Yes, you can install WordPress on a computer or laptop. Developers commonly install WordPress on a personal computer by setting up their desktop as a local server (localhost) for development purposes. This provides a testing environment for updates, plugins, themes, and widgets before they go live, even offline. For non-developers, Domains.co.za’s WordPress Hosting provides a staging area for updates and testing before publishing to a live site.
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How to Install WordPress on a Computer Using a Localhost
When you install WordPress on your laptop or computer, it is commonly known as creating a local server environment or localhost, which enables you to design, develop, and test your website in a private and secure space.
Using a localhost as a staging area enables you to access WordPress’s features and test them thoroughly before publishing the site to your hosting server.
This risk-free setting allows for experimentation offline without affecting a live site. However, this process requires some technical expertise and may not be suitable for beginners or the average small business owner.
Keep in mind that while installing WordPress on your laptop or computer allows you to experiment without needing a domain or web hosting, your site will not be accessible to others.
WordPress Staging Area
A WordPress staging area is an exact copy of your live website. It allows you to test changes, updates, and new features in a secure, private environment before they are implemented on the public-facing version.
You can safely test updates to the core WordPress software, themes, and plugins and try out new code or design changes without the risk of errors or causing unnecessary downtime for your site. Similarly, if an update or change causes issues, your main site will stay up and running as normal, minimising the risk of data loss or corruption.
Additionally, testing changes in a staging environment is usually quicker and more efficient than making live edits and constantly refreshing pages.
By thoroughly testing changes beforehand, you can ensure a smooth and error-free experience for your website visitors. Domains.co.za WordPress Hosting plans include a staging environment feature that can be accessed directly through your cPanel control panel.
If you’re still in the development phase and not ready to launch, this feature ensures your site looks and performs exactly as you want before going live while speeding up the process.
Additional Information
Using the Localhost for Plugin Development
WordPress developers frequently install WordPress locally on their machines to develop and test plugins and themes. It’s also a great way for beginners to familiarise themselves with the platform before building or making changes to an active website.
Localhost for Theme Changes and Plugin Testing
Local installs are particularly useful for testing websites, updates, themes, and plugins. For example, if you’re considering installing a new WordPress theme, you can preview and customize it on your local WordPress install before applying it.
Similarly, if you plan to add a new plugin, you can test it on your laptop first to evaluate its functionality and impact on site performance. This allows you to identify and resolve any issues or conflicts before they affect your live site.
Once you are satisfied with the results, you can transfer your local site to a WordPress Hosting server when you are ready to publish it.
Login to Domains.co.za Account
1. Go to the Domains.co.za website Account Login page.
2. Enter your Email and Password.
3. Then click the “Sign In” button.
Access WordPress from your Domains.co.za Dashboard
4. On the right of the Dashboard under the “Manage Account” menu, click “Manage Services” on the drop-down menu and select your Hosting plan, our example uses Web Hosting.
5. Scroll down to the “Quick Manage” section (below “Product Information”) and click on the WordPress icon. If you haven’t yet installed WordPress, it will ask you to first do so.
Access WordPress via cPanel from your Domains.co.za Account
6. On the right of the Dashboard under the “Manage Account” menu, click “Manage Services” on the drop-down menu and select your Hosting plan, our example uses Web Hosting. (refer image above).
7. Click “Manage” next to the website domain you wish to access in cPanel.
8. The Product Information section will display – click the “Login” button next to Control Panel.
9. On the cPanel Dashboard, in the menu on the right, select “WP Toolkit”, or if you haven’t yet installed WordPress “WordPress Management”.
10. There is also a WordPress icon under the “Popular Applications” section on the cPanel Dashboard.
WordPress can be Accessed Online via cPanel
1. Go to your cPanel URL or cPanel Login page.
2. Enter your “Email” and “Account Password” and click “Log In”
3. On the cPanel Dashboard, in the menu on the right, select “WP Toolkit”, or if you haven’t yet installed WordPress “WordPress Management”. There is also a WordPress icon under the “Popular Applications” section on the cPanel Dashboard.
