Install WordPress in One Go

Here is where I will break down the “Famous 5 Minute Installation” into baby steps (many of these individual steps have been covered by others more knowledgeable than I, so be prepared to see these pages liberally peppered with helpful links), assuming the reader knows nothing about FTP, servers, php, etc.

I will assume you’ve read the information here, however, and know the basic requirements necessary for running WordPress on your own site. I’m also going to assume that you’re installing WordPress with a hosting provider and not locally, on your own computer.

“Step 1: Download and Extract”

WordPress is software.

It is free software that you are allowed and encouraged to modify, but first, you need your own copy.

Downloading is easy. Click on the “Download” button at http://wordpress.org/download/ if you are using Windows for the default zip file. If you are using Linux/Unix, choose the .tar.gz file.
 
 

Extracting

For the zip file.
For the .tar.gz file.

Step 2: Create the Database and a User

The WordPress software needs a database to work out of and it needs you or your hosting provider to set one up.

Depending on how friendly your hosting provider is to WordPress, there are several ways you may create a database and user for your blog. Each is explained pretty well on the Installing WordPress page, so I won’t repeat all of it here.

Just remember, however the database is created, you will need to know it’s exact name, the user name created along with it, and the password necessary to access it for your wp-config.php file.