Helpful General Information:
If you are installing WordPress and/or ProPhoto, you'll be dealing with web hosts, domains, uploading files, FTP programs, and a lot of other things that may seem unfamiliar and scary. The purpose of this general tutorial is to help you understand some of the terms, concepts, and steps you may need to take to get all this working. Topics covered include:
- Buying a new domain and hosting account (if necessary)
- Using a FTP program to move files on and off of your website
- Using a web-based File Manager utility
- Understanding folders (called directories) on your website
Buying a new domain and hosting account:
[NOTE: whatever you do, DO NOT use Yahoo! Small Business Web Hosting. Their web hosting tools are extremely difficult to use, and poorly documented.]
If you're buying a new domain and/or setting up a web hosting account for your blog we highly recommend using BlueHost. Use this link to sign up. New domains are free forever, it's only $6.95/month, and they have a one-click WordPress installation feature.
Video: Purchasing a Domain and Hosting Account
Using an FTP program:
Installing WordPress and ProPhoto requires you moving files from your computer to your web host. There are two ways to accomplish this: 1) use a FTP (file transfer protocol) program, or 2) use the online file manager utility provided by your web hosting company. The videos below aim to give you an overview of using FTP and a file manager utility.
Video: Cyberduck free FTP program for Mac
Video: FileZilla free FTP program for PC
Using a Web-based File manager Utility:
Another way to move files on and off your website is to use an online file manager utility. Almost all web hosting companies provide you with a file manager utility, and for the most part they generally look and operate about the same. The below video shows you how to use a file manager utility.
Video: Using a web-based file manager utility
Folders and Directories:
Throughout these instructions and in your working with your website and blog, you'll be dealing with folders, called "directories" when they're on a web server. This video explains a little bit about how directories work, and helps de-mystify the concept for you.
Video: Understanding folders & Directories
Learning is fun! Keep reading! More tutorials: