Have downloaded but have no idea how to upload and run from my server Help

[kazemporium]

Hi
Am hoping someone can help, i have downloaded but am unable to open the install the software as my pc does not recognise the programme. Could anyone advise which programme i need to download in order to view and install. I use Front page to build my webs, and my server recommends this programme so i know it is compatible with my server. I have never tried adding a forum to my web before so have no idea what i am doing.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

[gbsothere]

Hi, kazemporium and welcome to SMF.   

Do you have access to an ftp program, such as Filezilla?  If so, you want to use the ftp program to upload.  You can unarchive (unzip) the download of SMF and move all its files and directories to either your domain's root or, as most usually do, to a directory you create inside your domain's root (naming it "forum", "smf" or anything you please).  Make sure you have created a database on your server that will be used exclusively for your forum.  Once all the files are uploaded, including the install.php, you will point your browser to it.  For instance, if your files were uploaded to a folder called "forum" you would point your browser to mywebiste.com/forum/install.php.  This will take you through the installation process.  Before you do that, it is a good idea to right-click on your directories, changing permissions to either 777 or 755 (writable) and your files to 644.  Then just follow the prompts on install.php to finish your installation. When you are done, you can view your forum.  You should remove install.php from your server, at that point.