how can i open the php files?

I am trying to change the sidebox headings etc, so I go into includes/languages/english.php but my computer cant open the php files and sends me to the php website. How do I overcome this??? and how do I open the php files??

FTP the file to your local PC first

Use a code editor
Notepad++
Crimson editor
are free and suitable

Hi Kobra,
thanks for your quick reply, I am not sure exactly how to do that, I think this is the main problems that I am having, I cant really get my head around it, could you please supply me with some more info on this, many thanks.
lilijama

I am not sure exactly how to do that, I think this is the main problems that I am having, I cant really get my head around it, could you please supply me with some more info on this, many thanks.
What FTP client do you have?
What code editor do you have?

You can get one of the editors I mentioned by googling for them

A FTP client that is reasonable is filezilla
Also google for it

You need to install an FTP client on your home computer (Filezilla is good, and free from sourceforge.net; there are lots of others). With that, you connect to your website server using the FTP username and password that you should be able to set in your site control panel, or get from your host. Then follow kobra's suggestions.

Hi guys, thanks for the information, I have filezilla on my computer and the latest notepad++ V 5.7, I am not quite sure about this, which file do I ftp to my computer?? sorry I am a bit lost, but I am willing to learn, hope you can send me in the right direction, once again many thanks.
lilijama

I have filezilla on my computer and the latest notepad++ V 5.7, I am not quite sure about this, which file do I ftp to my computer??
You started this with the following
I am trying to change the sidebox headings etc, so I go into includes/languages/english.php
So I/wethought that you knew what yyou were trying to accomplish

Which file(s) fully depends upon what you are trying to alter

Do read the FAQ's about the template override system

Where is this file located, is it on your local computer, or is it on the server

If it is on your local computer
-right click on the file and select "open with"

• You should get a dialog box open up, if notepad++ doesn't appear in it, select choose default programme, then select browse, and browse to the directory you installed notepad++ in and select the exe file

or just open notepad++ and select FILE --> OPEN and then find the file you want to open, and as Kobra says you should be using an override directory