Need most basic WordPress for dummies tutorial

  • ctschroeder

    (@ctschroeder)


    13 years, 11 months ago

    I am getting very frustrated, because there is a lot on the WP site that I simply do not understand. I’ve created websites before using HTML and CSS on my own (but I don’t know anything about PHP). But there’s a lot I don’t get. I need a VERY BASIC walk through, even more basic than what’s on the site.

    What I want to do: create basic templates and pages, so that my pages don’t look just like the main page. (I’m using twentyeleven as the Theme, because I figured it would be the easiest for a newbie.) Multiple columns and boxes for text, images, etc. I can’t figure it out.

    I’ve installed WordPress directly into my site, hosted by Bluehost. I’m trying to create a website with pages — not interested in blogging.

    I’ve read First Steps and FAQ New to WordPress. No help. For example, I don’t understand what this means on the “Installation” FAQ.:
    “It is not essential to create a new database for each WordPress installation.
    If you are using the same database for multiple WordPress installations, take care to edit the wp-config.php file ensuring that each installation has a unique database prefix.
    If you are setting up a new database for a new blog, edit wp-config.php, and be sure to get the database name, and other details correct. “
    I don’t know what the database is, where to find it, how to even begin to edit it or why I would want to.

    Here’s another example: Templates. I have read the documentation on templates several times and honestly do not know where to begin. How do I open the files that are mentioned? Where do I even find them? I don’t know what to do with this information in the Support doc on Templates:
    “Basic Template Files

    To generate such a structure within a WordPress Theme, start with an index.php template file in your Theme’s directory. This file has two main functions:

    Include or “call” the other template files
    Include the WordPress Loop to gather information from the database (posts, pages, categories, etc.)”

    How do I get to my theme’s directory? I truly have no idea what this is telling me to do.

    Do I need to be using WordPress on my computer hard drive instead of through the dashboard on the site? I have only been using the dashboard.

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • wrexsti

    (@wrexsti)

    13 years, 11 months ago

    databases are things that store things like when a person registers on ur website, where does his/her login combo get stored? in the database.

    databases uses code called “sql”.
    mysql is the most popular option because it is open source.

    IF you are using bluhost, just go to your cpanel and install wordpress using “simplescript”. theres only like 3 steps to setting it up, as it automatically creates a database for you.

    to make a simple webpage, and not a blog post, just use the “pages” option in your wordpress site’s admin control panel (the admin control panel is the back side of your site where you install plugins and make new blog posts)

    in order to navigate to your theme’s directory you will need to “FTP” to your site.
    if you are using windows, download “Filezilla”
    if you are using Mac, download “Cyberduck”
    Both programs are free and open source.

    in bluehost cpanel, look for “FTP”, click on the link, then scroll to the bottom and click on the configuration files they give you for whatever program you are using (Filezilla or cyberduck).

    doubleclick your configuration file to open it once it is downloaded
    then basically play around with filezilla/cyberduck and you should figure out how to navigate your website, as it is everything that is stored on your website. so try not to delete anything unless you know what you are doing.
    try searching for your theme directory through FTP via filezilla/cyberduck.

    hope this helps

    Thread Starter ctschroeder

    (@ctschroeder)

    13 years, 11 months ago

    Thanks. I have ftp software and use it for my other sites, so I will go exploring. I guess I just misinterpreted the information I thought I had read about the Dashboard and overestimated what can be done from the dashboard vs through a text editor + ftp.

    Thanks so much.

    wrexsti

    (@wrexsti)

    13 years, 11 months ago

    wordpress is not a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) in the truest sense of the acronym.

    BUT a real lot can be done right through the dashboard.
    finding and installing themes &plugins, posting blogs, editing posts, adding pages, etc.

    if you wish to create your own theme, or customize your current theme, you will need to learn some code. there are theme builder websites on the internet, that help you along. some do charge money tho. if you already know html and css, just use the theme twentyeleven and customize it to your liking with css and whatnot.

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)

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