We are assuming, for purposes of this tutorial, you now know how to arrange things on your computer so you can find them.  We are also assuming you have a host with a shared server OR you are contemplating whether or not a shared server will serve your needs.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate 
OPERATING SYSTEM: Windows
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Know your way around a computer and how file structures work.
• Know your way around Windows Explorer
• NEVER store your documents in the Windows file "My Documents."  If you do and you ever have to reinstall Windows, you will lose them all.
• Keep good backups of files NOT in your "My Documents" files.  It creates less headaches and you won't go bald or have puffy eyes from crying.
• Next, make folders off the root of your hard drive (your c:\ drive) called something you can remember.  I name mine STORAGE and then put subfolders in there for things like Pictures, Videos, Music Files, Documents, Manuals, Saved E-mail, DOWNLOADS, etc.
• If you don't understand any of this, STOP NOW.  You are not ready to run your own website.

This tutorial is written for newbs but pros may learn a few things by the end of it.  So all you pros out there be patient out of respect for the newbs.  If you do not understand anything in this tutorial... please stop now!  Fail to heed this advice and you proceed at your own peril.

Read more...