Joomla is one of the best open source CMS software programs available because it’s easy to use and has some of the best features. And it’s free. Unlike Ning.com, Joomla gives you total control of the configuration of your site. Joomla can be used to run a social network, a blog, or even more complex information structures. It doesn’t enforce a use like ning.com does, so you can use the software for many types of sites. Joomla also has a robust developer community that can be accessed to gain information about extending your Joomla installation or fixing problems you might have.
Before starting your install of Joomla software, you need to do some simple things with your hosting service, and you need some tools.
1. Check to ensure that the right software is installed on your server. To run Joomla 1.5, your web hosting service must provide:
■ PHP version 5.0 or greater (5.1.x is recommended)
■ MySQL version 5.0 or greater
2. Get a text editor. You might have to edit some text files to get your Joomla install up and running.
3. Get an FTP client. When you are installing software such as Joomla, you need an FTP client to move files between machines.
4. Pick a username and password. Pick a username and password and make sure they are unique and contain letters and numbers.
To begin using Joomla, you need to download it and install the software on your web server. To download the Joomla software, go to http://joomlacode. org/ . This is the main source for the Joomla code. You will need to register before downloading the Joomla code. Depending on your host, installing and configuring Joomla from this point might be tricky, so if you have any questions, consult the Joomla documentation. There is even an easy browser version of the installation you might be able to use depending on your server. Here are some documentation sources to help with you with your installation.
■ Joomla! 1.5 Installation Manual
■ Ten Steps to Joomla! - battractive.com/Joomla/Joomla-Install-small.pdf
After you have downloaded Joomla and installed it, you’ll notice that its operation is similar to ning.com. For example, you can add pages, content, and discussions like you did in ning, but Joomla gives you advanced features such as user management, modules, plug-ins, and templates, and it places no limitations on size. Like using WordPress software, there is a publicly viewable front part of the website and a password-protected area, where you administer your Joomla installation. In the administrative part of the website, you can add articles, manage users, and apply modules, plug-ins, and templates.
Articles are like stories or posts you add to your Joomla website. When you add an article, it appears on the front page like a blog entry. Follow these instructions to add an article:
1. Point your browser to yourdomain.com/administrator/index.php?option=com_login.
2. Log in to Joomla! Administration with the credentials you gave during your Joomla installation. This opens the administrator area of your Joomla site.
3. Click the Add New Article button. This opens the New Article editor.
4. Enter the content of your article and click Yes on the Front Page radio button.
5. Click Save. Your article will now appear on the front page.
Managing Users Joomla has robust user management, which means you can add new users and give them specific abilities (such as creating, editing, and accessing certain parts of the website). You access the User Manager from the Administration interface.
Modules, plug-ins, and templates are all customizations you can add to your Joomla installation. They allow a wide range of features such as calendars, polls, image slide shows, and extensions to other websites. Here are some module, plug-in, and template resources:
■ Joomla Extensions — This site contains a great collection of modules and plug-ins for your Joomla site.
■ Joomla Hacks — A very techy resource for all things Joomla.
Here are a few additional Joomla resources:
■ Getting Started with Joomla!
Joomla is a dynamic CMS software program that is always changing and improving. Keep a close eye on your Joomla software announcements. Take part in the Joomla community, and have fun using the resources discussed in this article!
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