This was a huge headache for me when I was trying to install a plugin into WordPress. I did a Google search and found all the potential solutions at BlogginTips.net but non of them worked.  The only other thing that I could think of was my upload limit set by my hosting provider.

To test this I created a dummy file called test.php with the following code:

<?php

phpinfo();

?>

Navigate to that page on the website and do a search for upload_max_filesize. See if your allotted size limit exceeds the zipped plugin you are trying to install.  If it is, you need to up that amount.  The PHP.ini file will need modified, you will likely need to contact your hosting provider.

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Step 1.  Choose your Hosting Provider.

The first thing you need is a hosting provider.  This tutorial is designed around using GoDaddy.com for hosting.  Not only does their deluxe plan offer unlimited space, is very affordable and easy to use, but GoDaddy also offers the most up to date application platform which is critical for Step #3 of this guide.  At the time of this writing you can get your hosting for an entire year for only $79.68 for the Deluxe Plan.

Step 2.  Choose Your Domain Name.

Ever see the bumpersticker, “AllTheGoodDomainsAreTaken.com”?  It isn’t necessarily true.  You can take two approaches for your domain, Clever or SEO.  Celver is picking a catchy domain that people will remember easily and are great for branding.  SEO is choosing a domain based on what someone would search on.  For Example, GeekEpic.com was a mediocre attempt at being clever.  PaBeeRemoval.com is an SEO domain designed to harness the power of search.

What are they exactly?

What is a domain name?

A domain name is a Web address, such as godaddy.com, that is linked to an IP address (which represents a physical point on the Internet). When someone types a domain name into a Web browser, the requested Web page displays.

A domain name consists of a top-level and a second-level domain. A top-level domain (TLD) is the part of the domain name located to the right of the dot (godaddy.com). The most common top-level domains are .COM, .NET, and .ORG. Some other popular top-level domains are .BIZ, .INFO, .NAME and .WS. These TLDs have certain guidelines but are, for the most part, available to any registrant, anywhere in the world.

The part of the domain name located to the left of the dot — “godaddy,” in this case — is called the second-level domain (SLD) name. The second-level domain name is the “readable” part of the address and refers to the organization or entity behind the Internet address. Second-level domain names must be registered with an Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)-accredited registrar.

Copyright © 1999 – 2007 GoDaddy.com, Inc. All rights reserved.

Step 3.  Installing WordPress Publishing Platform.

If you are just looking for a basic website or are not too technical, I am going to recommend you use WordPress.  It is an amazing platform and is much easier to use than Joomla.  Don’t worry, WordPress is NOT just a blogging platform but has turned into a powerful content management platform for business websites.  In order to do this, login to your GoDaddy Account and follow these steps:

1. Under “My Products” on the left, click on, “Hosting”.
2. Under your Linux Hosting Plan click, “Manage Account”.
3. Above the, “Account Summary” Bar you will see a graphic labeled, “Your Applications” – Click on it.
4. On the left Navigation, click, “Blogs” and then “WordPress”.
5. You are now on the “WordPress” Install page.  Click on, “Install Now!” to begin WordPress installation.
6. Select the domain that WordPress will be installed under and click, “Continue”.  If you haven’t registered a domain yet, you need to.  Reffer to Step 2.
7. Set up the Database.
   1. Add a good description for your database.
   2. Create a Database Password
   3. Click Next
8. Choose Install Directory
   1. Delete “WordPress” to install on the Root Directory
   2. Click Next
9. Configure Install
   1. Enter Admin Name
   2. Enter Admin Password
   3. Verify Admin Password
   4. Enter Email
   5. Enter blog title, You can change this later.
   6. Click Finish.

Now go and grab a cup of coffee.  Your New WordPress Installation will be complete in about 10-15 minutes.  When you get back you can login to your new website at www.yournewdomain.com/wp-admin.  Don’t forget to write down your UN and Password you entered during the installation process.

My next post will cover setting up your WordPress installation as a usable website.

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