Installing WordPress via CPanel is fairly straightforward. Log in to your CPanel admin area. Click on Fantastico near the bottom of the CPanel screen.
This screenshot is from CPanel version 10.
Fantastico is a collection of scripts that will install various bits of software on your website. You can install discussion boards, guestbooks, galleries, and of course, blogging software like WordPress.
The Fantastico admin area has many scripts to offer.
Click on WordPress listed under Blogs.
WordPress installation requires about 5 MB for starters.
A short description of WordPress appears with a link to the homepage (wordpress.org) and forums, as well as a list of current installations in the given domain, if any exist. Although it’s not too apparent that it’s a link (at least on my screen), click on New Installation. The current WordPress version is indicated in parentheses, so in my case, version 2.3.2 will be installed.
The domain name will be filled in automatically, but if you want to install your blog on a subdomain fill in the directory of your choice. WordPress will create the new folder needed so just enter a folder name.
Enter your chosen admin username and password and write them down in a safe place.
Under Base Configuration enter an admin nickname, email address, website name and website description. The site name and description can be changed later in the stylesheet of the theme you choose for your blog. More on that later!
At the bottom of the installation form you need to enter your email account information in order to blog by email. I suggest refraining from actually use this tempting feature until you have properly hardened your WordPress blog against intruders. Also, a dedicated and secret email address will have to be created for posting to your blog via email. Regardless of whether you want to blog by email or not, you’ll have to enter your email info in order to install the blogging software.
A caution from the creators at wordpress.org:
Note: It is strongly recommended that you use a “secret” address – that is, an email account name that is very difficult to guess and only known to you. Any email sent to this address will automatically be posted to your blog.
Get familiar with WordPress first before trying any of the advanced techniques, like blogging by email. It will be that much easier to figure out what’s going on when you are already familiar with the basics of using WordPress.
When you’re ready to install your blog, click on Install WordPress.
Make a note of the database and MySQL user that were created for your blog.
Also, the URL for access to the blog and the location of the install are noted. Click on Finish Installation to complete the install of WordPress.
Final installation screen for installing WordPress via Fantastico.
Make a note of the username and password for the admin area and the full URL for the admin area. Take a moment to enter your email address in the box and click on Send E-mail to receive a copy of the details of your blog installation.
Now, go to your http://domain.com/wp-admin/ admin area, enter your admin username and password, tick the “Remember me” checkbox and click on Login.
WordPress Dashboard – the place to start your blogging adventure.
The WordPress admin area opens up to the Dashboard which gives you a standard menu area at the top of the page, links for fast access to common tasks in the middle, a box showing the latest comment and posting activity on the right, and the latest notice pertaining to security updates under “WordPress Development Blog.”
Keep an eye on the latest developments and security releases.
Explore the Dashboard menu and try writing a post!