The first step in is to get your own domain name. If you already have a domain on which you want to install WordPress, you're good to go.

There are two basic ways you can install WordPress, either via a script from your hosting provider, or by uploading WordPress yourself via FTP (File Transfer Protocol.)

Let's look at both ways.

The Easiest Way to Install Wordpress

The easiest way to install WordPress is to let your host do it, via an automatic script. Search your host's Help files for "WordPress". You should find a "WordPress Install" option.

Some hosts have one-click installation options for many programs, such as blogs, forums, and picture galleries.

When you've found the WordPress installation script, decide where you want to install your blog. You can install it either in the root of your domain, or in a blog sub-directory. The sub-directory option is popular.

Now ensure that you've opened a new text file. Save the file before you start, and give it an appropriate file name it so you can find it again. You need the file to make a note of your database name, user name and password, as well as your blog's admin name and password. Don't lose this information, it's important.

Why a database? WordPress is actually a Content Management System, and it stores everything related to your blog in a database.

Now just click the Install link, and follow the installation wizard, as it guides you through creating your database and blog.

You're done - the installation should take you no longer than a couple of minutes.

The FTP Way - You Have Complete Control

If you're a slightly more experienced blogger, you can install WordPress manually, by downloading the WordPress program to your computer, then uploading it to your server, once you've created a database and have changed the WordPress configuration file.

Which way of installing WordPress is best?

It depends on you - and on your hosting company. If your host just doesn't provide a WordPress installation script, you'll have to do it yourself. However, don't despair, it really is simple, and you should be able to complete the process in five to ten minutes, depending on the speed of your Internet connection.

See? No need to be scared. After you've installed WordPress once, you'll know how easy it is - and you'll become a WordPress fan too.

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