In this article we walk you though the process of seting up your MAMP system and configuring PHP, MySQL and installing Joomla on your Mac computer system.

The first thing we need to do is install the Joomla files into MAMP's.  So lets take the Joomla zip file you downloaded earlier and drop it into your Applications > MAMP  > htdocs folder.  Double click the zip file to uncompress the files.  Rename the folder to joomla.

Now lets start the MAMP program by and add it to your Dock.  Back step in the directory to the Applications > MAMP folder and drag the MAMP icon to your Dock.  Then click on it to file up the program.

Next we will create a database for your new website with phpMyAdmin.  As soon as MAMP's started it should have opened your default web browser.  If not you can get to it by going to the MAMP address http://localhost:8888/MAMP/ and clicking on the phpMyAdmin link.

Now lets create a database called Joomla in a UTF8 format.  In the text box below Create new database type in joomla (in lower case, its case sensitive) and select UTF8_bin from the drop down beside that.  Click Create and you should get a successful message.  "Database joomla has been created."

Now we can browse to our Joomla installation from your web browser.  The address should be http://localhost:8888/joomla/ which should automatically take you to http://localhost:8888/joomla/installation/index.php.  You should see the Joomla installation screen prompting you to select your language, I assume you speak english, so go ahead and click next up in the top right of your screen.

Next you're going to see the screen that shows whether or not your server is configured correctly.  Unlike the WAMP, MAMP is setup correctly so we only have to click next and continue the install.

Don't mind the image, using the same one from the other article, Your MAMP install should come back without any errors.

Now we are going to install the database.

The Database type is: mysql

Host Name is: localhost

Username is: root

Password is: root

Database Name is: joomla

It should look like the picture, click on next to see if we set it up right.

Next is the FTP settings, we will ignore them, and click on next.

Next we will name your site and set the admin password and email address.  Name your site whatever you would like, we can change it at anytime, so if you had not gotten that far just use a temporary name for now.

For the email address use your email address, the system should email you with any admin messages as long as your computer is hooked up to the internet when it sends them.

For the password set that to something that you will remember, its what you will be typing in to log into the back end of the site.

Next we will go ahead and install the Sample Data so we have something to work with once you start configuring your website.

Don't worry about Migration Data we will not be using that.  Click next and then we will finish up.

On the last screen you will be prompted to completely remove the installation directory.  Do so by going to the Applications > MAMP > joomla folder and throw the installation directory in the Trash.

Now you can pull up your web browser and go to your newly installed website.  Your homepage will be located at http://localhost:8888/joomla/index.php

The admin area will be located at http://localhost:8888/joomla/administrator/index.php

You can login using your Admin user account you just created.

Username : admin
Password : whatever you made it ;)

Congratulations, you have just setup and installed your first website!