How to Set Up a Wiki Site

A wiki is a database-driven content management system for Web sites. The administrator of the wiki, as well as authorized visitors, can edit or create Web pages and publish the edits quickly without having to upload new files. While Web sites such as Wikipedia have popularized the wiki-based Web site, Web designers and Web site owners can incorporate wiki technology into their own sites to better manage their content.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wiki software Wiki-compatible web hosting FTP software Internet connection

1. Set up an account with a wiki-compatible Web host. Not all site hosting accounts are capable of running wiki technology. The server must support Apache, PHP 5+ and MySQL 4+ in order to set up a wiki site. While such hosts are typically pricier than standard hosting, budget hosts such as Fat Cow and Blue Host (see Resources) offer discount hosting that meets the technical requirements of most wiki software.

2. Download free or paid wiki software. While various companies offer wiki software for personal and public use, WikiMedia's free software (see Resources) is one of the most widely used and has the most comprehensive features because it was originally developed to operate sites such as Wikipedia.

3. Double-click the file you downloaded in Step 2 to decompress the installation package. A new folder will appear containing all of the wiki software's installation files.

4. Launch your FTP software and connect to your personal server. Your login information is typically your domain name and the password you chose when registering a hosting account. If you can't remember your login details, refer to the registration documents provided to you when you set up your account with a Web host.

5. Upload the decompressed installation folder from Step 3 to your hosting server by dragging the folder to your FTP software window. Wait for the FTP program to complete the transfer. Depending on your Internet connection, this may take several minutes.

6. Open your Web browser. Navigate to the following address: http://yourdomain.com/mediawiki/config/index.php. Replace "yourdomain.com" with the domain name you registered in Step 1. WikiMedia's installation page will appear.

7. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the wiki site setup. You will need to provide specific configuration options, such as the name you wish to use for your wiki and the name of your MySQL database (provided by your Web host).

8. Click the "Install MediaWiki" button at the bottom of the page. Your wiki site is now set up and you may begin editing or creating pages from within the wiki interface.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a wiki site to keep your Web site updated with fresh, user-generated content to keep it relevant for readers.
• Users can maliciously edit your site. Regularly moderate the changes made to your pages.

References

• "MediaWiki Installation Guide." MediaWiki. 2009.

Resources

• Fat Cow Budget Webhosting
• Blue Host Cheap Webhosting
• MediaWiki Wiki Software

Who Can Help Sponsored

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