WordPress is a website framework which requires both a web server and database server to operate. It is not an executable program that one “double-clicks” to “run”.
Typically, it is installed on a remote hosting account which provides the necessary web and database servers.
One is also able to install this environment locally on their own computer by using one of the available free local server AMP “stacks” (Apache – web server, MySQL – database server, PHP – programming language). Many are available for the various operating systems and some also include the ability to install WP as part of their own installation.
Some of the popular ones are XAMPP, WAMPServer, Uniform Server (Windows) and MAMP, XAMPP for Mac OS.
Installing WP into one of these local servers is generally used to test plugins and themes and to just get the hang of using WP. Some folk use this method to create and test a complete site and then move it to a live, remote hosting account.
To summarize, you need a compatible hosting environment, either local or remote into which you install WP by:
– creating a new, empty database
– upload (or copy if local) the unzipped files and folders of the WP download
– start the WP installation process
Note that all of this is done via your favorite web browser ??
