How to Install WordPress on Windows, macOS, and Online Hosting

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing WordPress, MySQL, and Plugins

1. Installing WordPress on Windows (Localhost)

1. Install XAMPP or WAMP
   • Download and install XAMPP (https://www.apachefriends.org/) or WAMP (https://www.wampserver.com/). These provide an environment with PHP, MySQL, and Apache servers.
   • Launch the application and start Apache and MySQL.
2. Download WordPress
   • Visit the official WordPress website and download the latest version.
   • Extract the ZIP file to the htdocs folder (for XAMPP) or www folder (for WAMP).
3. Set Up a Database
   • Open phpMyAdmin by navigating to http://localhost/phpmyadmin/.
   • Create a new database (e.g., wordpress_db) by clicking New, entering the database name, and clicking Create.
4. Configure WordPress
   • Go to http://localhost/wordpress/ in your browser.
   • Fill in the database details:
     • Database Name: wordpress_db
     • Username: root (default)
     • Password: (leave blank unless changed).
5. Finish Installation
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your WordPress site, including admin username, password, and email.

2. Installing WordPress on macOS (Localhost)

1. Install MAMP
   • Download and install MAMP (https://www.mamp.info/).
   • Start Apache and MySQL from the MAMP dashboard.
2. Download and Extract WordPress
   • Download WordPress from the official website.
   • Move the extracted WordPress folder to /Applications/MAMP/htdocs/.
3. Set Up the Database
   • Access phpMyAdmin via http://localhost/phpmyadmin/.
   • Create a database, e.g., wordpress_db.
4. Configure WordPress
   • Open http://localhost:8888/wordpress/ in your browser.
   • Provide database details (as mentioned in Windows setup).
5. Complete Installation
   • Enter site title, admin details, and finalize.

3. Installing WordPress Online (Web Hosting)

1. Purchase Domain and Hosting
   • Choose a hosting provider like Bluehost, SiteGround, or HostGator.
   • Use cPanel or Plesk provided by the host to manage installations.
2. Install WordPress Automatically
   • Many hosting providers offer 1-click WordPress installation in cPanel.
   • Follow the setup wizard to configure the site.
3. Manual Installation (if needed)
   • Upload WordPress files to your hosting server via FTP (use tools like FileZilla).
   • Set up a MySQL database via cPanel.
   • Follow the WordPress installation wizard online.

4. How to Create a Database in MySQL

1. Using phpMyAdmin
   • Login to http://localhost/phpmyadmin/.
   • Click New on the left sidebar.
   • Enter the database name (e.g., wordpress_db).
   • Click Create.
2. Using Command Line
   • Open a terminal and log in to MySQL:
     bash

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     mysql -u root -p

   • Create a database:
     sql

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     CREATE DATABASE wordpress_db;


5. Installing WordPress Plugins

1. Via WordPress Admin Dashboard
   • Go to Plugins > Add New.
   • Search for the desired plugin, click Install Now, and then Activate.
2. Manually via FTP
   • Download the plugin ZIP file from WordPress.org.
   • Extract and upload it to the wp-content/plugins folder using FTP.
   • Activate it from the WordPress dashboard.

6. Securing WordPress Code

1. Keep WordPress Updated
   • Always update to the latest version to patch vulnerabilities.
2. Use Strong Passwords
   • For admin accounts and databases, use complex passwords.
3. Install Security Plugins
   • Plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri add layers of protection.
4. Change Login URL
   • Use plugins to customize the login URL (e.g., from wp-login.php to a unique URL).
5. Limit Login Attempts
   • Restrict login attempts to block brute force attacks.
6. Backup Regularly
   • Use plugins like UpdraftPlus to schedule backups.

7. Technical Guidance and Tips

• Use SSL: Ensure your site uses HTTPS to encrypt data.
• File Permissions: Set secure file permissions for wp-config.php and other critical files.
• Disable Directory Browsing: Add the following line to your .htaccess file:
  apache

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  Options -Indexes

• Database Table Prefix: Change the default table prefix (wp_) during installation to improve security.

By following these steps, you’ll successfully install WordPress, create a secure environment, and manage plugins effectively.

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