How to manually install PrestaShop 1.6

PrestaShop has become one of the most popular shopping cart programs over the last few years. It can be installed very easily on most web hosting servers, especially here at InMotion Hosting. PrestaShop will allow you to create your own online store where you can sell products to customers right from your website. These products can be physical, such as book or pet supplies, or digital such as downloadable software, ebooks, or educational courses. This article shows you how to download and install the newest version of PrestaShop, 1.6.

Download PrestaShop 1.6

The first thing you will need to do is download a copy of PrestaShop to your local machine. This will later be uploaded to your hosting account and unpacked so that it can be installed. To obtain the most current copy of PrestaShop, visit the PrestaShop download page. You will see a button entitled Download Now. Click that button to save the PrestaShop zip file to your local machine.

NOTE: As of the time of this writing, PrestShop 1.6 is still in Beta. This means that the link provided will point to the Developer's version, which is not advisable for use in a production website.

Create a Database in your hosting account

After downloading the PrestaShop file to your computer, the next step you will need to take is establishing a database within your hosting account. The database is extremely important as this is where all your product, order, and customer information is kept. Click here for the steps on how to create a database in your cPanel account.

NOTE: Be sure to write down your database name, username, and password as you will need it later in the installation process

Uploading PrestaShop

Now that your empty database has been created, you can upload the PrestaShop file to your hosting account using either the File Manager or FTP.

Extracting the files

Extracting the files from the uploaded .zip file and placing them in the right place is a two step process. First you need to unzip, or extract, the files from the .zip file into your hosting account. You can do that by following the instructions on uncompressing files using the File Manager.
Once that is complete, you will see that the files were extracted into a folder named PrestaShop. To have an active store, you will need to move the files out of that folder into your main folder. This is likely the folder where the original .zip file is located. Don't worry, you can move all the files at once. If you are not familiar with how to move files in the cPanel File Manager, just follow our instructions by clicking here.

Run the install program

To begin the installer program, simply visit your site. Be sure that you visit the proper subfolder if you installed PrestShop into one. For instance, if you placed PrestaShop in a folder named shop, then you would visit example.com/shop. This should bring you to the first page of the install section. There are five steps to this section. Below are screenshots and explanations for each of the steps.

1. Choose your language - this is the welcome step. From here you will chose your installation language. For our install, we kept the default English selection.
2. License Agreements - This screen is for the licensing agreement. Read the agreement and then click on the checkbox next to I agree to the above terms and conditions.
3. System Compatibility - This step will only stop if there is an incompatibility in your server settings, for instance if you have an outdated php of MySQL version.
4. Store Information - Here you will enter the basic information for your store. All information here can be changed later on, so if you have yet to come up with a great store name, simply enter a temporary one for now.
5. System Configuration - From this screen you will be entering the database information such as the name, user and password. This is the information you should have kept from when you created the database above.
6. Store Installation - As long as all the previous steps have passed, the program will now create the database and install all the base data. Once the progress bar hits 100% your login information will appear on the screen. Be sure to write that down so you can remember it when you log in for the first time.

Delete the Install folder

Now that you have successfully installed PrestaShop 1.6, you will need to delete the Install folder before you can use it. This is for security purposes, otherwise someone else could come and run the install program, possibly damaging your existing store.

How to Add a Watermark to Photos

Method 1 of 3: Using Photoshop Actions

1. 
   
   
   Open up your picture in Photoshop. This should be the image that you want to add a watermark to.
   
   
2. 
   
   
   Open your logo image file. Open up your logo or design you would like to use as a watermark and save it to a place you can easily access, if you haven't already.
   

   • If you need to remove your logo from a larger image, grab the lasso tool. Make sure your feather is set to the number 0. Click once and draw around the image or text box you want to use as the watermark. When you have outlined it, release your click and save your image or logo.

   
   
3. 
   
   
   Start recording your actions, if you want to. If you plan on adding a lot of watermarks to very similarly sized and arranged images, then you will want to create an Action. This will allow you to add the watermark to later images with less effort. Go to the "Window" menu on your toolbar. Select "action." Name the action "Watermark." Any actions that you perform from now until you stop the action will be recorded.
4. 
   
   
   Go to "File" and press "Place." Select your logo. Resize the logo until it is the size you would like. Change the opacity if you would like it to be lighter. Align the logo using the right, left, bottom top or center align buttons on the top tool bar.
   

   • Place the logo or text that you have just cut on to your photo in an area that will not obscure the image but will deter people from downloading your picture and using it. Make sure it is not in a place that can be easily cropped off the photo.
   • Be sure to use the buttons to align your photo because your Photoshop will be able to record those actions easier than those done only using the mouse.

   
   
5. 
   
   
   Alternatively, make a text watermark. To do a text watermark in Photoshop, make a text box on top of your photo, color it and change its opacity until it is very light in your photo. Do this after you start recording your action.
6. 
   
   
   Save the photo with the watermark using the "Save as" function. Because you are recording, this will tell Photoshop where to save any future watermarked photos.
7. 
   
   
   Batch add watermarks. To watermark more than one photo, go to "File," select "Automate" and then select "Batch." When the window pops up, choose "Watermark" as the action in the drop down menu. Choose the folder with the images you want to watermark. You will need to have them in a separate folder for this action. Select the destination for all watermarked photos, using the browsing function prompted by the "Destination" button. Check the "Override box." Press "OK" and your folder of photos will be watermarked and saved in the folder you specified.
   
   

   Method 2 of 3: Using Photoshop Layers

   1. 
      
      
      Open your image. Save it as a separate file that is just for the watermarked image, so that your original is not lost. 
   2. 
      
      
      Open your watermark. This should contain the logo or image that you want to watermark. 
   3. 
      
      
      Copy the watermark onto a new layer. Copy the image to the file where you want to add the watermark and paste it onto a new layer, above the image. 
   4. 
      
      
      Set the opacity. On the layer that contains your watermark, turn down the opacity until it is no longer as visible.
   5. 
      
      
      Merge the layers. Merge the layer down to join the watermark permanently with image (again, have an unwatermarked version saved somewhere else). 
   6. 
      
      
      Save the file in a non-Photoshop format. Save the file as a jpeg or similar file which will not preserve the layers. This will make it harder for others to remove your watermark. 

      Method 3 of 3: Adding a Watermark in Google Picasa

      1. 
         
         
         Upload your photos to a Picasa album.
         

         • Picasa is Google's application for handling photos and storing them on the Internet. You can add a watermark in Picasa that is white text. You cannot choose to put a logo as a watermark at this point.

         
         
      2. 
         
         
         Go to your album and select the photos that you want to watermark. You will need to export them to do this.
         

         • On Windows operating systems (OS), hold down the "Shift" button and click on photos to select more than 1 photo to watermark. On Mac OS, hold down the "Command" button and click on photos to select more than 1.

         
         
      3. 
         
         
         Click the "Export" button. This will be found in your photo tray. You will need to have a folder to which you can export the photos. 
      4. 
         
         
         Click the "Add a Watermark" option in the menu.
          
      5. 
         
         
         Type the text that you want to be displayed as your watermark.
          
      6. 
         
         
         Select "OK" and your photos will have the watermark on them when they arrive in your folder.
          
      7. 
         
         
         Alternatively, add while uploading. You can also add a watermark when you are uploading photos. Before you download, click "Tools" then "Options" on a Windows OS and click "Picasa" then "Preferences" in Mac OS. Click on the tab that says "Picasa Web Albums." Select "Add a Watermark." Type your text. Click "OK" and your albums will arrive in your uploaded album with watermark protection.

How to Format a Computer

Method 1 of 2: Windows

1. 
   
   
   Backup your data. When you format a computer, you will lose all of your files and data. The programs can’t be backed up; they will need to be reinstalled. Any files—including documents, music, pictures, and videos—that you want to save need to be copied to a backup location.

   • You can use DVDs, CDs, external hard drives, flash drives, or the cloud, depending on how much data you have to backup.
   
   
2. 
   
   
   Set your BIOS to boot from CD. To do this, restart the computer and enter the setup screen when the manufacturer logo appears. The key to do this will be displayed, and varies by manufacturer. The most common keys are F2, F10, F12, and Del.

   • Once in the BIOS menu, select the Boot menu. Change the order of devices so that your computer boots from CD before booting from the hard drive. Save your changes and exit. Your computer will restart.
   • If you are installing from a flash drive, then you will need to set the BIOS to boot from removable storage

   
   
3. 
   
   
   Begin Setup. If the CD has been inserted and the BIOS is set correctly, you will see a message telling you to “Press any key to boot from CD…” Press a key on the keyboard and the setup process for Windows 7 will launch.

   • Your system may automatically launch the setup program without asking you to press any key.

   
   
4. 
   
   
   Watch the Windows files load. After completion, the Windows 7 logo will appear. No files have been altered on your computer yet. Your data will be deleted in later steps. 
    
   
5. 
   
   
   
   Choose your preferences. You will be prompted to confirm your Language, Time & Currency format, and Keyboard or input method. Select the appropriate options for you and click Next. 
    
6. 
   
   
   Click Install Now. Do not click Repair Computer, even if you are repairing a computer by reinstalling Windows. Once clicked, Setup will begin loading the files it needs to continue. 
    
7. 
   
   
   Read and accept the terms. In order to advance, you must indicate that you have read and agree to Microsoft’s terms of use. Be sure to read through it so that you know your rights and limitations as a user. 
    
8. 
   
   
   Choose Custom install. This will allow you to perform a clean installation. Formatting the computer means wiping it of all the data that is on it, so you will be performing a clean installation, so that you will be given the option to erase the disk. 
    
9. 
   
   
   Delete the partition. A window will open asking where you would like to install Windows. In order to perform a clean install, you need to delete the old partition and start with a clean slate. Click “Drive options (advanced).” This will give you the ability to delete and create partitions.

   • Select the partition of your existing operating system and click the Delete button.
   • If your hard drive has multiple partitions, be sure to delete the correct one. Any data on a deleted partition is lost for good.
   • Confirm the deletion process.

   
   
10. 
    
    
    Select the Unallocated Space and click Next. There is no need to create a partition before you install Windows 7, this is done automatically. 
     
11. 
    
    
    Wait while Windows installs files. The percentage next to Expanding Windows files will steadily increase. This part of the process can take up to 30 minutes.

    • Windows will automatically restart your computer when finished.
    • Setup will launch again, and a message will tell you that Setup is updating registry settings.
    • Setup will then configure your computer’s services. This happens every time you start Windows, but will happen in the background next time.
    • A window will open letting you know that Windows is completing the installation. Your computer will restart again when this is complete.
    • Setup will now load drivers and check video settings. This part does not require any input from you.

    
    
12. 
    
    
    Enter your user name and computer name. Your username will be used to log in to the computer and personalize your account. Your computer name is the name that your computer will display on the network.

    • You can add more users later through the Windows 7 control panel.
    • Windows will ask you for a password. This is optional but highly recommended, especially if the computer will be accessible by users other than yourself. If you’d rather not have a password, leave the fields blank and click Next.

    
    
13. 
    
    
    Enter your product key. This is the 25-character key that came with your copy of Windows. Check the “Automatically activate Windows when I’m online” to have Windows automatically verify your key the next time it is connected to the internet. 
     
14. 
    
    
    Select your Windows Update option. To make sure that your copy of Windows runs securely and stably, it is highly recommended that you choose one of the first two options. The first option will install all updates automatically, the second option will prompt you when important updates are available. 
     
15. 
    
    
    Select your date and time. These should be correct already as they are linked to your BIOS, but you can change them now if they are not. Check the box if your area observes Daylight Savings. 
     
16. 
    
    
    Select network preferences. If your computer is connected to a network, you will be given an option to identify that network. Most users will select Home or Work network. If your computer is being used in a public place, select Public network. Mobile broadband users should always select Public network.

    • Windows will now attempt to connect your computer to the network. This process is completely automated.

    
    
17. 
    
    
    Explore your desktop. After one final loading screen, your new Windows 7 desktop will appear. Installation is now complete.

Method 2 of 2: Mac OS X

1. 
   
   
   Backup your data. When you format a computer, you will lose all of your files and data. The programs can’t be backed up; they will need to be reinstalled. Any files—including documents, music, pictures, and videos—that you want to save need to be copied to a backup location.

   • You can use DVDs, CDs, external hard drives, flash drives, or the cloud, depending on how much data you have to backup.

   
   
2. 
   
   
   Reboot your Mac. While the computer is rebooting, hold down the Command + R keys. This will open the Recovery menu. Select Disk Utility and click Continue. 
    
3. 
   
   
   Format your disk. Select your hard drive from the left frame in the Disk Utility. Select the Erase tab. In the Format dropdown menu, select Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Enter any name you would like and then click Erase.

   • All of the data will be deleted from the disk at this point. Make sure you have properly backed up any important files.
   • Close Disk Utility after the Erase process is complete.

   
   
4. 
   
   
   Begin the Mac OS X installation process. Verify that you are connected to a network and select Reinstall Mac OS X. You will need to verify your license by entering your Apple ID and password. You will also need to accept the license agreements. 
    
5. 
   
   
   Select the disk to install to. The installer will prompt you to select a disk to install the OS to. Select the disk that you just erased using Disk Utility. 
    
    
6. 
   
   Wait for the process to complete. Mac OS X will begin installing itself, and requires no input from the user. The computer may reboot during the installation process. After installation is complete, the desktop appears. 
    
   

How to Add a Blog Background

Steps

1. 
   
   
   Go to the HTML page for your blog. If you are editing your blog offline then you can open it in Dreamweaver to change HTML. Blogging services like Blogger allow you to change HTML online by going to the Design page and selecting the "Edit HTML" tab. You need to be able to access the HTML codes for your blog, and how you do this can vary greatly depending on what blogging services and methods you use. 
    
2. 
   
   
   Don't try to look for a separate image with a different color if all you want to do is change the background color. Instead, you can just edit your HTML to change the existing color to the one that you want.

   • Search for "HTML color chart" on the Internet. You should be able to find a table that displays different colors along with their color name and HEX (Hexadecimal) number. The HEX number is the number used within the HTML, so you need to remember the HEX number for the particular color that you want as your background.
   • Find the code on your blog that defines the background color. It will look like this.
     • body {
     • background-color:#XXXXXX
     
     
3. 
   
   
   You will see the HEX number of the existing color instead of the X's displayed in the sample code.

   • Change the HEX number to the number for the color that you want as your background. After you save and apply the new HTML, you will see the new color as the background.

Adding a Blog Background Image

1. 
   
   
   Select the image that you want to add as the background. There are many websites that allow you to download blog backgrounds or you can use an image that is already saved on your computer. 
    
2. 
   
   
   Upload the image. Photo hosting websites such as Picasa, Flickr and Photobucket allow you to upload images for free. Your blog hosting service may also allow you to upload images in a similar way to how the rest of your blog is hosted. 
    
3. 
   
   
   Get the image URL. To do this you need to open the image in your Internet browser and copy the URL where it is displayed. 
    
4. 
   
   
   Insert the code for adding an image as the background. Here is the HTML code.

   • • body {
     • background-image: url(image URL);
   • You need to add the code where the body of your blog HTML begins. Replace "image URL" with the full URL where your image is located.
   •  
5. 
   
   
   Save the changes after you edit HTML and view your blog. You should see the image added as the background.