In the last post I said that I was going to show you how easy it is to set up WordPress but as every host is different I have instead decided that I will just give you a few tips. As I said before setting up a WordPress site has become very easy these days and many web hosts provide one click installers. This doesn’t usually mean that you click once and it is installed because you will need to add a few details.
The first thing to understand about WordPress is that it is database driven. Stop. Don’t run away. It’s just a word and you don’t have concern yourself with how it works but I think it is a good idea to understand what it is and what it does. Simply put, a Wordpress website is made up of two parts, the database and the physical files you upload such as pictures and code. The actual data that you type like these words that you are reading right now is stored in the database along with other things that make Wordpress and Wordpress plugins function as a dynamic web site.
If you are using a one click installer you usually don’t have to worry about creating a database but if you are going to install WordPress yourself you will need to create the database. Creating a database is very simple with most web hosts though so that shouldn’t be a problem. If you are having trouble doing this please contact your web host and they will surely help you. If they don’t you should change hosts.
One more point about one click installers. In Dreamhost there is an easy option for installing WordPress but you will be limiting what you can do with your WordPress web site if you do this and also you won’t be able to follow everything in this blog if you choose that option so please keep that in mind.
In easy mode you cannot install your own plugins or themes (though there are a number included). To have full customizability, pick advanced mode below.
Don’t worry though, Advanced mode is not difficult at all. And I think that you can figure it out within a few minutes even if it is your first time to see it. Again, if you are having problems your web host will help you. If installing by yourself make sure to make a note of:
- database name
- hostname
- user
- password.
Don’t make the password too easy as someone might try hack into your account one day.
In the next post I will tell you what you should do once you have installed WordPress on your domain using a one click installer.