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Absolute Beginners Guide to Joomla!</translate>}}
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.
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=Absolute Beginners Guide to Joomla!=
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Welcome to Joomla!, a leading open source Content Management System (CMS) platform.  You have made a 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.
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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.
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Before You Start Creating Your Joomla! Site</translate>}}
 
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== Test Drive Joomla! ==
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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://forums.joomla.org Joomla! Forums] for awhile, observing others as they build Joomla! websites. Maybe you even have a case of '''Joomla! Web site Envy'''.
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'''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?
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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!
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Keep Your Joomla! Site Secure</translate>}}{{Portal:Beginners/Keep Your Joomla Site Secure/<translate><!--T:14-->
 
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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. :)
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==Planning Your Web Project==
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Understand How Joomla! Works</translate>}}{{Portal:Beginners/Understand How Joomla Works/<translate><!--T:16-->
Before you get "your feet wet" with Joomla!, you may want to think about the bigger picture aspects of your Web site.  For example, most Web site projects benefit from advance planning and defining the nature and scope of the project.  Ask yourself questions like:
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* What do you want to accomplish with your website? 
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* What is the nature and quantity of content you wish to present? 
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* Who is your audience, and how do you want to interact with them? 
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Writing down these key questions and their answers will help focus your efforts and guide the decisions you make as you implement your project.
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===So what is Joomla!, and what can it do for my Web site?===
 
 
 
Joomla! is a Content Management System (or "CMS") which enables easy control and editing of the content and presentation of your website.  With Joomla!, you can do things like:
 
<ul><li>Edit the content of every page of your site through a word processor-style interface.</li>
 
<li>Add new pages to your site using a point-and-click interface.</li>
 
<li>Add images and other media through Web-based uploads.</li>
 
<li>Control site elements like navigation menus and page layout.</li>
 
</ul>
 
Many additional functions are available within Joomla!'s default user interface. Essentially, Joomla! removes the need to have a "geek" involved in the day-to-day management of your Web site content: If you are able to surf the Web, interact with Web-based forms and interfaces, and handle basic desktop computing tasks, you will be able to use the Joomla! interface to manage the content of your Web site.
 
 
 
Out-of-the-box, Joomla! provides all of the primary functions of managing Web page content.  It also includes a number of specialised elements which support specific functionality, for example, end user registration, interactive polls, advertising banners, a contacts directory, and much more.  Included with Joomla!'s native capabilities is an "Extensions" system which enables additional features via third-party Extensions software packages.  (See http://extensions.joomla.org for more information.)
 
 
 
Joomla!-powered Web sites are different from Web sites which contain manually updated, or "static," HTML files.  Instead, Joomla! is a dynamic Web application. Joomla! uses a database (MySQL) to store all of the content and information about your site, and it uses a programming language (PHP) to power its interactive functionality and dynamic Web pages. 
 
 
 
===How much knowledge do I need to implement Joomla! ?===
 
 
 
Although a low level of technical knowledge is required to use Joomla! on a day-to-day basis, you will need to know a bit more in order to install it.  Joomla!'s installation process includes uploading files to a Web server via FTP, creating a new MySQL database, and then proceeding through Joomla!'s Web-based installation wizard.  (Fortunately, many Web hosting companies include Web site control panels which make it easy to handle technical tasks, including adding a MySQL database, and installing Joomla!.)
 
 
 
Customising the structure, content and presentation of your Joomla! site involves working within Joomla!'s Web-based interfaces; if you want to significantly change the Web site design from the default templates, you will need to either install a third-party template package or create your own template out of Web-ready images and HTML, Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) and/or Javascript code.
 
 
 
Knowledge of the PHP programming language or programming concepts in general is '''not''' required to install, customise and administer Joomla!.
 
 
 
Please, don't let any of that scare you off. This is the Absolute Beginner's Guide to Joomla! and you will learn what is needed if you invest a bit of time in reading and trying out these ideas. Now, should we begin?
 
 
 
= Conquer the Basics =
 
It is 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. :-)
 
 
 
= Complete the Joomla! v 1.5 Quick Start 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.
 
 
 
There are no prerequisites to this step-by-step course for building a Web site for a fictitious landscaping company. In the first few pages, you will have configured a localhost environment on your computer and installed Joomla!. Following the installation, you ''quickly'' learn how to configure all kinds of extensions, including components, modules and plugins. You will even make changes to the default template. The '''Joomla! v 1.5 Quick Start Guide''' is '''strongly recommended''' for all new Joomla! v 1.5 users. In a very short period of time, you will have learned enough that you can build a simple Joomla! Web site.
 
 
 
== Learn the language ==
 
 
 
Familiarize yourself with the [[Joomla%21_Extensions_Defined|Joomla! lingo]]. [http://www.scribd.com/doc/2299530/Joomla-v-15-Extension-Types Scribd] The better you learn the language, the easier it will be to talk to the natives. Practice speaking these words in the car ride on the way to work, “Let’s see. A category belongs to a section.” Consider asking a friend to make you word games and crossword puzzles using Joomla! terms to drive home key concepts. :P
 
 
 
== Review 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.
 
 
 
== Install Joomla! on a localhost ==
 
 
 
The easiest way to get started with Joomla! is to install it on your desktop computer. Watch this video entitled [http://www.veoh.com/videos/v1802750A7Mnpe7z How to Install XAMPP and Joomla! v 1.5], by Andrew Altamirano (slogen123), where he shows you how to download and install XAMPP as a local server and then install Joomla!. A localhost is a great way to learn how to use Joomla!, to try extensions out in a test environment before updating your live site, and for first testing out upgrades. Learn to use a localhost right away. It will be well worth your time.
 
 
 
== Use the Joomla! v 1.5 Installation Guide ==
 
 
 
All web host environments are different. Check out the [http://downloads.joomlacode.org/docmanfileversion/1/7/4/17471/1.5_Installation_Manual_version_0.5.pdf Joomla! v 1.5 Installation Manual] for a detailed set of installation instructions.
 
 
 
== Know How to Backup and Restore ==
 
 
 
Know how to backup your Joomla! database. Know how to restore your Joomla! database. Frequent backups are a good 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.
 
 
 
== 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].
 
 
 
== Installation Questions? ==
 
 
 
Ask questions in the [http://forum.joomla.org/viewforum.php?f=429 Installing Joomla! v 1.5 forum board].
 
 
 
= 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]].
 
 
 
== 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].
 
 
 
== Questions? ==
 
 
 
* [http://forum.joomla.org/viewforum.php?f=428 General Joomla! v 1.5 Questions]
 
 
 
= 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 FAQ's. 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!
 
 
 
= 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!
 
 
 
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Absolute Beginners Guide to Joomla!


As someone who has not used Joomla! before, you need to know how to get started. Maybe you have a friend or a neighbour who uses Joomla! and you want a Joomla! web site of your very own. Maybe you have a small business or a club or a community that needs a web presence, and you want to use Joomla! for that purpose. Maybe you are a seasoned Information Technology professional, but you have never used Joomla! before. If so, you are just starting a very enjoyable journey and we warmly welcome you to Joomla!

Although you could spend a lifetime learning Joomla!, if you master the basics you will be able to make a very attractive and useful basic website in a very short time with no special technical skills. Do you want to get started with Joomla!, but you have no idea where to begin? If so, you have come to the right place.

Installing Joomla!

Before you can begin using Joomla! you will need a working installation of Joomla! If you want your site to be available on the Internet, make sure that you have an account on a web server. For most people this means signing up with a hosting company and purchasing a domain that will serve as your site's main address.

  • Want to build a free Joomla! website? launch.joomla.org is a Joomla! service that allows you to start, build and maintain a completely free website on a joomla.com subdomain for an unlimited time. The site building software features all of the Joomla! CMS core functionalities that make building a website easy and flexible.
  • Already have a hosting company? Joomla! is offered by most hosting companies under "One Click Installs" (also called Auto Installers) for their customers. The "One Click Install" method offers an "instant" installation of Joomla! which is quick and easy. Follow the instructions your host provides.
  • Use the conventional method of installation. This requires you to copy the Joomla! zip file to your hosting account, unzip, create a database, and then run the installation. Complete instructions can be found at Installing Joomla. Further information can be found at Joomla! Installation Resources.
  • Install Joomla! on your own computer (without your site appearing on the Internet), you can install it using the XAMPP package. Install XAMPP and then use the "conventional method" to get your Joomla! test site working.
Learn to Use Joomla!

Once you have a working Joomla! site, you will want to start filling it with your own content and making it look just the way you want. Before doing that, it is a good idea to learn more about how to work with Joomla!. There are a number of very useful resources to help you with this.

  • Learn Joomla! terminology by browsing the Glossary.
  • Getting Started with Joomla! is a tutorial series with hands-on instructions to introduce Joomla! to people who have not previously used it. It explains techniques step by step using screenshots.

Getting Support


Before You Start Creating Your Joomla! Site

Before you jump into making your own articles, categories, tags, web links, contacts, banners, and news feeds, you may want to review Planning Your Web site. There are many aspects of creating a web site to consider. For example, deciding if you want to enable Search Engine Friendly URLs and how enabling or disabling Search Engine Friendly URLs later will destroy the rankings your pages acquired with search engines such as Google, Bing and Yahoo.

Perhaps you already have a website. Then you should read Converting an existing website to a Joomla! website and learn more about converting your static website.

One of the first tasks you may want to do is to modify one of the templates that comes with Joomla! so that it displays your site name and logo.

Finally, you may want to install one or more of the thousands of extensions to Joomla!. Most Joomla! extensions are listed in the official Joomla! Extensions Directory (JED). Once you've found an extension to install, you'll have to follow the procedure for installing a Joomla! Extension.

Please remember that all extensions are developed by independent developers. If you need help with a specific extension the best source will be that developer.

Getting Help in the Joomla! Forums

The Joomla! forums are the among the busiest (and most friendly) support forums in the world, and they are a great place to get help and meet other Joomla! users.

  • Before posting, check the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the docs wiki.
  • Please make certain you search the Forum post first before posting a question. Nine times out of ten someone else had the same issue that you had.
  • Make sure you are posting in the right forum for your topic.
  • 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 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.
  • As soon as you know things, start answering questions. Answering questions is one of the best ways to learn.
  • If someone helps you, say thank you and pay it forward by answering a question yourself.

Here are some quick links to specific Joomla 3.x forums commonly used.

Keep Your Joomla! Site Secure

Security is always a big concern on the web. Make sure you are using best security practices. The basic techniques on the Security Check List will get your site off to a good start in terms of security. Here is a list of more information you should read.

Joomla Security Forums

Joomla Security Feeds



Understand How Joomla! Works

You might want to learn how Joomla! is built and how its features work together.

In short, Joomla! is composed of a Framework and extensions. There are several types of extensions, each capable of performing specific tasks. Some extensions are developed as part of the Joomla! project and come with your installation. If you want to add features to your site, you can install more extensions.

You can compare this to a computer operating system, like Microsoft Windows or Linux. You don't directly use the operating system (Joomla!); you use applications (extensions) to carry out tasks. Some applications (extensions) are immediately available on your system, but can install and remove additional applications (extensions) at any time.

The Joomla! Core Features Guide scribd, written by James Ramsay describes the features (mostly the extensions) available in each download of Joomla!.