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Installing WordPress (local & live)

Course Content
Copyright Agreement
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UAMS Copyright Agreement
Use of Material
Website & E‑Commerce Basics
This module introduces learners to the core concepts behind websites and online stores. Students explore how websites work (domains, hosting, CMS vs hosted platforms) and gain a clear understanding of different website and e-commerce models. The module covers foundational platforms such as WordPress, WooCommerce, and Shopify, including their purpose, strengths, and common use cases. Learners also review essential setup concepts like site structure, navigation, basic SEO, and store functionality.
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How Websites Work (domains, hosting)
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CMS vs Hosted Platforms
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Intro to WordPress & Shopify
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Types of Websites and Online Stores
00:00
Domains, Hosting & Setup
This module explains the foundational components required to launch a website or online store. Learners explore how domain names work, how web hosting stores and delivers website content, and the role of DNS in connecting the two. The module also introduces hosting types, setup considerations, and basic installation workflows for platforms like WordPress and Shopify. By the end of the module, learners can confidently choose a domain, understand hosting options, and complete the initial setup needed to get a website online.
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Choosing a Domain Name
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Web Hosting Basics
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Installing WordPress (local & live)
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Creating a Shopify Account
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WordPress Dashboard & Settings
This module introduces learners to the WordPress admin dashboard and its core settings. Students explore the layout of the dashboard, key menu areas, and the purpose of essential settings such as site title, permalinks, user roles, reading, and discussion options. The module emphasizes how proper configuration affects site usability, SEO, and security. By the end of the module, learners can confidently navigate the WordPress dashboard and configure settings to support a well-structured, functional website.
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WordPress Dashboard & Settings
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WordPress Admin Overview
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Pages, Posts, Media
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Permalinks & User Roles
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Themes & Customization
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Block Editor vs Page Builders
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Using Elementor in WordPress
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Responsive Design Basics
00:00
Backups, Updates & Security
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Shopify Platform Overview
This module introduces learners to Shopify as a leading hosted e-commerce platform. Students explore its key features, including store setup, themes, apps, and integrations, and understand how Shopify simplifies online selling for businesses of all sizes. By the end of the module, learners can explain Shopify’s functionality, identify its advantages, and determine when it is the right platform for an online store.
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Shopify Ecosystem
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Shopify vs WooCommerce
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Admin Dashboard Tour
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Themes & Customization
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Products & Collections
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Navigation & Pages
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SEO for Shopify
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Email & Social Selling
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Analytics & Reporting
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Launch & Maintenance
This module guides learners through the final steps of preparing, launching, and maintaining an online store. Students explore pre-launch checklists, performance testing, ongoing updates, backups, security, and routine maintenance for both Shopify and WordPress sites. The module emphasizes best practices for keeping stores secure, fast, and operational post-launch. By the end of the module, learners can confidently launch a website or store and implement a consistent maintenance routine to ensure long-term stability and growth.
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Pre‑launch Checklists
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Performance Testing
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Ongoing Maintenance (Shopify)
Ongoing Maintenance (WordPress)
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Website Security & Account Protection
By the end of this lesson, learners will understand why website security matters, how accounts get hacked, and how to protect websites and online accounts using simple, everyday tools like strong passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
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What Is Website Security?
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Common Website Security Threats
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Password Security Basics
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Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
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Website-Level Security Tools
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Everyday Security Habits
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Website Learning Lab

Module Overview

This lesson guides learners through installing WordPress both on a local computer for testing/development and on a live web server for a public website. Understanding both methods helps users safely build, test, and launch websites.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

  • Explain the difference between local and live WordPress installations

  • Install WordPress locally using tools like XAMPP, MAMP, or Local by Flywheel

  • Install WordPress on a live hosting server

  • Configure basic WordPress settings post-installation

  • Avoid common installation errors

Lesson 1: Local WordPress Installation

A local WordPress installation is when you set up and run a WordPress website on your own computer instead of on a live web server. This allows you to build, design, and test a website in a private environment before making it public. Local installations are commonly used for development, experimentation, or learning purposes. Tools like XAMPP, MAMP, or Local by Flywheel create a local server environment on your computer, enabling WordPress to function just like it would on a live site, but without needing a domain or hosting.

Purpose: Test and develop a website offline without affecting a live site.

Tools Required

  • XAMPP (Windows, Mac, Linux)

  • MAMP (Mac, Windows)

  • Local by Flywheel (Windows, Mac)

Steps

  1. Download and install your chosen local server tool.

  2. Start the server and create a new local database.

  3. Download the latest WordPress version from wordpress.org.

  4. Extract WordPress files into the local server’s root folder (e.g., htdocs for XAMPP).

  5. Open the local URL in a browser and follow the WordPress setup wizard.

  6. Enter database credentials, create admin user, and complete installation.

Benefits of Local Installation

  • Safe testing environment

  • Experiment with themes/plugins without affecting live site

  • Faster development and troubleshooting

Lesson 2: Live WordPress Installation

Purpose: Publish your website online for public access.

Steps

  1. Choose a hosting provider with WordPress support.

  2. Access the hosting control panel (cPanel) and create a new database.

  3. Use one of these methods:

    • One-Click Installer: Many hosts provide automatic WordPress installation (e.g., Softaculous).

    • Manual Installation: Upload WordPress files via FTP, configure wp-config.php, run the setup wizard.

  4. Complete setup by creating an admin user and password.

  5. Access your live site at your domain to verify installation.

Benefits of Live Installation

  • Site is accessible to users worldwide

  • Allows testing of live features like payments, forms, and SEO

  • Ready for content and publishing

Lesson 3: Post-Installation Configuration

  • Change site title, tagline, and timezone

  • Set permalinks for SEO-friendly URLs

  • Install a security plugin and SSL certificate

  • Create an admin user with strong password

  • Install essential plugins (SEO, caching, backups)

Lesson 4: Common Installation Errors & Troubleshooting

  • Database connection errors → check database name, username, password

  • Blank screen → plugin/theme conflict, increase PHP memory limit

  • Permission errors → adjust file/folder permissions

  • Local site not loading → start server properly, check ports

Practical Activity

  • Explore the dashboard, install a theme, and add a sample page…

Key Takeaways

  • Local installation is great for testing and learning.

  • Live installation makes your site publicly accessible.

  • Proper post-installation setup ensures security and functionality.

  • Understanding installation basics allows safe experimentation and development.

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