New Guy Needs Help

[redwing]

Just down loaded ZC & extracted the files. Now, need to install ZC on my own computer to begin learning. I used the general instructions available from the ZC site for installation.......however, I either did it wrong or just don't understand the process.
Looking for a friend to help me get started. Thanks in advance for responding.

[kuroi]

Just down loaded ZC & extracted the files. Now, need to install ZC on my own computer to begin learning. I used the general instructions available from the ZC site for installation.......however, I either did it wrong or just don't understand the process.
Looking for a friend to help me get started. Thanks in advance for responding.
You have many friends here redwing, but they need something a little more specific to get their teeth into. What symptoms make you think you did it wrong?

[redwing]

After extracting the zipped files, I went to the install.text doc.....it reads:
Once extracted, you will have a directory containing the Zen Cart(tm) scripts.

The contents of this directory needs to be moved to your webserver, either by copying the directory or
by using an FTP progam.

You will then need to run the install script.
To do this you need to open a browser and type in the URL.
If you are running on a your own computer, this will be

http://localhost/{zen-cart-directory}/zc_install/

I tried this thru my browser, after inserting the directory to which I wanted to install to, but it just gives me a "page can not be found" error.
What am I doing wrong?
I want ZC installed on my HD, so I can practice.

[kuroi]

Do you have a webserver such as Microsoft's IIS or Apache installed and running on your computer?

[redwing]

No, I do not have server software. I'm quite new to this and didn't realize that it's required.
So, I guess you're telling me that I need to get server software and install it before I can practice with ZC on my HD.......?
I do have a website (www.redwinggolf.com), but it's built with Yahoo's Sitebuilder (very primitive). Thankfully, there are people in the world like you, who will talk with old-timer.

[kuroi]

So, I guess you're telling me that I need to get server software and install it before I can practice with ZC on my HD.......?
Yes. But that's nowhere near as big a deal as it sounds.

I recommend visiting Apache friends (http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.html) or my favourite if you're running windows Wampserver (http://www.wampserver.com/en/index.php). These are packages that bundle Apache, PHP and MySQL (basically everything you need to run most Open Source Software) in an easy to install package.

They're remarkably lightweight, and very effective.

Good luck

[redwing]

Thanks so much for the help and recommendations. I'll get at it, now.

[Sermonzone]

You might also look in the archives where others have dealt with this. Try:

http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33210&highlight=local+cart+install

and

http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23718&highlight=local+server+testing

I host with one of the sponsors and he has been exceedingly helpful. Might be an easier route for you to go.

Good luck.