How to Expand a Simple Website - Installing WordPress

The next step was actually downloading the latest version of WordPress, which happened to be 2.7 at the time. As of this writing, the latest version is 2.8. To download the WordPress publishing platform, simply go to http://wordpress.org/, and select the download option. You will download a large zip file to your local computer that contains all of the WordPress files.  

I then had to set up a MySQL database at my web hosting account. Setting up a new MySQL database is relatively easy to do, but if you have no idea of how to do it (I didn't!), simply contact your web host to help you through it. You'll need to keep track of your MySQL settings to use later during the WordPress installation process. These settings include: DB_Name, DB_User, DB_Password, and DB_Host (usually "localhost," but ask your web host to be sure).  

One of the most helpful tools that I used to help me through the WordPress installation is the installation guide found at the WordPress website. Keep this web page on hand throughout the installation, because unless you're already a WordPress expert, you willneed to refer to this documentation.  

Unzip the folder containing all of the WordPress files. Locate the file named wp-config-sample.php, and open it in any text editor, such as notepad. Enter the MySQL database information that I mentioned before into the appropriate locations in this file. Then save the file as "wp-config.php." You're now ready to upload the WordPress software to your web host's server.  

In order to upload WordPress to your web host's server, you need to use FTP transfer software. I used Filezillafor this purpose, because it's free and easy to use. Open Filezilla from your desktop, and log in to your blog's hosting account by inputting the host, user name, password, and port (usually the number 21); all this information can be gathered from your web host. Once connected, you're ready to transfer the WordPress files from your local computer to your web host's server.  

I won't go into detail about how to use Filezilla to transfer files from your computer to your web host's server, because it's beyond the scope of this article. If you have trouble figuring it out, consult the installation guide at Wordpress.org, or checkout the Filezilla documentationto get your questions answered. You can also shoot me an email, and I'll walk you through the process.  

The final step is running the WordPress installation script. To do so, simply type "http://example.com/wp-admin/install.php" into any web browser, and follow the on-screen prompts to complete your WordPress installation.  

Next: The Finishing Touches >>
 

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