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{{RightTOC}} <noinclude>{{redirectstohere|Absolute Beginners Guide to Joomla!|Novices|What is Joomla}}<!-- DO NOT REMOVE THIS! --></noinclude> {{Beginner profile}} =Absolute Beginners Guide to Joomla!= Welcome to Joomla!, a leading open source Content Management System (CMS) platform. You have made a ''really, really'' great choice to use Joomla! for your website. Joomla! is a well-tested, extensible and effective tool supported by a very active and friendly community of developers and users. Do you want to get started with Joomla!, but you have no idea where to begin? Are you concerned that maybe you don't have the ''technical skills'' needed to be successful? Does it all seem ''a bit'' overwhelming? If so, you have come to the right place. The '''Absolute Beginner's Guide to Joomla!''' is just for you. This guide is intended for those who have ''no clue'' where to begin but really want to learn how to use Joomla!. Helping you become successful installing, configuring, backing up and restoring, upgrading, and extending Joomla! is exactly the point of this guide. If you do nothing else, take time to complete the [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task048/joomla_15_quickstart.pdf Joomla! v 1.5 Quick Start Guide] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2299418/Joomla-15-Quickstart Scribd], written by [[GHOP students/Kevin_Hayne|Kevin Hayne]]. As you read the guide, walk through the [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task167/index.html video accompaniment] created by [[GHOP students/Michael Casha|Michael Casha]]. This is a well developed and efficient training guide and video set. == Test Drive Joomla! == At this point, you might be aware that there are thousands and thousands of Joomla! websites in the world, each specifically crafted to meet the needs of the Web site owner. You might even have a neighbor or a friend who has a Joomla! Web site and now you want one of your very own, but you are uncertain if you have ''what it takes''. Maybe you have been lurking around the [http://forum.joomla.org Joomla! Forums] for awhile, observing others as they build Joomla! websites. Maybe you even have a case of '''Joomla! Web site Envy'''. '''Take action, now!''' Begin by test driving Joomla! using a [http://demo.joomla.org/ Joomla! Demo site]. Log in to the backend Administrator and change a few things. Don't worry! You can't hurt anything! The demo sites are refreshed frequently. As you click around, consider the functionality you see. What would be great to have? What do you ''not'' want in your Web site? Take a look at the [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task020/Joomla!%20Core%20Features%20V1.2.pdf Joomla! Core Features Guide] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2299291/Joomla-Core-Features-V1-2 scribd], written by [[GHOP students/James William Ramsay|James Ramsay]]. See what features are available in each download of Joomla!. Yes, even in ''your'' copy! If it doesn't all make sense, don't worry! You are just ''getting familiar''. For now, cruise around and enjoy the scenery. You should not be breaking a sweat at this point. Take it easy! Have fun! Don't worry about a thing. :) == Conquer the Basics == It is now the best time to learn the basics. In this section, all instructions are clearly provided. You are not expected to know anything about building a Web site before you begin. In only a short time, however, you will have learned a great deal. ---- The most important step to building your Web site begins before you start. There are a number of considerations to [http://docs.joomla.org/Planning_Your_Web_site planning your Web site]. Take time to consider those ideas before getting started. It will save you much frustration and rework! {{:Quick_Start_Guide}} === Guides for Joomla! Editors and Publishers === Those who edit and publish articles on your new Joomla! site will also need help to understand what they must do. The [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task056/createarticletres.odt Author tutorial] by brianfast [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2299545/Joomla-v-15-How-to-create-an-Article Scribd] and an excellent guide for the [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task063/joomlawebmaster.odt Joomla! Publisher] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2300190/Joomla-v-1-5-Webmaster-and-Publisher-Tutorial Scribd] by [[GHOP students/Max Shinn|Max Shinn (trombonechamp)]] could be very helpful. === General Joomla! v 1.5 Questions? === Ask questions in the [http://forum.joomla.org/viewforum.php?f=428 General Joomla! v 1.5 forum board]. = Master System Administration = System Administration is a very important part to running a successful Web site. It is a good idea to practice installing Joomla! on a localhost environment. Then, learn to move your Joomla! website to a Web host and how to backup and restore your Joomla! database. Knowing how to do these things before you even begin creating your Web site ensures you will be ready if something unfortunate happens. With that knowledge in place, you can move forward with confidence. == Learn to Backup and Restore == Learn to backup your Joomla! database. Learn to restore your Joomla! database. Practice. A lot! Frequent backups are the best way to sleep at night. Check out this video entitled [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2742157386318372444 How to backup and restore a Joomla! database using phpMyAdmin] by kristofdb. It's not hard - learn to do it after you install Joomla! but before you configure the environment. == How to Recover Your System Administration Password == We have all done it, some of us dozens of times! Watch this video by [[GHOP students/James William Ramsay|James Ramsey]] entitled [http://www.veoh.com/videos/v1818492yRNhWTdg How to Recover your Administrator Password using phpMyAdmin]. = Maximize Use of the Core, ''Then'' Install Extensions = Many times, new Joomla! users find the Joomla! Extension Directory and install everything that looks cool! That's not always a good idea. It's best to maximize the use of the core code before you add extensions to your site. With each extension that you install, you complicate your site administration requirements and slow your site down. Upgrades are also more complicated. Extensions are great but make certain you really need them, first. == Exploring the possibilities with Joomla! v 1.5 Core == * Learn what is possible given the core [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task028/Joomla%20Menu%20Types.zip Joomla! Menu Types] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2299861/Joomla-v-15-Menu-Types Scribd] by xalnx; * Understand all the options available when you create a [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task029/Issue_29_Joomla_Category_Blog_Layout_document_v2.zip Joomla! Category Blog Layout] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2299872/Joomla-v-15-Category-Blog-Layout Scribd] by hashani; * Watch this video on [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task055/Joomla!_GHOP_Issue_055.mov How to embed media within a Joomla! article] by mdranta; * Explore the possibilities with [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task066/MediaManager.odt Using the media manager] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2299878/Joomla-v-15-Using-the-Media-Manager Scribd] by SharifOerton; * Learn [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task026/Rev10-Final.zip How to Use Joomla!'s Register to Read More] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2299883/Joomla-v-15-Register-to-Read-More Scribd] by drmmr763; * Make certain to learn how to [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task104/How_to_create_a_custom_HTML_module.zip Create a custom HTML module] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2299886/Joomla-v-15-How-to-create-a-custom-HTML-module- Scribd] by blitzprog; * Learn how to [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task105/using_media_manager.zip Use the Media Manager to Offer File Downloads] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2299888/Joomla-v-15-Using-Media-Manager-for-File-Downloads Scribd] by fervidfrogger; * Learn how to create a simple [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task106/Joomla%20Image%20Gallery.odt Image Gallery using the Media Manager] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2299943/Joomla-v-15-Image-Gallery-using-the-Media-Manager Scribd] by SharifOerton; * Learn how to use core [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task107/BDRev5.zip Contact functions to create a services or resources directory] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2299950/Joomla-v-15-Contact-functions-to-create-a-services-or-resources-directory Scribd] by [[GHOP students/Chad Windnagle|Chad Windnagle (drmmr763)]]; * Take time to explore how to use the [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task108/Newsflashtutorialfinal.odt News flash module to display random or rotating selection of texts] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2299953/Joomla-v-15-News-flash-module-to-display-random-or-rotating-selection-of-texts Scribd] by tj.ferrell; * Take advantage of the [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task109/task%20109.pdf Banners component and module to feature different parts of a website] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2299956/Joomla-v-15-Banners-component-and-module-to-feature-different-parts-of-a-website Scribd] by [[GHOP students/Branko Pajic|Branko Pajic (balvanboy)]]; * Read through the [[Help screens]] to find out about all options available at the Back-end == Using Mootools == There are many great things you can do with Mootools, included in Joomla! v 1.5. Check out these resources to learn how: * [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task083/Mootools%20Tips%20and%20Tricks.odt Mootools Tips and Tricks] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2299965/Joomla-v-15-Mootools-Tips-and-Tricks Scribd] by [[GHOP students/Zach Kanzler|Zach Kanzler (theY4Kman)]]; * How to include [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task084/joomla.odt Squeezebox in your Joomla! Website] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2299973/Joomla-v-15-Squeezebox-in-your-Joomla-Website Scribd] by ddcc; * How to include [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task085/draft3HowtoincludeSlimboxinJoomla.odt Slimbox in your Joomla! Website] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2299983/Joomla-v-15-Slimbox-in-your-Joomla-Website Scribd] by dsadik. == Venture into Joomla! v 1.5 Extensions == Third party developers are solely responsible for their extensions and the quality of their code and timeliness at upgrades is not guaranteed by anyone other than that developer. There are many developers who produce very high quality code. It is best to stick with GPL or GPL-compatiable extensions although you might also find proprietary extensions on the Joomla! Extension Directory. If you purchase an extension and are unsatisfied with the result, Joomla! org cannot help you with those issues. Take time to review the wealth of extensions available on the [http://extensions.joomla.org Joomla! Extensions Directory]. === Questions? === * [[jforum:428 General Joomla! v 1.5 Questions]] * [[jforum:466 Joomla! v 1.5 Template Questions]] * [[jforum:470 Joomla! v 1.5 Extension Questions]] * [[jforum:262 Joomla! Extension Directory Questions]] = Learn the Basics for Joomla! Templating = For many, there are only a few changes desired with the default Joomla! v 1.5 Template to make it work for their needs. These resources will help you learn how to make minor changes. == Minor Default Template Changes == * How to [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task093/replace%20the%20logo%20image.odt replace the logo image in the Milkyway template] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2299991/Joomla-v-1-5-How-to-replace-the-logo-image-in-the-Milkyway-template Scribd] by deckers.olivier * [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task033/033%20-%20Create%20a%20document%20explaining%20how%20to%20modify%20the%20default%20Template.zip How to modify the default Template] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2300042/Joomla-v-15-How-to-modify-the-default-Template Scribd] by [[GHOP students/Chad Windnagle|Chad Windnagle (drmmr763)]]. == Using CSS Class Suffixes == There are other simple things you can do with templates to achieve the look you need. These simple tutorials could be very helpful. * [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task057/Joomla%20Class%20Suffix%20Guides.pdf How to use CSS class suffixes in Joomla! 1.5] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2300098/Joomla-v-15-How-to-use-CSS-class-suffixes Scribd] by takercena. == Getting Rid of Tables == * If you do not like tables in your Joomla! output, please see [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task059/Getting_Started_with_Template_Overrides_v2.tar.gz Getting Started with Template Overrides] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2300107/Joomla-v-1-5-Getting-Started-with-Template-Overrides Scribd] by [[GHOP students/Wickrama Arachchi Vithanage Hashani Maduwanthi Weerarathna|Wickrama Arachchi Vithanage Hashani Maduwanthi Weerarathna (Hashani)]] == Adding Javascript to your Template == * You might be interested in [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task060/task60.odt How to add JavaScript to a Joomla template] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2300110/Joomla-v-15-Adding-Javascript-to-your-Template Scribd] by [[GHOP students/Anner J. Bonilla|Anner J. Bonilla (annerajb)]]. == Troubleshooting a Template Installation == If you are having trouble installing a template, see [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task061/Rev9.zip How to resolve problems with a template installation] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2300161/Joomla-v-1-5-Template-Installation-Troubleshooting-Manual Scribd] by [[GHOP students/Chad Windnagle|Chad Windnagle (drmmr763)]]. === Questions? === * [http://forum.joomla.org/viewforum.php?f=466 Joomla! v 1.5 Template Questions] = Address Search Engine Optimization = Search Engine Optimization is the practice of doing whatever is needed to help make your Web site rank higher in return results for a search engine. For some, this is very important aspect of attracting visitors to their site. Most experts agree, however, that the single best way to improve your chance of getting attention on the Internet is to provide good content on a regular basis. There are several things that you can do using core functionality to make your Joomla! Web site more SEO friendly. Here are some important areas to focus. == Configure and troubleshoot SEF URLs == * [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task110/GHOPC_J110_SEFrevised-1.odt Joomla! v 1.5 SEF URLs] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2300167/Joomla-v-15-Configure-and-troubleshoot-SEF-URLs Scribd] by [[GHOP students/Benjamin Hättasch|Benjamin Hättasch]]. * If you want to use IIS and Joomla!'s SEF URLs, [http://docs.joomla.org/IIS6_and_SEF_URLs_using_Joomla_1.5x do this first], then use the previous document. == Remove WWW from your domain name == * [http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/task111/remove_www_from_domain6.odt How to remove "WWW" from your Domain Name and Why it matters] [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2300173/Joomla-How-to-Remove-www-from-domain-and-why-it-matters Scribd] by theoclymenus == Create a Custom 404 Page == * [http://docs.joomla.org/Custom_error_pages Custom Error Pages, including 404's] == SEO Questions == Questions on these topics should be asked in the [http://forum.joomla.org/viewforum.php?f=431 Joomla! v 1.5 Administration Forum]. === SEO and SEF URL Questions? === * [http://forum.joomla.org/viewforum.php?f=431 Joomla! v 1.5 Administration Forum] = Converting an Existing Website to Joomla! = Check out the [[How to Convert an existing Web site to a Joomla! Web site]] guide for great step by step instructions. = Asking Questions in the Forums = At some point in this journey, you started feeling confident enough to reach out to others and began using the Forums. There are a few "common courtesies" you should be aware of: * First of all, did you actually read the assignments? If not, do! Only you can help yourself learn and reading this material will do the trick! * Please make certain you search, first, before posting a question. Nine times out of ten someone else had the same issue that you had. As it turns out, we all travel a similar path. * Also, check the [[FAQs]]. There is already a TON of stuff out there that you WILL find helpful. Being responsible to search and review existing material keeps the questions at a manageable level for the volunteers who help. * Be clear and specific in your request for help. Entries like “Help! It doesn’t work!” tend to get ignored. Try to explain everything that led up to your problem. Try to explain what your problem is. Be clear about what you want to happen. And, thank those who bother to help! * Use the [http://forum.joomla.org/viewtopic.php?f=428&t=272481 Forum Post Assistant] to help you provide more information and better explain your problem. * If your question/problem was solved, mark your thread as solved by editing the first post you made in that thread and changing the topic icon to the green check mark with a circle. You can also add [Solved] to your topic title. By doing this you allow other members who are doing searches to easily differentiate between solved and unsolved issues. This also saves the volunteers' time of having to open up solved topics. = Thanks to our GHOP Contestants! = Most of this material was written by Joomla! Google Highly Open Participation Contestants. This work is of the highest quality and the students were inspiring to work with. Sincere thanks to all of our participants for sharing their gifts with the Joomla! community. You guys rock! <!-- KEEP THIS AT THE END OF THE PAGE --> [[Category:Landing Pages]]

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