Famous 5-minute install? I don't think so!

  • OK, so I downloaded the zip app from your site. Extracted it to a folder called WordPress 3.9.1. I opened up the file called readme.html.

    Step 2 says, open wp-admin/install in your browser. Once I realized that it was in the wp-admin FOLDER, and not in the tab with the readme file (It isn’t there obviously), I used Torch and copy – pasted wp-admin/install. Enter… Back to the internet!! What? Really?

    Then I tried the optional install procedure, based on something to do with my web host. Why do I need to do anything with a web host? It also asks me to add my database connection details???. Which ones? Where? Then, even if I could have miraculously made it this far, I am now supposed to create a wp-config.php file and then INSTALL it somewhere?

    Going further to step 3 it will set up “tables for my blog”. Thought I was expecting to create a webpage. What is a table for? I just want to change a few things on a webpage that the university is creating for me.

    I’m sorry, but this is perhaps the worst install set of procedures that I have ever attempted in almost 20 years. I am not super computer literate, but I do know a fair amount of computer jargon. This set of instructions left me totally and thoroughly confused, upset, deflated and questioning both myself and the quality of your product.

Viewing 7 replies - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

  • I’m guessing that you’re expecting WordPress to be like installing an application on your PC? If that’s the case I’m sorry, but it doesn’t work that way.

    WordPress is a software system that works on a web server. That’s why you need hosting for a start. The database is what holds all of your sites content, and what lets it be dynamic and searchable. If’ youre not sure of what you need to do to create one, contact your web hosting company as they’ll be able to help you get that set up. As for the wp-config.php file, the installer will create that ofr

    The readme file that’s included with the download isn’t as good as it should be, but there’s better instructions here. Just be sure to look at all of the installation steps, as there’s a few.

    Another option is that most web hosting companies offer one-click installers that will do all of this for you. You jsut have to organise a hosting account and use their installer to install WordPress on the server for you. If you’re not sure about anything, this is by far the best way to go.

    I do understand that it can be very frustrating when you’re not used ot do ing things this way, but I can only assure you that after installing a whole lot more CMS systems apart from WordPress, this is still oen of the easiest. If you say the steps needed for some popular systems out there… very scary.

    @kelguy, this is why I strongly encourage people to read this before downloading and installing WordPress.

    It sounds like you may need a managed wordpress solution.
    Take a look at cloudoctane.com They have managed wordpress that can get you up and running quickly.

    Have to agree with Kelguy. This is all aimed at people who are familiar with the terminology and procedures. It is not a guide for anybody who does not have expertise on the technial side. That is still waiting to be written in plain English. But thanks to Catacaustic for his/her patient explanation (and yes, respectyoda, I read all the documentation first but it was as clear as mud). It should be stated at the very first that WordPress is not a standalone application that can be used on one’s PC to develop a website. I wasted time trying to install it! So I now I have to get webhosting before I even make any decisions on the site content. Seems the wrong way round to me. Perhaps I was too much influenced by the website software that was around about 10 years ago – the last time I built a site (and I hoped it was the last!)

    Bonzerpeach, the link I referenced to is a guide for anyone who wants to install and get started with WordPress. WordPress IS a standalone application, but it requires a web host to run on! The section titled “Things to Know Before Installing WordPress” is what many people do not read and as a result, do not realize there must be a web host (either with a hosting provider or a local host for local development on a computer itself). The reason why there needs to be a web host is simply because there needs to software that can read PHP files.

    It’s actually a lot less than 5 minutes to install these days, especially with SSD’s and what not.

    I think it’s a bit unfair saying it’s the worst install / set of procedures..

    @kelguy, the guides target audience is clearly not for beginners.
    The first day I touched WordPress I used this guide, it was perfectly clear to me.

    ‘Knowing a fair bit of computer jargon’ (I’m not even sure what that means), doesn’t mean this is the guide for you.

    A lot of the instructions do assume you have some kind of coding / web background.

    The guide is highly detailed, very useful and well written.

    Most of the time there is no need for basic users to install their own WordPress, hence why MANY MANY companies out there provide services which will install WordPress in one click and you can start using it.

    Thank you, guys & gals, for all your input. I’m on my way and hopefully won’t have to bother you with any more questions.

Viewing 7 replies - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
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