The server requirements for installing SMF are very simple. You must find a host that has PHP 4.1.0 or higher and a version of MySQL that is at least 3.23.28. (More details can be found
here) After finding a suitable host, you'll need to download a version of SMF. There are a couple different ones out right now. The most stable version is SMF 1.1.38 It can both be found
HERE I suggest you keep your version up to date.
After downloading the zip file of SMF you'll need to unzip it to a place on your computer. The desktop is usually the best place. Now connect to your Host using FTP. You could you the file manager in cpanel if you want to be there all day, lol. While the files are uploading (or after there done, it doesn't matter) make yourself a mysql database. This can either be done through your cpanel or phpmyadmin. Keep the name simple and write down the password, you`ll need it.
After you have made the database and uploaded all the files you are ready to get started. Point your browser to
http://www.yoursite.com/install.php and the instructions should walk you through the rest of the install. You will have to enter your mysql database information. This is the info you will need for it:
MySQL server name = This is usually "localhost" (without the quotes)
MySQL username = Username of the database
MySQL password = The password you set for it
MySQL Database name = The name of your database
You shouldn't have to worry about the "database" prefix if this database is only going to be used by SMF. After you have gotten this far there should be a screen in front of you that asks for your details...ie, username and password of the administrator (You). Fill all that in and click on the checkmark that says "Click here to delete the install.php" and go to your new forum, thats it. Your now an administrator of your own forum.
NOTE: This guide is just a brief summary of instructions to installing. For a more detailed set please visit:
http://docs.simplemachines.org/
