backups. This is mainly useful when switching from one host to another and you are using a MySQL database. It can also be useful for creating backups to restore from in case anything goes wrong (which something will go wrong eventually).
	* **For Windows:** HeidiSQL (Direct Download)
	* **For Mac/Linux:** Unknown

For those of you using a VPS or Dedicated Server:

1. You'll need some way to connect with SSH. I recommend MobaXTerm for Windows OS. PuTTY is also popular, although note any tutorials I create for this subject will likely be using MobaXTerm.