This manual will guide you through the steps required to install WordPress, either manually or using one-click installation options. Follow these steps carefully for a successful setup.

Prerequisites

1. Web Hosting: Ensure you have a web hosting plan with cPanel or equivalent.
2. Domain Name: A registered domain name pointing to your hosting.
3. Database Access: Ability to create a MySQL database.

Option 1: One-Click Installation

Step 1: Log into Your Hosting Account

1. Access your hosting provider’s control panel (e.g., cPanel or Plesk).
2. Navigate to the section called Auto Installers or Softaculous App Installer.

Step 2: Select WordPress

1. Click the WordPress icon in the installer.
2. Select Install Now.

Step 3: Configure WordPress Settings

1. Choose Protocol: Select HTTP/HTTPS based on your SSL certificate.
2. Choose Domain: Select your domain from the dropdown list.
3. Installation Directory: Leave this blank if you want WordPress installed at the root of your domain (e.g., example.com).
4. Admin Account: Enter a username, password, and email for the admin account.

Step 4: Complete Installation

1. Click Install.
2. Once installed, note down the login URL, typically http://yourdomain.com/wp-admin.

Option 2: Manual Installation

Step 1: Download WordPress

1. Go to WordPress.org.
2. Download the latest version of WordPress.

Step 2: Upload WordPress Files

1. Extract the downloaded ZIP file on your computer.
2. Use an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla) to upload the WordPress files to your server’s root directory (public_html or similar).

Step 3: Create a Database

1. Log into cPanel and navigate to MySQL Databases.
2. Create a new database and user.
3. Assign the user to the database and grant All Privileges.
4. Note the database name, username, and password.

Step 4: Configure wp-config.php

1. Open the wp-config-sample.php file in the WordPress folder.
2. Update the following lines with your database details:phpCopy codedefine('DB_NAME', 'your_database_name'); define('DB_USER', 'your_database_user'); define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_database_password');
3. Save the file as wp-config.php.

Step 5: Run the Installation Script

1. Visit your domain in a web browser (e.g., http://yourdomain.com).
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your site:
   • Choose a site title.
   • Create an admin username and password.
   • Enter your email address.

Step 6: Finalize the Installation

1. Click Install WordPress.
2. Once done, log in using the admin credentials at http://yourdomain.com/wp-admin.

Post-Installation Steps

1. Secure Your Site:
   • Enable SSL (use HTTPS).
   • Install a security plugin like Wordfence.
2. Customize Your Site:
   • Choose a theme from the WordPress dashboard under Appearance > Themes.
   • Install plugins for added functionality.
3. Regular Backups:
   • Install a backup plugin like UpdraftPlus.