Winterset,

there is an installation guide, that describes all necessary steps depending on your configuration. As DNN is performing a lot of actions during installation, of course, the worker process needs a lot of permissions. you also need to have the proper settings in IIS, but a qualified hoster will be able to assist you without problems.

Thanks.  I think I got it.  The real problem I was having was, it turns out, pretty simple: the part in the document that talks about installing the 4.x version says something to the effect that if you need more info then consult the section for installing the 3.x version.  What it really should say is first follow the 3.x version instruction and then do the following.  Also, I'm quite the cynic so when things seem easy I get really paranoid.  Somewhere in there should be a blanket statement that 'Yes, it really is that easy.  You just might have to ask for help from your hosting service.' 

Oh, while I'm on it: the StarterKit zip I downloaded didn't have a vsi anywhere in it.  Am I missing something?

Thanks all.

Robin