can anyone tell me if there's a difference in the program between the value application godaddy provides and actually installing it from the coppermine website? will both offer me full access to modify the templates, access the files, etc?
We have no idea what godaddy offers. We can only recommend people use what is available on our site.
You should never install applications from any hosting service. Always download the latest versions from the respective site and install it yourself (a great way to learn the application in the process). I use GoDaddy and I'm very happy with them but they don't always have the latest versions which can cause you to miss out on some important sercurity updates. This holds true for any hosting service and not just GoDaddy.
Gizmo
Since I just happened to read this other thread a few minutes before this one . . .
This thread may be useful to you (gustywind): http://forum.coppermine-gallery.net/index.php?topic=31066.0 (http://forum.coppermine-gallery.net/index.php?topic=31066.0).