Am I understanding this right ?

I have a new zencart installed for me by the company thats furnishing me hosting service.
From what I am gathering reading I should install another copy of zencart on my computer, do all my changes to this copy , and after it is the way I want it, upload it to the zencart my hosting company has give me ? And everytime I do any work , it should be done to the copy on my computer then uploaded to my host site ?
Is this right or am I missing something ?

Working from you own computer is fine if you are able to establish a working server on your own computer. Xampp is pretty easy to use on Windows.

That said, since you are starting from scratch with a new site, my recommendations would be:

1. Make sure your host has installed the current version CORRECTLY. FTP a known good copy if you can't verify the version you have now.
2. Read up on and create an override system for your new cart.
3. Familiarize yourself with your host's control panel and make backups often during your original startup.
4. A copy of the book would help with the current version but I'm not sure how relevant it will be with the new 2.0 version. (Don't wait on 2.0 to build your site)
5. Take the time to visit the Tutorials/FAQ and learn how to search the forum for answers.
   All these things can be done without creating a server on your computer.
   Most folks use Xampp to test add-ons and upgrades.
   However, you can create the site locally using Xampp and upload it when finished.
   In other words, I'd just use one method of creation for now. You'll probably be busy enough without trying to build two carts at once.:P

I have a copy of the book. From what I get from reading it I should use Xampp and do things on my computer. Sometimes comprehending things I read is not the easiest for me. And just wanted to know I was on the right track by putting it in english I understand :blush: The way I understand it if I do it the way the book shows ( Xampp ) I will be putting another cart on my computer and after wards uploading it to the cart my host provided ?

Most everything I sell will be one of a kind things so I will be adding and removing stuff on my website often.

This seems like a drastic step, but it doesn't hurt to ask your host if they will provide you a folder on your site something like testdummy.mysite.com.
Then upload to that site, do all of your testing and once you are sure it works, move it over to your live site. If your host is reputable, this should not be a problem.

When you are done, don't delete the dummy site, keep it for the future. As your business grows you will want to make changes and upgrades to your web site. This way you won't have to keep creating a place to play with your web site.

https://www.cassie-designs.com

Basically, both sets of advice above are fine. You need a second copy of the site, first to develop the site, then to test new mods and new design ideas before committing them to your working site. Whether this second copy of your site is in a sub-folder on your server, or is in XAMPP on your hard drive depends on your comfort level with each method, as well as the amount of room on your hard drive, of course.

I prefer having a test site locally, but that's in part because I work on both my stores, a couple of stores for others, and also do WordPress and a Little Joomla work. I wouldn't want all that on my server, and since I've got MAMP (think XAMPP for Macs) running anyway, I do my Zen Cart development locally too.

Rob