How to install and set up WordPress on a new hosted server.

1. Installing &
Setting Up
WordPress
On a new hosted server
Wil Brown

2. A WordPress Installation
Consists of 2 parts
1. The "core" files = they do stuff
2. The database = it stores stuff
(except for media - images, video, pdf etc.)

3. Choosing A Hosting Package
Operating System?
● Linux = standard & cheaper
● Windows = icky to configure & expensive
Database Support?
● You need at least 1 database (mySQL)
● Ultra cheapo packages may not offer DB
Shared or Decicated/Cloud?
● Shared = cheap & slow (risky shared sites)
● Dedicated/Cloud = more expensive but
scaleable

4. Two Methods of Installing
WordPress
1. Manual - we'll do this one first to show you
how WordPress hangs together
2. Script - semi-automated
WordPress still needs to be configured after
installation.

5. Manual: Create a Database
1. Create a MySQL DB
DB created but no user is yet assigned to it
Jot down DB name

6. Manual: Create a Database
2. Create a user with password to access the
database
Jot down DB username and password

7. Manual: Create a Database
3. Assign user to the DB

8. Manual: Create a Database
4. Assign user DB access privileges
Check all options if you're not sure

9. Manual: Create a Database
User is now assigned to the DB
You should now have a note of:
a. Database Name
b. Database User Name
c. Database User Password

10. Installing
WordPress Files
Manually

11. Manual: Upload WP Core Files
● Download latest WP zip from wordpress.org
● Unzip on local. Creates a wordpress folder
● Open wordpress folder and zip up contents
again (stops creation of wordpress folder on host)
● Upload zip to hosting package and unzip in
either root or a subfolder
Note: (ftp/file manager) - unzip may not be avail. Unzip on local and FTP
● Root or sub folder?
○ Main site = root folder
○ Multiple installations = sub folder

12. Manual: Create & Edit wp-config.php
● Find the file wp-config-sample.php
● Rename it to wp-config.php
● Edit the file wp-config.php
● Change these lines:
○ define('DB_NAME', 'database_name_here');
○ define('DB_USER', 'database_user_name_here');
○ define('DB_PASSWORD', 'password_here');
○ define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');
■ localhost is the most common DB_HOST but it
can be a different name. Check with your
hosting company if unsure
● Save changes

13. Manual: WordPress Installation
Visit your site. The browser will open the WP
installation/setup process.
● Site Title
● Admin Username
● Admin Password
● Admin Email Address
● Include in Search Engines
● Hit "Install Wordpress"
Done!

14. Installing
WordPress
Using a Hosts
Script
Fantastico, Softaculous

15. Script: Installation & Setup
● Look for: CGI Scripts, Fantastico,
Softaculous, Web Apps etc. and click on
WordPress

16. Script: Fantastico Setup
your domain name
the folder to install into (leave
blank for root)
don't use "admin" or "root"
choose a good quality password
your nickname
system email address i.e. "From:"
title of site
description of site

17. Scripts: Fantastico Setup
It's handy to jot down your
MySQL DB user and name
but not needed to complete
installation
All done.
You're given the admin
username and password
again as well as a link to the
login area.

18. Basic WordPress Configuration
● Update Authentication Unique Keys and
Salts in wp-config.php
○ Visit: https://api.wordpress.org/secret-key/1.1/salt/
○ Copy code block and replace default one
● Permalinks/Friendly URLs
○ set to /%postname%/ for better SEO
● Install Firewall 2 plugin
DONE!

19. Questions?
Contact Info:
Wil Brown
@GravitationalFX
www.gravitationalfx.com