can’t install 2.6.3

Hello, I have read the “example wordpress installation” and tried to follow the instructions, however my “configure.php” file looks different than the one shown and though I set it up according to the instructions when I upload it to my site the directory structure looks different and trying to point my browser (with corrected address for different structure) I get an “error establishing a database connection” page.
I’m wondering if this might be because the wordpress instructions are for version 2.1 but the latest version I downloaded is version 2.6.3?
This is the first time I’ve tried to design/develop an e-commerce site and I’m slightly overwhelmed. I don’t know HTML at all but I am familiar with learning new and complex software (adobe creative suite, final cut studio etc.) so I believe I’m up for the task.
I have been doing a lot of reading on the site and finally clicked “wordpress install4free” only to find out this option is not available anymore.

Your help is appreciated. thanks, Gary