If you have been thinking about a Joomla Website

I have been reading a real good book on the subject. It's titled "JOOMLA! A USERS GUIDE BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL JOOMLA! WEBSITE" by Barrie M. North from Prentice Hall Publishers.

This book is a fairly easy read for a tech book! It's well organized and presented in smaller concise chapters so you don't get bogged down on the basics.

Based on the current release 1.50x it's good for the novice and also features some online additional companion resources as well as how to set up a test bed server on your desktop using either WAMP(for Windows) or LAMP (for Linux).

This book also has a very good section on GETTING TRAFFIC TO YOUR SITE and the current ins and outs of SEO and marketing.

Here's more from Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0136135609/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link

Ok...so in laymans terms...or rather, as if you are speaking to a 3 year old...what is Joomla? And why would I want a Joomla site? (Besides being able to say "I have a Joomla site" to everybody I meet...because honestly, "Joomla" is a pretty cool word to say.)

In short Joomla is a content management system which means once you set it up adding content (pages, photos, etc) is a breeze and beats the heck out of making straight HTML pages. I'll let Doug explain more as he loves his Joom! :)

Joomla! is a content management system of modular design. What it does is break up the web page into separate parts that normally are all mixed together on a regualr web page. By breaking up the page into component pieces you have more individual control and easier means to update a)Content, b)page layout, c)styles and colors used within the page.

This means to add content its a matter of writing the text and pasting it into the system where it then assumes the rest of the page parameters.

Say you want to change the page around it just an easy matter of switching positions on the page template by a simple re-assignment.

Want to tweak the colors for a season change, that can be done without affecting the rest of the page.

Want to add a blog, or a gallery, comments or other features??? There are Plugins that easily integrate features to your site without having to hard code it in.

Take a look at my website granted it's very basic, but hopefully that will change before to long after reading the book. You see a calendar, and comments plugins.

You can also see how I can integrate my DJEP Tools as well as my Party Supply Store into the site. And this is version 1.0., 1.5 has more control available.

If you take full advantage of Joomla! You can spend MORE time on keeping content fresh and relevant, two of the most important things you need to do, rather than having to wait and worry over hard coded tweaks from a webmaster. Once it's set up all you'll have to do is add new text name the article and publish it. Joomla will do the rest.

The big plus is you don't have to be a web page "programmer" to use Joomla! UNLESS you want to tweak the template and it's structure itself. If you use a good template that won't be necessary as the template will have the controls built in.(There are lots of free templates, the one I use was free,(and I tweaked it) however, the good ones with the bells and whistles will cost anywhere from $35 on up depending on complexity etc.)

I hadn't heard of Joomla! but I'm checking it out now. I've been looking for something like this to do my company's new website. Microsoft has a service, as does Google, and I'd been looking into SharePoint hosting. This looks like it might be a good option, too. I just don't have the time to do all the work. :sqembarrassed:

I hadn't heard of Joomla! but I'm checking it out now. I've been looking for something like this to do my company's new website. Microsoft has a service, as does Google, and I'd been looking into SharePoint hosting. This looks like it might be a good option, too. I just don't have the time to do all the work. :sqembarrassed:

The key is really the template. Once you find one that gives you the base layout you like, the rest is easy.

For simplicity sake I haven't gone into what's required of the hosting site for the back end. Before you can use Joomla! the hosting site will need to have MySql Database(stores the websites content) and PHP(the programming that makes Joomla! run) installed.

If you are starting from scratch get 1.5 and be sure the template is also for 1.5.

Just a sidebar I use a webhosting company that specializes in Joomla! website so things run a lot more smoothly as they are aware of how certain upgrades can affect Joomla! performance.

They also offer very good pricing, mine is the top package at just $19.95 a month with no commitment. They also have start-up specials as well.

Hmm...maybe that's a little more than I want to do, but I'll check it out anyway. What's the URL to that webhosting company that you use?

BuyHTTP.com

I LOVE my Joomla Web site. the other night I had to go in and update a few photos of my DJs, and add another profile... took no time at all.

The hardest thing is to be careful not to add too much.. lol, its easy to keep adding and adding to the site.

Great find on the Book Doug.

Hey Doug... heres a question for you... My site opens slow... is this a problem with the Joomla template, or with the server that it is on??

If you know.. or if anyone knows.. let me know.. Thanks!

Your not kidding its slow Scottie. Doug help my (small) friend out!

My first guess is server as you don't seem to have anything excessive on the front page. Who is the host?

I went in and did a little more looking, I see a few javascripts as well as some rotating pictures, those could be a possible bottleneck. It may not be one thing but cumulative, scripts, pics, server.

If ya want to see Joomla in action, this is one of my test subdomains...

http://djworld.softjock.com/

I starting building it a couple years ago, to make lyrics available to Rockit. I will eventually finish it, but Rockit has its own comm interface now, so not in any hurry.

Fun stuff to play with though... :)

The forums are read only though, as the spammers were having too much fun with it :sqerr:

For hosting, why not keep they money inside ODJT :)

I give a hefty ODJT discount for members :D total you pay: $10 a month

Doug want the ebook ?

Building Websites with Joomla 1.5.pdf
just give me a yell

Doug want the ebook ?

Building Websites with Joomla 1.5.pdf
just give me a yell

If he doesn't, I do. goodknightdj@goodknightentertainment.com.

You can send it here as well Dennis. djron@djronauger.com

OOPS this one slid by me. I already have that book too. It goes more into detail about how to create templates.

Is there an easy way to get this Joomla? Is there a program that sets it up? The only thing I've worked with is Front Page, beyond that I'm pretty @#$ing stupid. Just ask Sarge.:sqwink:

Joomla is more of a system. Here's a link for more info:

http://www.joomla.org/

Online demo, FAQ and forums other resources.

Ultimately what Joomla does is separate content, styles, and structure making them independent of each other, giving you more flexibility and control, while at the same time allowing you to create or edit content quickly in a simple editor.

My website was done with Joomla 1.0. The current version 1.5 is a complete reboot of Joomla from source code up. That's why my site has kinda stagnated, I'm learning 1.5 and planning on writing a custom template.

I'm pretty @#$ing stupid. Just ask Sarge.:sqwink:

So, who am I to disagree with you on that point. :sqlaugh:

Ron, I am busy learnig Joomla!. It is my hope thyat I can turn this into a, shades of PM and MF, business I can make money off other DJs with. :sqmad:

Seriously, I have gotten the two books and am looking into building my own site. Doug, I know you've been there but the best way I know how to learn is to just get out and do it myself so I will defer any questions I have until I have throughly dug a hole for myself.

I'm learning 1.5 and planning on writing a custom template.

Ditto.

ok you can grab these ebooks from here

1. http://www.mediafire.com/?hmmztmdp0zk

2. http://www.mediafire.com/?o1mxajdzzhm

3. http://www.mediafire.com/?s29mlz1bbkm

some are in rar files - if you dont have winrar here you can download portable winrar

4. - winrar portable http://www.mediafire.com/?vw3c4bugjmr

have a nice day all

Can Joomla handle flash?

I think so, but I'm not a fan of flash websites.

Let's just say Ron is so slow, it takes him 1 1/2 hours to watch 60 Minutes.

DOAH!!!!

Why I outta!!!:sqconfused:

If ya want to see Joomla in action, this is one of my test subdomains...

http://djworld.softjock.com/



Rick when I went to your site a phishing filter went off might be something you want to look in to

Just did it again here's the screenshot

:eek: MS Don't like the Jock that is Soft. :D FWIW, I took a quick peak at your source and CSS nothing looks out of order and Firefox didn't warn me. It's possible that IE is throwing up the phishing warning because "com" is in the URL which phishers frequently do to spoof domains.

Why I outta!!!:sqconfused:

Your wife wishes you would. :sqwink:

Your wife wishes you would. :sqwink:That's it, no more popcorn for you, Bucko!:sqwink:

Ok so what is up with this website company. What is the least expensive option with joomla. I see you can buy a templet but how much for hosting. I would not mind putting up a nice html site that can be reached from my website start page. That way I can have flash and html and anyone can reach me. Though I have setup a basic blog which might do the same.

Dave, Joomla is free and you can install it on any web host that offers php and mysql almost all do even GoDaddy's $2.99/mo accounts. On to the templates if your so inclined you can modify the default template to fit your site free of cost or find a free template on the web there's many sites that offer them or you can pay someone to custom code a template for you. That can run from anywhere from $100 - unlimited. You get what you pay for ;) Most reputable template developers will charge around $200 for template with custom CSS and graphics.

I am downloading it now. It should work with WeDJ. I will look into that tomorrow. SiteBuilder just doesn't cut it for me. Joomla may be the answer I have been looking for.

Rick when I went to your site a phishing filter went off might be something you want to look in to

Tried it in both IE and FF -- no warnings...

Must be a Canadian thing :sqlaugh:

I am downloading it now. It should work with WeDJ. I will look into that tomorrow. SiteBuilder just doesn't cut it for me. Joomla may be the answer I have been looking for.Downloading what now? For where? who's on first?

You guys do realize that Joomla has to run on a web server right?????
You can set up a desk top web server that will run Joomla using this:

Xampp for Windows :
http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp-windows.html

This will create a server environment on your desktop suitable for web site development.
NOTE Xampp IS NOT SECURE TO GO LIVE ONLINE WITHOUT TURNING ON VARIOUS SECURITY PROTOCOLS.

Downloading what now? For where? who's on first?
Joomla 1.5. For m web site of course, and I have no idea who is on first. The Cubs are eliminated and I am starting to watch hockey. Go Blackhawks!

So, if I get one of these free templates do I need the Joomla 1.5 in order to add or edit it?

Also, where can I find a free template? I use a free template once, or so I thought until I got a bill for using copyrighted photos on that free template. I don't want to go through that again. Any pics will be purchased from a reputable site.

I just found out that my hosting site has php 4 & 5. Now what? I'm getting anxious

I don't think you're quite grokking what Joomla is and does. Joomla is a Content Management System.
See this link for more info...
http://www.joomla.org/about-joomla.html

http://www.joomlashack.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=42&Itemid=16

The template is what determines the website's appearance. It is the FRONT END of Joomla. Joomla is the software that ties PHP, MySQL and the Template which is HTML & CSS together to present your information that is stored in the MySQL database. Web pages do not exist on their own by themselves but are generated on demand when called. The information for the web page is them displayed in the format and color scheme of the template.

Thanks Doug,

Just understand you're working with an idot here. I've downloaded Joomla 1.5 and a template. My websever handles php. Where can I go to learn how to put all this together?

I've only worked with MS Frontpage. I created the templates in FP and uploaded them to my webserver. I'm assuming it's not that simple with Joomla.

I appreciate your patients.

Your web server also has to have MySQL database installed as that is where all your content will reside.

Joomla templates are a mixture of HTML, CSS and PHP. PHP is the programming language that runs everything in the Joomla system.

IF you are serious about Joomla, I would HIGHLY recommend starting with the Book I mention at the beginning of this thread and installing Xampp for Windows on your PC so you don't have to worry about keeping an active website on line while you learn. Also by doing so, IF you should FOO-BAR the works, you won't have to worry about taking out an active website.

Before I went live, I set up the desktop sever and just started poking and playing and learned how it all worked as I went. I think I spent about 6-9 months on the desktop before going live on line.

Once you do go live, if you keep the desktop active you can always have a full backup of the web site ready to go if you ever crash or get hacked, and you have a place where you can test new features before you actually add them to your live website.

Joomla does have a learning curve, but once you master the basics, building and modifying a website is a snap. I would also recommend becoming a member of the user forum at joomla.org you can find a lot of valuable info and help there.

Thanks Doug,

Just understand you're working with an idot here. I've downloaded Joomla 1.5 and a template. My websever handles php. Where can I go to learn how to put all this together?

I've only worked with MS Frontpage. I created the templates in FP and uploaded them to my webserver. I'm assuming it's not that simple with Joomla.

I appreciate your patients.

Ron,

The first question you should ask yourself is: Do I need a content management system?

It's great for stuff that is updated daily, hourly, etc. -- probably overkill for somebody who needs a basic website, with no major database support, etc...

For example, my test website I linked above, is designed to serve lyrics and album art content, not just display a page or three.

Your web server also has to have MySQL database installed as that is where all your content will reside.


IF you are serious about Joomla, I would HIGHLY recommend starting with the Book I mention at the beginning of this thread and installing Xampp for Windows on your PC so you don't have to worry about keeping an active website on line while you learn. Also by doing so, IF you should FOO-BAR the works, you won't have to worry about taking out an active website.

My server does have MySQL.
I will check out the book you suggested. I have downloaded Xampp. Now to get that working.

If anyone is STUCK with Joomla then have a read of the ebooks from my last post above

you can download them and see how too!!

The work so far for my Joomla! site is at http://www.goodknightentertainment.com/joomla/ (http://www.goodknightentertainment.com/joomla/).

I am going to redo the flash, update articles throughout, and other tweaks.

I know that there are not many images. I kind of want it that way to make this more of an information page; basically, a "this is what we do and who we are" page.

It still has a long way to go.