database, what is it?

My best advice would be to look in whatever control panel your host provides you with and see if there's anything about creating a database. Your host might have some support documents about databases as well.

Also, what appears in the drop-down menu where you select the database type?

So, I worked out the database bit,..... but then got this request.  how do i install the text into a file called config.php, (where is that file?).   What is the "root directory" of PunBB installation?  If my database is at www.MYDOMAIN/FOLDER/myforum  then where would I put it?

The cache directory is currently not writable!  what do I do with that piece of info?  no idead what chmod is/means.

same with the Avatar issue.

boy oh boy I'm a newbie....

thanks ofr any help!

To finalize the installation all you need to do is to copy and paste the text in the text box below into a file called config.php and then upload this file to the root directory of your PunBB installation. Make sure there are no linebreaks or spaces before <?php. You can later edit config.php if you reconfigure your setup (e.g. change the database password or ).
The cache directory is currently not writable! In order for PunBB to function properly, the directory named cache must be writable by PHP. Use chmod to set the appropriate directory permissions. If in doubt, chmod to 0777.
The avatar directory is currently not writable! If you want users to be able to upload their own avatar images you must see to it that the directory named img/avatars is writable by PHP. You can later choose to save avatar images in a different directory (see Admin/Options). Use chmod to set the appropriate directory permissions. If in doubt, chmod to 0777.

Oaky.. got it.  Thanks!

Is there a way of putting my sites header etc in, rather than it saying My PunnBB forum?

cheers