Softaculous is great when it works, but occasionally it has an issue, or it just doesn’t have the particular version of the particular software you are looking for. If so, you can always install software by hand.
Fortunately, while Softaculous is definitely easier, most software creators do their best to make installation as simple as possible. With most software, the setup is as follows:
- Download the installation package from the official website, and extract it on your computer.
- Upload the extracted website files to your hosting account: How to upload files with FTP
- Create a new database from the client area or control panel.
- Go to your website, and follow the instructions on screen. Usually this just involves plugging in the database credentials, and setting admin credentials for your site.
I just tried to install SMF myself and it took me less than 10 minutes. Admittedly, I have experience, and so it may take you a bit longer. But not a five years to get a university degree.