Monday, August 8, 2011
Joomla - structure of website
Joomla is a content management system. It organises information as follows:
Sections
Categories
Articles
The basic unit is the Article.Articles are then grouped into Categories. Categories are grouped into Sections.
Lastly, nothing appears on the website until it has a Menu. The Menu is created and then linked to an article.Once the Menu has been linked, the Article appears on the site.
The acronym SCAM summarises the sequence: Section, Categorie, Article, Menu.
So, a site plan is required, and this should show the structure of the site in terms of sections, categories and articles.I will be using a mind-mapping package Freemind , for this.
Sections
Categories
Articles
The basic unit is the Article.Articles are then grouped into Categories. Categories are grouped into Sections.
Lastly, nothing appears on the website until it has a Menu. The Menu is created and then linked to an article.Once the Menu has been linked, the Article appears on the site.
The acronym SCAM summarises the sequence: Section, Categorie, Article, Menu.
So, a site plan is required, and this should show the structure of the site in terms of sections, categories and articles.I will be using a mind-mapping package Freemind , for this.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Joomla - progress
I have installed Joomla on a local server on my laptop.The local server was setup using Xampp.Xampp provides: the Apache server, the MySQL database and PHP.
The Apache server - this is a server on your local PC. It sets up a localhost installation.
When it is working, opening a browser and typing http://localhost in the address bar results in the display of the home page.
The name Apache comes from 'a patchy server' apparently.
MySQL database - this database stores all of the content e.g. Joomla articles, images ,etc.
PHP is a scripting technology. The PHP language allows the web page to interact with the database , change content, send content from the database to the web page etc.
The Apache server - this is a server on your local PC. It sets up a localhost installation.
When it is working, opening a browser and typing http://localhost in the address bar results in the display of the home page.
The name Apache comes from 'a patchy server' apparently.
MySQL database - this database stores all of the content e.g. Joomla articles, images ,etc.
PHP is a scripting technology. The PHP language allows the web page to interact with the database , change content, send content from the database to the web page etc.
Database security - Solving the 'cannot connect to database' problem
Using the security console,
1. I changed the password for MySQL database.
2. I set the user name and password for the Xampp directory protection.
Afterwards, I could not access localhost in the browser.
The solution is to modify the configuration file, configuration.php-dist.
In htdocs/joomla_1_5_14 , open configuration.php-dist and save as configuration.php.
To edit the con figuration, open configuration.php in Dreamweaver or other text editor.
See Lines 39 to 48.
Because I have changed the user names and passwords, I need to make changes to the configuration file, as follows:
* Database configuration section
* -------------------------------------------------------------------------
*/
/* Database Settings */
var $dbtype = 'mysql'; // Normally mysql
var $host = 'localhost'; // This is normally set to localhost
var $user = 'root'; // MySQL username
var $password = '#########'; // MySQL password , not shown
var $db = 'joomla###'; // MySQL database name , not shown
var $dbprefix = 'jos_'; // Do not change unless you need to!
Save the file.
==========================
Try localhost. It works ! the page displays correctly.
So , after changing the user name and password etc, you must modify the configuration file accordingly.
1. I changed the password for MySQL database.
2. I set the user name and password for the Xampp directory protection.
Afterwards, I could not access localhost in the browser.
The solution is to modify the configuration file, configuration.php-dist.
In htdocs/joomla_1_5_14 , open configuration.php-dist and save as configuration.php.
To edit the con figuration, open configuration.php in Dreamweaver or other text editor.
See Lines 39 to 48.
Because I have changed the user names and passwords, I need to make changes to the configuration file, as follows:
* Database configuration section
* -------------------------------------------------------------------------
*/
/* Database Settings */
var $dbtype = 'mysql'; // Normally mysql
var $host = 'localhost'; // This is normally set to localhost
var $user = 'root'; // MySQL username
var $password = '#########'; // MySQL password , not shown
var $db = 'joomla###'; // MySQL database name , not shown
var $dbprefix = 'jos_'; // Do not change unless you need to!
Save the file.
==========================
Try localhost. It works ! the page displays correctly.
So , after changing the user name and password etc, you must modify the configuration file accordingly.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Security on Xampp
I used the Security console to set passwords for:
1. The MySQL section
2. The Xampp Directory
1. The MySQL section
2. The Xampp Directory
Starting work with Joomla
I have installed Joomla on a local server and am now going to work through the book 'Joomla Start to Finish' by Jen Kramer.
http://www.amazon.com/Joomla-Start-Finish-Maintain-Programmer/dp/047057089X
When I am proficient I hope to then install Joomla on a hosted site, hopefully at www.brendanlong.ie
http://www.amazon.com/Joomla-Start-Finish-Maintain-Programmer/dp/047057089X
When I am proficient I hope to then install Joomla on a hosted site, hopefully at www.brendanlong.ie
Install Joomla 1.5.14
Joomla setup:
Step 1. Go to http://localhost/joomla_1_5_14
Step 2. Language, Next.
Step 3. There is one red item , as before, namely 'display errors'.Will proceed anyway.
Step 4. License, ok
Step 5. Database Configuration
type: mysql
Host Name: localhost
user name: root
password: <--(blank, as per p8 Quickstart Guide settings)
Database Name: joomla15 <--(as per Quickstart Guide)
Step 6: skip step 5 , press Next to proceed to Step 6. ok
Step 7: Enter site name - Landscape Smart ! ,
email address: manager@landscape01.com
admin pw:
confirm pw:
'Congratulations! ..installed' . Screen is at ............/installation/index.php
Step 9: Delete Installation Directory from C:\Xampp\htdocs/joomla_1_5_14.
Done
Step 10> return to installer (tab) , and click on 'site'.
Joomla screen appeared, showing that it has successfully been installed.
(Browser show address : http://localhost/joomla_1_5_14/ )
Job done.
Step 1. Go to http://localhost/joomla_1_5_14
Step 2. Language, Next.
Step 3. There is one red item , as before, namely 'display errors'.Will proceed anyway.
Step 4. License, ok
Step 5. Database Configuration
type: mysql
Host Name: localhost
user name: root
password: <--(blank, as per p8 Quickstart Guide settings)
Database Name: joomla15 <--(as per Quickstart Guide)
Step 6: skip step 5 , press Next to proceed to Step 6. ok
Step 7: Enter site name - Landscape Smart ! ,
email address: manager@landscape01.com
admin pw:
confirm pw:
'Congratulations! ..installed' . Screen is at ............/installation/index.php
Step 9: Delete Installation Directory from C:\Xampp\htdocs/joomla_1_5_14.
Done
Step 10> return to installer (tab) , and click on 'site'.
Joomla screen appeared, showing that it has successfully been installed.
(Browser show address : http://localhost/joomla_1_5_14/ )
Job done.
Xampp README file - details of what has been installed
###### ApacheFriends XAMPP (Basispaket) version 1.7.1 ######
+ Apache 2.2.11
+ MySQL 5.1.33 (Community Server)
+ PHP 5.2.9 + PEAR (Support for PHP 4 has been discontinued)
+ XAMPP Control Version 2.5 from www.nat32.com
+ XAMPP CLI Bundle 1.3 from Carsten Wiedmann
+ XAMPP Security 1.0
+ SQLite 2.8.15
+ OpenSSL 0.9.8i
+ phpMyAdmin 3.1.3.1
+ ADOdb 5.06a
+ Mercury Mail Transport System v4.62
+ FileZilla FTP Server 0.9.31
+ Webalizer 2.01-10
+ Zend Optimizer 3.3.0
+ eAccelerator 0.9.5.3 für PHP 5.2.9 (but not activated in the php.ini)
---------------------------------------------------------------
* System Requirements:
+ 64 MB RAM (RECOMMENDED)
+ 250 MB free fixed disk
+ Windows NT, 2000, 2003, XP (RECOMMENDED), VISTA
+ Only 32 Bit (NOT for 64 bit systems)
---------------------------------------------------------------
* QUICK INSTALLATION:
[NOTE: Unpack the package to your USB stick or a partition of your choice.
There it must be on the highest level like E:\ or W:\. It will
build E:\xampp or W:\xampp or something like this. Please do not use the "setup_xampp.bat" for an USB stick installation!]
Step 1: Unpack the package into a directory of your choice. Please start the
"setup_xampp.bat" and beginning the installation. Note: XAMPP makes no entries in the windows registry and no settings for the system variables.
Step 2: If installation ends successfully, start the Apache 2 with
"apache_start".bat", MySQL with "mysql_start".bat". Stop the MySQL Server with "mysql_stop.bat". For shutdown the Apache HTTPD, only close the Apache Command (CMD). Or use the fine XAMPP Control Panel with double-click on "xampp-control.exe"!
Step 3: Start your browser and type http://127.0.0.1 or http://localhost in the location bar. You should see our pre-made
start page with certain examples and test screens.
Step 4: PHP (with mod_php, as *.php, *.php3, *.php4, *.php5, *.phtml), Perl by default with *.cgi, SSI with *.shtml are all located in => C:\xampp\htdocs\.
Examples:
- C:\xampp\htdocs\test.php => http://localhost/test.php
- C:\xampp\htdocs\myhome\test.php => http://localhost/myhome/test.php
Step 5: XAMPP UNINSTALL? Simply remove the "xampp" Directory.
But before please shutdown the apache and mysql.
---------------------------------------------------------------
* PASSWORDS:
1) MySQL:
User: root
Password:
(means no password!)
2) FileZilla FTP:
User: newuser
Password: wampp
User: anonymous
Password: some@mail.net
3) Mercury:
Postmaster: postmaster (postmaster@localhost)
Administrator: Admin (admin@localhost)
TestUser: newuser
Password: wampp
4) WEBDAV:
User: wampp
Password: xampp
---------------------------------------------------------------
* ONLY FOR NT SYSTEMS! (NT4 | Windows 2000 | Windows XP):
- \xampp\apache\apache_installservice.bat
===> Install Apache 2 as service
- \xampp\apache\apache_uninstallservice.bat
===> Uninstall Apache 2 as service
- \xampp\mysql\mysql_installservice.bat
===> Install MySQL as service
- \xampp\mysql\mysql_uninstallservice.bat
===> Uninstall MySQL as service
==> After all un- / installations of services, better restart system!
----------------------------------------------------------------
A matter of security (A MUST READ!)
As mentioned before, XAMPP is not meant for production use but only for developers in a development environment. The way XAMPP is configured is to be open as possible and allowing the developer anything he/she wants. For development environments this is great but in a production environment it could be fatal. Here a list of missing security
in XAMPP:
- The MySQL administrator (root) has no password.
- The MySQL daemon is accessible via network.
- phpMyAdmin is accessible via network.
- Examples are accessible via network.
To fix most of the security weaknesses simply call the following URL:
http://localhost/security/
The root password for MySQL and phpMyAdmin, and also a XAMPP directory protection can being established here.
* NOTE: Some example sites can only access by the local systems, means over localhost.
---------------------------------------------------------------
* MYSQL NOTES:
(1) The MySQL server can be started by double-clicking (executing) mysql_start.bat. This file can be found in the same folder you installed XAMPP in, most likely this will be C:\xampp\.
The exact path to this file is X:\xampp\mysql_start.bat, where "X" indicates the letter of the drive you unpacked XAMPP into. This batch file starts the MySQL server in console mode. The first intialization might take a few minutes.
Do not close the DOS window or you'll crash the server! To stop the server, please use mysql_stop.bat, which is located in the same directory. Or use the fine XAMPP Control Panel with double-click on "xampp-control.exe" for all these things!
(2) To use MySQL as Service for NT / 2000 / XP, simply copy the "my.ini" file to "C:\my.ini". Please note that this file has to be placed in C:\ (root), other locations are not permitted. Then execute the "mysql_installservice.bat" in the mysql folder.
(3) MySQL starts with standard values for the user id and the password. The preset user id is "root", the password is "" (= no password). To access MySQL via PHP with the preset values, you'll have to use the following syntax:
mysql_connect("localhost", "root", "");
If you want to set a password for MySQL access, please use of MySQL Admin.
To set the passwort "secret" for the user "root", type the following:
C:\xampp\mysql\bin\mysqladmin.exe -u root -p secret
After changing the password you'll have to reconfigure phpMyAdmin to use the new password, otherwise it won't be able to access the databases. To do that, open the file config.inc.php in \xampp\phpmyadmin\ and edit the following lines:
$cfg['Servers'][$i]['user'] = 'root'; // MySQL User
$cfg['Servers'][$i]['auth_type'] = 'http'; // HTTP authentification
So first the 'root' password is queried by the MySQL server, before phpMyAdmin may access.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Have a lot of fun! | Viel Spaß! | Bonne Chance!
+ Apache 2.2.11
+ MySQL 5.1.33 (Community Server)
+ PHP 5.2.9 + PEAR (Support for PHP 4 has been discontinued)
+ XAMPP Control Version 2.5 from www.nat32.com
+ XAMPP CLI Bundle 1.3 from Carsten Wiedmann
+ XAMPP Security 1.0
+ SQLite 2.8.15
+ OpenSSL 0.9.8i
+ phpMyAdmin 3.1.3.1
+ ADOdb 5.06a
+ Mercury Mail Transport System v4.62
+ FileZilla FTP Server 0.9.31
+ Webalizer 2.01-10
+ Zend Optimizer 3.3.0
+ eAccelerator 0.9.5.3 für PHP 5.2.9 (but not activated in the php.ini)
---------------------------------------------------------------
* System Requirements:
+ 64 MB RAM (RECOMMENDED)
+ 250 MB free fixed disk
+ Windows NT, 2000, 2003, XP (RECOMMENDED), VISTA
+ Only 32 Bit (NOT for 64 bit systems)
---------------------------------------------------------------
* QUICK INSTALLATION:
[NOTE: Unpack the package to your USB stick or a partition of your choice.
There it must be on the highest level like E:\ or W:\. It will
build E:\xampp or W:\xampp or something like this. Please do not use the "setup_xampp.bat" for an USB stick installation!]
Step 1: Unpack the package into a directory of your choice. Please start the
"setup_xampp.bat" and beginning the installation. Note: XAMPP makes no entries in the windows registry and no settings for the system variables.
Step 2: If installation ends successfully, start the Apache 2 with
"apache_start".bat", MySQL with "mysql_start".bat". Stop the MySQL Server with "mysql_stop.bat". For shutdown the Apache HTTPD, only close the Apache Command (CMD). Or use the fine XAMPP Control Panel with double-click on "xampp-control.exe"!
Step 3: Start your browser and type http://127.0.0.1 or http://localhost in the location bar. You should see our pre-made
start page with certain examples and test screens.
Step 4: PHP (with mod_php, as *.php, *.php3, *.php4, *.php5, *.phtml), Perl by default with *.cgi, SSI with *.shtml are all located in => C:\xampp\htdocs\.
Examples:
- C:\xampp\htdocs\test.php => http://localhost/test.php
- C:\xampp\htdocs\myhome\test.php => http://localhost/myhome/test.php
Step 5: XAMPP UNINSTALL? Simply remove the "xampp" Directory.
But before please shutdown the apache and mysql.
---------------------------------------------------------------
* PASSWORDS:
1) MySQL:
User: root
Password:
(means no password!)
2) FileZilla FTP:
User: newuser
Password: wampp
User: anonymous
Password: some@mail.net
3) Mercury:
Postmaster: postmaster (postmaster@localhost)
Administrator: Admin (admin@localhost)
TestUser: newuser
Password: wampp
4) WEBDAV:
User: wampp
Password: xampp
---------------------------------------------------------------
* ONLY FOR NT SYSTEMS! (NT4 | Windows 2000 | Windows XP):
- \xampp\apache\apache_installservice.bat
===> Install Apache 2 as service
- \xampp\apache\apache_uninstallservice.bat
===> Uninstall Apache 2 as service
- \xampp\mysql\mysql_installservice.bat
===> Install MySQL as service
- \xampp\mysql\mysql_uninstallservice.bat
===> Uninstall MySQL as service
==> After all un- / installations of services, better restart system!
----------------------------------------------------------------
A matter of security (A MUST READ!)
As mentioned before, XAMPP is not meant for production use but only for developers in a development environment. The way XAMPP is configured is to be open as possible and allowing the developer anything he/she wants. For development environments this is great but in a production environment it could be fatal. Here a list of missing security
in XAMPP:
- The MySQL administrator (root) has no password.
- The MySQL daemon is accessible via network.
- phpMyAdmin is accessible via network.
- Examples are accessible via network.
To fix most of the security weaknesses simply call the following URL:
http://localhost/security/
The root password for MySQL and phpMyAdmin, and also a XAMPP directory protection can being established here.
* NOTE: Some example sites can only access by the local systems, means over localhost.
---------------------------------------------------------------
* MYSQL NOTES:
(1) The MySQL server can be started by double-clicking (executing) mysql_start.bat. This file can be found in the same folder you installed XAMPP in, most likely this will be C:\xampp\.
The exact path to this file is X:\xampp\mysql_start.bat, where "X" indicates the letter of the drive you unpacked XAMPP into. This batch file starts the MySQL server in console mode. The first intialization might take a few minutes.
Do not close the DOS window or you'll crash the server! To stop the server, please use mysql_stop.bat, which is located in the same directory. Or use the fine XAMPP Control Panel with double-click on "xampp-control.exe" for all these things!
(2) To use MySQL as Service for NT / 2000 / XP, simply copy the "my.ini" file to "C:\my.ini". Please note that this file has to be placed in C:\ (root), other locations are not permitted. Then execute the "mysql_installservice.bat" in the mysql folder.
(3) MySQL starts with standard values for the user id and the password. The preset user id is "root", the password is "" (= no password). To access MySQL via PHP with the preset values, you'll have to use the following syntax:
mysql_connect("localhost", "root", "");
If you want to set a password for MySQL access, please use of MySQL Admin.
To set the passwort "secret" for the user "root", type the following:
C:\xampp\mysql\bin\mysqladmin.exe -u root -p secret
After changing the password you'll have to reconfigure phpMyAdmin to use the new password, otherwise it won't be able to access the databases. To do that, open the file config.inc.php in \xampp\phpmyadmin\ and edit the following lines:
$cfg['Servers'][$i]['user'] = 'root'; // MySQL User
$cfg['Servers'][$i]['auth_type'] = 'http'; // HTTP authentification
So first the 'root' password is queried by the MySQL server, before phpMyAdmin may access.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Have a lot of fun! | Viel Spaß! | Bonne Chance!
Downloading and running Xampp
Downloading the older version i.e. Xampp 1.7.1 zip file from:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/xampp/files/XAMPP%20Windows/1.7.1/xampp-win32-
1.7.1.zip/download
In WinRAR , which I used , (or equivalent : WinZip, 7Zip etc.)
Edit , use cursor to select all files , Extract to C:\Xampp
Go to C: to check.
Files are in the wrong folder C:\Xampp\ xampp .
Managed to cut files from xampp within Xampp. Delete xampp subfolder.
Go to C:\Xampp and paste. OK.Files are now in C:\Xampp , as required.
ok
2pm
Now localhost shows nothing - so must need to RUN apache etc.
2.04 - Consult document
===============================
2.35 resume - Document - Joomla Quickstart Guide p.4
Download Xampp - done already
Run setup....
apache_start
mysql_start
Test localhost: In browser type: http://localhost
It works !
get Xampp screen
http://localhost/xampp/splash.php
So, Xampp has successfully installed a server locally on my PC.Key ingredients are:
- Apache server
- MySQL database management system (DBMS) and
- PHP.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/xampp/files/XAMPP%20Windows/1.7.1/xampp-win32-
1.7.1.zip/download
In WinRAR , which I used , (or equivalent : WinZip, 7Zip etc.)
Edit , use cursor to select all files , Extract to C:\Xampp
Go to C: to check.
Files are in the wrong folder C:\Xampp\ xampp .
Managed to cut files from xampp within Xampp. Delete xampp subfolder.
Go to C:\Xampp and paste. OK.Files are now in C:\Xampp , as required.
ok
2pm
Now localhost shows nothing - so must need to RUN apache etc.
2.04 - Consult document
===============================
2.35 resume - Document - Joomla Quickstart Guide p.4
Download Xampp - done already
Run setup....
apache_start
mysql_start
Test localhost: In browser type: http://localhost
It works !
get Xampp screen
http://localhost/xampp/splash.php
So, Xampp has successfully installed a server locally on my PC.Key ingredients are:
- Apache server
- MySQL database management system (DBMS) and
- PHP.
Web Design using Joomla
I'm trying to learn the Joomla content management system (CMS) to create websites.It is by all accounts useful and I know a few people who use it.
First step is install a local version.
So, I must install a local server on my PC using Xampp. Then install Joomla on this local server.
First attempts , using Xampp 1.7.4 and Joomla 1.5 , failed. There is an apparent compatibility issue . Some versions of Joomla will not work with some versions of Xampp.
So, I googled it and saw this:
http://www.apachefriends.org/f/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=37302
' I use Xampp 1.7.1 with Joomla 1.5.14. I've even installed them on a memory stick for portability. A bit slow, but works fine.
Mike '
So , I'm trying that now.
First step is install a local version.
So, I must install a local server on my PC using Xampp. Then install Joomla on this local server.
First attempts , using Xampp 1.7.4 and Joomla 1.5 , failed. There is an apparent compatibility issue . Some versions of Joomla will not work with some versions of Xampp.
So, I googled it and saw this:
http://www.apachefriends.org/f/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=37302
' I use Xampp 1.7.1 with Joomla 1.5.14. I've even installed them on a memory stick for portability. A bit slow, but works fine.
Mike '
So , I'm trying that now.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Smartphones
I bought the HTC Desire last year.It's an excellent phone and I am very happy with it.
There are 7 screens and you can easily scroll between them.You can fit about 16 icons (apps) on each screen.
On my home screen I have:
Settings
Camera
Market (the Android market for free and paid apps)
WeFi Connect - for detecting and connecting to Wi-Fi hotspots
Evernote- a note taking app
Skyfire web browser
Facebook
Calendar
Messages (Text)
Mail (Gmail)
People (Contacts)
Battery
Other apps:
BBC News
Maps
Gtasks
icloud
FM Radio
Bookmarks
There are 7 screens and you can easily scroll between them.You can fit about 16 icons (apps) on each screen.
On my home screen I have:
Settings
Camera
Market (the Android market for free and paid apps)
WeFi Connect - for detecting and connecting to Wi-Fi hotspots
Evernote- a note taking app
Skyfire web browser
Calendar
Messages (Text)
Mail (Gmail)
People (Contacts)
Battery
Other apps:
BBC News
Maps
Gtasks
icloud
FM Radio
Bookmarks
Wi-Fi
Many restaurants now offer free Wi-Fi. Two that I know of are :
- Global Kitchen, Carrigaline (in the shopping centre, main street, just opposite the Supervalu entrance ) and
- Douglas Court shopping centre.
I regularly us the Global Kitchen wi-fi to download updates to my smartphone. The advantage of this is that I can download large amounts of data for free so that it does not affect my monthly Vodafone allowance.
- Global Kitchen, Carrigaline (in the shopping centre, main street, just opposite the Supervalu entrance ) and
- Douglas Court shopping centre.
I regularly us the Global Kitchen wi-fi to download updates to my smartphone. The advantage of this is that I can download large amounts of data for free so that it does not affect my monthly Vodafone allowance.
Welcome
Welcome to Brenpedia.I hope to use this blog to post solutions to PC and ICT problems. I will also be discussing technical issues which arise.
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