Install A Local Server
So far we were dealing with an online server created by HostGator. But what if you wanted to create your own local server on your computer that is similar to HostGator's server, that way you can install your site locally and test it before you upload it online.
Install Xampp - A Local Server
Step 1:
Download Xampp, an enviroment that you can use to create a local server on your computer.
Step 2:
Install Xampp by clicking on the ".exe" file and make sure you select the following options.
Step 3:
Start the program from your start menu and you should have something that looks like the screenshot below. Make sure at least the first 2 options are checked in order for your server to work.
Step 4:
Make sure to type in the address bar "http://localhost/" then click "PhPMyAdmin" to display the page where you can create new databases for your website.
Step 5:
By entering a name for your database as in the screenshot below, you will be able to create that database and use it for any of your websites.
Step 6:
So far I've showed you how to create a database on your new local server, however if you want to upload files, you can go to your "Xampp" folder under your "C:/" dive then go to "htdocs" and any folder you put in there count as your websites folder.