Running a node involves two steps:
1. Download core/knots/btcd
2. Run it.
Way too many people making it seel more complicated.
If you don't have a terabyte+ to spare, you'll want to configure pruning. And if you want it connectable you may need to open a port on your firewall.
We really don't do ourselves any favors with the terminology sounding arcane, even if it is accurate.