Idiot needing help with install

I’m trying to download WordPress to build a number of sites for a variety of businesses I’m involved in to greater or lesser extent. Obviously I’ve downloaded and installed software programs from the internet before but I’m baffled about this one. I’m using an Acer laptop and a domestic WIFI connection; I assume I have to use the FTP rather than a remote web server..or do I have a remote web server? I have no idea. Last time I built a site I just used an FTP to upload the site files to the web.

I plan to build a number of sites, the first will be for a friend who we have agreed will pay for her own hosting via ipage. So although I’m using remote hosting, I think I’d rather do a direct install to my own laptop rather than use remote host install so I’m flexible later as I have other sites I need to edit and build. Or can I use the remote host install version of WordPress later if I’m using other hosting providers?