CMS Help

Hello,

I am a middle of the road developer - not an expert, not a newbie. I have had
more clients ask me to be able to update their sites in their own. I have had
some clients use Contribute - but then they are limited to just the pages that
are html and as well, limited to the one computer that the software is located
on.

I have seen some larger developer who are using content management systems to
develop the majority of thier websites - one system is ExpressionEngine from
pmachine.com. I have done some administrative sections for clients with
ASP/MSSQL, so I could realistically write my own CMS, but do I want to or am I
just recreating the wheel so to speak? If I create my own, I would be more
comfortable with ASP, but is it better to write it in PHP?

I have one particular client that uses a backend MS SQL database (it is a
doctor's office) that we hope eventually we can hook up to for the web site,
but at this point, we have to have the two separate. So at this point, I want
to have a CMS for them that is MS SQL based - but the more research I do, the
more I see PHP and MySQL being used for CMS. Is there a reason for using one
language over the other? I think PHP is becoming more industry standard, but
MS SQL is a more powerful database.

I also have a new set of clients that need similar sites that would be best
run with a CMS. I want to be able to offer different design templates for them
to choose from, have the basic pages set up that they all will probably need -
but also be able to offer them the ability to add their own pages, forms,
mailing lists, forums, etc. Any advice here?

I don't mind a large learning curve for a CMS, but really want to start out
with one that is highly recommended, that I can customize if I need to, and
hopefully will work with a dreamweaver template/design. I know there are
hughly expensive CMS programs out there - I would of course love to find a free
one that I can customize, but I don't mind paying per site (but not paying each
month) I would love any recommendations!!

Sorry for all the questions - the more I research, the more confused I get!!
Julie

On Thu, 1 Jun 2006 16:24:08 +0000 (UTC), "tccdover"
<webforumsuser (AT) macromedia (DOT) com> wrote:

Hello,

I am a middle of the road developer - not an expert, not a newbie. I have had
more clients ask me to be able to update their sites in their own. I have had
some clients use Contribute - but then they are limited to just the pages that
are html and as well, limited to the one computer that the software is located
on.

I have seen some larger developer who are using content management systems to
develop the majority of thier websites - one system is ExpressionEngine from
pmachine.com. I have done some administrative sections for clients with
ASP/MSSQL, so I could realistically write my own CMS, but do I want to or am I
just recreating the wheel so to speak? If I create my own, I would be more
comfortable with ASP, but is it better to write it in PHP?

I have one particular client that uses a backend MS SQL database (it is a
doctor's office) that we hope eventually we can hook up to for the web site,
but at this point, we have to have the two separate. So at this point, I want
to have a CMS for them that is MS SQL based - but the more research I do, the
more I see PHP and MySQL being used for CMS. Is there a reason for using one
language over the other? I think PHP is becoming more industry standard, but
MS SQL is a more powerful database.

I also have a new set of clients that need similar sites that would be best
run with a CMS. I want to be able to offer different design templates for them
to choose from, have the basic pages set up that they all will probably need -
but also be able to offer them the ability to add their own pages, forms,
mailing lists, forums, etc. Any advice here?

I don't mind a large learning curve for a CMS, but really want to start out
with one that is highly recommended, that I can customize if I need to, and
hopefully will work with a dreamweaver template/design. I know there are
hughly expensive CMS programs out there - I would of course love to find a free
one that I can customize, but I don't mind paying per site (but not paying each
month) I would love any recommendations!!

Sorry for all the questions - the more I research, the more confused I get!!
Julie

Julie,

I've been researching the same thing recently. Here's what I've
found:

I can build a custom CMS from scratch - there are tools from places
like InterAKT or WebAssist that might help you automate some of the
process. I have one of those in beta testing right now with the board
for the organization it belongs to; I used the InterAKT stuff for it.

There are more free or inexpensive CMS packages available for
PHP/mySQL than for ASP/Access or MSSQL.

If you want to stay ASP, but don't want to roll your own, have a look
at http://www.allinta.com/default.asp?contentID=1. They do have both
an online demo and a trial version, but even the full version is
inexpensive enough to justify purchasing and playing with it. It's
not terribly sophisticated, but for some sites might be just what you
need.

If you're willing to move to PHP/mySQL, both Joomla and WordPress were
recommended by people whose opinions I trust. I've downloaded Joomla;
now I need to install Apache/PHP/mySQL and learn how to use it!

Win
--
Win Day, Wild Rose Websites
http://www.wildrosewebsites.com
winday (AT) NOSPAMwildrosewebsites (DOT) com
Skype winifredday

"Win Day" <winday (AT) NOSPAMwildrosewebsites (DOT) com> wrote in message

If you're willing to move to PHP/mySQL, both Joomla and WordPress were
recommended by people whose opinions I trust. I've downloaded Joomla;
now I need to install Apache/PHP/mySQL and learn how to use it!

Win,
you'll have to buy David Powers' latest book!
Foundation PHP for Dreamweaver 8 http://tinyurl.com/rt8we

I've barely started the book, but I'm managed to install apache and php so
far ;-)


--
Nadia
Adobe® Community Expert : Dreamweaver
--------------------------------------------
http://www.csstemplates.com.au - CSS Templates | Free Templates
--------------------------------------------
http://www.perrelink.com.au - Web Dev
http://www.DreamweaverResources.com - Dropdown Menu Templates|Tutorials
http://www.adobe.com/devnet/dreamweaver/css.html
-------------------------------------------------

On Fri, 2 Jun 2006 09:59:09 +1000, "Nadia : **AdobeCommunityExpert**"
<nadia (AT) REMOVETHISperrelink (DOT) com.au> wrote:

"Win Day" <winday (AT) NOSPAMwildrosewebsites (DOT) com> wrote in message

If you're willing to move to PHP/mySQL, both Joomla and WordPress were
recommended by people whose opinions I trust. I've downloaded Joomla;
now I need to install Apache/PHP/mySQL and learn how to use it!

Win,
you'll have to buy David Powers' latest book!
Foundation PHP for Dreamweaver 8 http://tinyurl.com/rt8we

I've barely started the book, but I'm managed to install apache and php so
far ;-)

I think so. I have one of his older books, plus one from
SitePoint. I just tried to install PHP and mySQL from a CD that came
with the SitePoint book, and I can't figure out where the heck mySQL
is to configure it! The sample code in the book doesn't work; says
file and folder not found. Sheesh!

(I HATE the Mac. Deep, abiding hatred. Stupid OS that hides things
from the user in a misguided attempt to be "friendly". And why in the
world doesn't it come with a plain text editor???)

Win
--
Win Day, Wild Rose Websites
http://www.wildrosewebsites.com
winday (AT) NOSPAMwildrosewebsites (DOT) com
Skype winifredday

"Win Day" wrote

I think so. I have one of his older books, plus one from
SitePoint. I just tried to install PHP and mySQL from a CD that came
with the SitePoint book, and I can't figure out where the heck mySQL
is to configure it! The sample code in the book doesn't work; says
file and folder not found. Sheesh!

(I HATE the Mac. Deep, abiding hatred. Stupid OS that hides things
from the user in a misguided attempt to be "friendly". And why in the
world doesn't it come with a plain text editor???)

Maybe this http://computerbookshelf.com/phpdw/errata.php can help you.

/Tine

Tine Müller wrote:

"Win Day" wrote

I think so. I have one of his older books, plus one from
SitePoint. I just tried to install PHP and mySQL from a CD that came
with the SitePoint book, and I can't figure out where the heck mySQL
is to configure it! The sample code in the book doesn't work; says
file and folder not found. Sheesh!

(I HATE the Mac. Deep, abiding hatred. Stupid OS that hides things
from the user in a misguided attempt to be "friendly". And why in the
world doesn't it come with a plain text editor???)


Maybe this http://computerbookshelf.com/phpdw/errata.php can help you.

/Tine

"TextEdit" is the native, built-in plain text editor on Mac OSX.
You can download 'Onyx' to show all hidden folders and files.
That's one of the things I have done when I installed PHP and mySQL, because like you I realized
they install inside hidden folders (usr).
But in the end I never needed to open these folders, even though I am using PHP all the time.
Everything gets done from within Dreamweaver, or 'Terminal', or PHPmyAdmin...

--
seb ( --- (AT) webtrans1 (DOT) com)
http://webtrans1.com | high-end web design
Downloads: Slide Show, Directory Browser, Mailing List

On Fri, 2 Jun 2006 06:13:47 +0200, "Tine Müller" <tinem (AT) email (DOT) dk>
wrote:

"Win Day" wrote
I think so. I have one of his older books, plus one from
SitePoint. I just tried to install PHP and mySQL from a CD that came
with the SitePoint book, and I can't figure out where the heck mySQL
is to configure it! The sample code in the book doesn't work; says
file and folder not found. Sheesh!

(I HATE the Mac. Deep, abiding hatred. Stupid OS that hides things
from the user in a misguided attempt to be "friendly". And why in the
world doesn't it come with a plain text editor???)

Maybe this http://computerbookshelf.com/phpdw/errata.php can help you.

/Tine

Thanks, Tine. Good reference; unfortunately, it looks like mySQL did
NOT install properly, so I'm back to square one.

I hate the Mac.

I might end up installing Apache/PHP/mySQL on one of my spare Windows
boxes instead. At least I'll be able to find things!

Win
--
Win Day, Wild Rose Websites
http://www.wildrosewebsites.com
winday (AT) NOSPAMwildrosewebsites (DOT) com
Skype winifredday

On Fri, 02 Jun 2006 10:38:26 +0200, "(_seb_)" <seb (AT) webtrans1 (DOT) com>
wrote:

Tine Müller wrote:
"Win Day" wrote

I think so. I have one of his older books, plus one from
SitePoint. I just tried to install PHP and mySQL from a CD that came
with the SitePoint book, and I can't figure out where the heck mySQL
is to configure it! The sample code in the book doesn't work; says
file and folder not found. Sheesh!

(I HATE the Mac. Deep, abiding hatred. Stupid OS that hides things
from the user in a misguided attempt to be "friendly". And why in the
world doesn't it come with a plain text editor???)


Maybe this http://computerbookshelf.com/phpdw/errata.php can help you.

/Tine



"TextEdit" is the native, built-in plain text editor on Mac OSX.

Really? My version of TextEdit does not have a plain text option; the
closest I can get is RTF. I downloaded TextWrangler and it seems to
do the job.

You can download 'Onyx' to show all hidden folders and files.
That's one of the things I have done when I installed PHP and mySQL, because like you I realized
they install inside hidden folders (usr).

Oh. No, I DIDN'T realize it installed into hidden folders. I had no
idea /usr was a hidden folder, since none of the references here on my
desk mentioned that little gem. They just talk about editing a file
inside it.

But in the end I never needed to open these folders, even though I am using PHP all the time.
Everything gets done from within Dreamweaver, or 'Terminal', or PHPmyAdmin...

Phooey. I'll rig up a spare Windows box with Apache/PHP/mySQL
instead. This is taking WAAAAAY too much time.
Win Day, Wild Rose Websites
http://www.wildrosewebsites.com
winday (AT) NOSPAMwildrosewebsites (DOT) com
Skype winifredday

Win Day wrote:

On Fri, 02 Jun 2006 10:38:26 +0200, "(_seb_)" <seb (AT) webtrans1 (DOT) com
wrote:


Tine Müller wrote:

"Win Day" wrote


I think so. I have one of his older books, plus one from
SitePoint. I just tried to install PHP and mySQL from a CD that came
with the SitePoint book, and I can't figure out where the heck mySQL
is to configure it! The sample code in the book doesn't work; says
file and folder not found. Sheesh!

(I HATE the Mac. Deep, abiding hatred. Stupid OS that hides things

from the user in a misguided attempt to be "friendly". And why in the

world doesn't it come with a plain text editor???)


Maybe this http://computerbookshelf.com/phpdw/errata.php can help you.

/Tine



"TextEdit" is the native, built-in plain text editor on Mac OSX.


Really? My version of TextEdit does not have a plain text option; the
closest I can get is RTF.

that's one between two options. But in the main menu, under FORMAT, you can select 'make plain text'.
That will turn text edit into a plain text editor.

You can download 'Onyx' to show all hidden folders and files.
That's one of the things I have done when I installed PHP and mySQL, because like you I realized
they install inside hidden folders (usr).


Oh. No, I DIDN'T realize it installed into hidden folders. I had no
idea /usr was a hidden folder, since none of the references here on my
desk mentioned that little gem. They just talk about editing a file
inside it.

I suppose Mac developpers figured that people who were going to use a local server on their machine
would know how to show this folder (i figured it out pretty fast) while normal users would not know
why it's there...
My first reaction was like yours (why the hell PHP and mySQL install in an hidden folder) but then
again, I never needed to open these folders after all. And the default path to local sites is NOT in
an hidden folder (Users/YourName/Sites), while the expression for it according to PHP has nothing to
do with this (localhost/~username/) ???... so all in all, I don't know what to think of it...
It just seems counter intuitive and absurd, but I don't know if that's a Mac implemenatation thing,
or a PHP/mySQL normal lifestyle.

But in the end I never needed to open these folders, even though I am using PHP all the time.
Everything gets done from within Dreamweaver, or 'Terminal', or PHPmyAdmin...


Phooey. I'll rig up a spare Windows box with Apache/PHP/mySQL
instead. This is taking WAAAAAY too much time.
Win Day, Wild Rose Websites
http://www.wildrosewebsites.com
winday (AT) NOSPAMwildrosewebsites (DOT) com
Skype winifredday

--
seb ( --- (AT) webtrans1 (DOT) com)
http://webtrans1.com | high-end web design
Downloads: Slide Show, Directory Browser, Mailing List

On Fri, 02 Jun 2006 16:57:56 +0200, "(_seb_)" <seb (AT) webtrans1 (DOT) com>
wrote:

"TextEdit" is the native, built-in plain text editor on Mac OSX.


Really? My version of TextEdit does not have a plain text option; the
closest I can get is RTF.

that's one between two options. But in the main menu, under FORMAT, you can select 'make plain text'.
That will turn text edit into a plain text editor.

Who knew? I would have expected it to be a "save as" option.

You can download 'Onyx' to show all hidden folders and files.
That's one of the things I have done when I installed PHP and mySQL, because like you I realized
they install inside hidden folders (usr).


Oh. No, I DIDN'T realize it installed into hidden folders. I had no
idea /usr was a hidden folder, since none of the references here on my
desk mentioned that little gem. They just talk about editing a file
inside it.

I suppose Mac developpers figured that people who were going to use a local server on their machine
would know how to show this folder (i figured it out pretty fast) while normal users would not know
why it's there...
My first reaction was like yours (why the hell PHP and mySQL install in an hidden folder) but then
again, I never needed to open these folders after all. And the default path to local sites is NOT in
an hidden folder (Users/YourName/Sites), while the expression for it according to PHP has nothing to
do with this (localhost/~username/) ???...

That much I figured out. It was some of the configuration stuff I was
trying to get to - and the reference book that pointed me to the /usr
folder never mentioned the possibility that it might be hidden.

so all in all, I don't know what to think of it...
It just seems counter intuitive and absurd, but I don't know if that's a Mac implemenatation thing,
or a PHP/mySQL normal lifestyle.

It's a Mac thing. This morning I downloaded XAMPP for Windows and
installed the package on a spare Windows box. It was installed,
configured, and running properly in under 10 minutes.

But in the end I never needed to open these folders, even though I am using PHP all the time.
Everything gets done from within Dreamweaver, or 'Terminal', or PHPmyAdmin...

Unfortunately, when you're following a reference book because you
DON'T know how to do this stuff, and the book's instructions are at
best incomplete and at worst incorrect, you're kind of stuck, you
know?

Anyway, I now have a Joomla site I can play with and learn about.

Thanks for the help.

Win
--
Win Day, Wild Rose Websites
http://www.wildrosewebsites.com
winday (AT) NOSPAMwildrosewebsites (DOT) com
Skype winifredday