How To Install and Setup WordPress Blog

In these days, blogging become more and more popular. Internet is full of different weblogs today. Some bloggers use services like Blogger.com. Those who want to have their blogs more under control are looking for quality blog script. In this article I will introduce probably the best PHP script for blogging. I will explain how to install it and how to setup this script to work properly.

Web hosting requirements for WordPress

Before you start the installation process, ensure that your web host offers PHP support and MySQL database. PHP version must be at least 4.1 or higher and MySQL version must be 3.23.23 or higher. If you are not sure which version your web hosting provider currently use, contact their help desk and ask them first.

How to install WordPress

You can download WordPress script from developers website for free (under GNU General Public License). Save the *.zip file on your hard disk and use software like WinZip or Total Commander to unpack these files to temporary folder. First, rename the wp-config-sample.php file to wp-config.php. Then open this file in your favorite text editor (Notepad will do). Edit next variables -- the name of the MySQL database (create a new one using your web hosting control panel in case you had never created it before), your database username, password and MySQL database server (usually localhost). In the next step, upload all files to your web host. Point your browser to /wp-admin/install.php and follow the instructions on the screen. During the installation process the admin password will be generated. Note this password because you will need it in the next step.

Another and easier solution how to install this PHP script is to sign up for a quality web hosting service which offers pre-installed PHP scripts. Then easily go to your control panel, find the section with pre-installed scripts and select WordPress. The installer will do all the job for you. All you need to do is to choose the script you want to install.

How to setup WordPress

Now the script should be successfully installed. Point your browser to wp-login.php file in your WordPress folder and sign in with the username admin and the password generated during the installation. Your password can be changed from the Profile section at any time.

For many bloggers the look of their blogs is very important. From this reason WordPress offers the option to change the layout and I will show you how to do it. First look around the Internet and find some WordPress theme you will like. Try to type something like WordPress+theme to Google. You will find many websites with pretty nice WordPress themes. Then upload the layout files to wp-content/themes/your-new-layout-name folder. From the Presentation section select your new theme and activate it. Your blog has now a new look!

Ok, now is the right time to start blogging. You can easily start from the Write section of your Admin Panel. I wish you a lot of success and many satisfied readers!

Bedrich is marketing manager of Marble Host, web hosting company which offers pre-installed scripts including WordPress. Please visit http://www.marblehost.com for more information.