Joomla topics

[stb74]

Anyone installed Mam bo/Joom la.

Need some tips on configuration and changing content.


Admin edit: I've made this thread a sticky and done some editing of the posts to make it more of a tutorial on Joomla.

Joomla is a Content Management System (CMS), meaning it is a framework worksite with a lot of features available to build and manage news, photgallery, forums, etc. It's pretty comprehensive, and available free with your hosting package.

If you are new to websites it's probably a bit much to take on, but if you already have some experience it may be an option for you.

[paul_r]

Haven't used Mambo at all. I've seen Joomla used and had a brief rummage in the admin panel of it.

First impressions were that it was pretty versatile and reasonably easy to use. Maybe not for a complete beginner with websites but having seen what you've done with www. nifootball.co.uk I think you'll find it easy enough. I believe there are quite a few add-ons available on the web too - open source too so it's free.

It's dead easy to install- a couple of clicks from the 'Installatron' package that we've integrated into your website Control Panel and you're away.

I know someone who has it installed and is very impressed - I'll try to get more info from him for you.

[soup]

Hi there..

I have been using joomla now for a couple of months, In the past I have used nukes, post nukes and various other web portals,

I have been very impressed with Joomla to date it is the most customisable portal I have used..

The support this portal gets is first class.. Im sure by browsing the main joomla website http://www.joomla.org/ U will see some of my posts,, The forums and the people who use them are friendly and only too happy to help with any questions or problems...

As far as templates go a simple search for the words Joomla and template bring up page after page of great sites offering free templates, but the best can be found on the main joomla site forums.

As for add ons and extenions.. Joomla again has pretty much everything.. and if it dosent have it as an extension they will have some kind of bridge or port U can use to include what u need into your site..

Everything within joomla is easy changed or admind from within the online admin panel ... it may feel a bit strange at first but after a day or 3 it will become second nature.

[paul_r]

I know Joomla also has a facility for users to upload articles to the News section - think they get held pending admin review and authorisation before they are posted. I'd have thought that feature would be very useful for www. nifootball.co.uk and many others who might get news stories sent to them - a lot easier than getting them by email then having to cut and paste after editing.

[stb74]

Looking over it last night I see only good things from using something like Joomla.

I have played a bit with the interface, and added some links as a user. The posting of new news articles would be a great feature for clubs and football organisations to post match reports etc.

Hopefully I can figure out how to put the league tables on.

[soup]

As for the forums... Joomla have there own forum that can be addded and is fully intergrated into the user and joomla portal.. It can be found in the Extensions section of the joomla site,, The reason we are having a forum ported in using unique code is because we use a Vbulliten forum that we wish to continue using.. and as you can see im still in the middle of configuring this to fit.


As for the tables you mentioned.. Im sure on my travels thru the many joomla forums I have seen an addon for a football league.. ( May have been world cup )

Ill dig it out see if it is of any use to you...

[stb74]

Iv'e found the League manager addon.

http://www.liga-manager-online.de

Hopefully this can do the job, save me a bit of effort.

[stb74]

Is there a way to change the owner permissions on folders and files.

[paul_r]

Not 100% sure what you mean here. If you mean the CHMOD permissions you can do it either by ftp client as normal, or it can be done in the file viewer in the main control panel.

If that's what you want to do open the File Manager from the main menu (or use the Files icon on the top nav there) and navigate to the file in question. Check the box to the right side of the list against the file (or multiple files I think) the scoll down to the bottom. There you'll see the 'set Permissions' button and a box beside it to set the CDMOD, e.g. to 755.

If that wasn't what you meant you'll have gone to sleep by now!

[soup]

Im asuming you are refering to your joomla site?

If so then this is a known issue with joomla but it has an easy fix/workaround

http://extensions.joomla.org/component/option,com_mtree/task,viewlink/link_id,418/Itemid,35/

Install this Joomla Explorer..

It gives you an option within your components list which is like an inline FTP.. If your logged in as superadmin you will be able to edit upload download or change any forum permissions that you cant do in your regular FTP..


Any problems gimme a yell

[stb74]

Just been able to go one better.

Used the wrapper module to pull in the existing page for the league tables.

http: //www. nifootball.co.uk/joomla/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=65

So I am able to keep what I have.

[paul_r]

That looks well. An issue with using iframes can be that you end up with double scrollers on the page, which can be a pain for users.

I guess that as long as you make the framed page long enough that it doesn't create the second scroller that'll work ok though. You almost have that - is it possible to adjust the page length in Joomla to avoid that 2nd scroller? You also need to know that the page won't grow ... or you can always adjust the length when you need to as long as it isn't very frequently I suppose.

I'll post a link to your site in the relevant forum here if that's ok Scott - It'll be useful to give others an example of what's possible with Joomla.

[stb74]

Hopefully it should be ok now.

[paul_r]

That's better :) .

A detail to some people but I think that was worth doing.

[bymfc]

Can anyone tell me how I would go about changing the banner at the top of my site? www. bymfc.co.uk/joomla


Cheers Stu

[soup]

All U need to do to change ur header image is open your joomla site with ur FTP client navigate to

Templates
Then the template you are using

Then probably best to download the Images folder to your pc.. Then simply edit the image U want ( The banner image is there ) and re upload them keeping the same image name ..

[stb74]

The file you need to edit is header_short.jpg

Should be under

/public_html/joomla/templates/rhuk_solarflare_ii/images

You can create you own image and save as header_short.jpg and upload it to the same directory.

Size is 635px x 150px.

[bymfc]

Does anyone know how to change the colour schemes on Joomla?

Cheers Stu

[paul_r]

I'm no expert on Joomla but the easiest place to start is to look for a template that you like, download and install that.

You can edit a template by going to (on Admin page, top menu) Site->Template Manager->Site Templates. That will bring up a list of templates that you have available. Can't remember if it installs with more than one but for example you will have 'rhuk_solarflair_ii' there as that's what you have on the site now.

If you then look at the top right of the page there are a number of icons there ... 'Edit CSS' will allow you to change colours. That's quite heavy going though so if you aren't sure about CSS you'd maybe be better sticking with a template for now - you should find plenty either on the Joomla site or Google for them.

If you are tempted to play with the CSS I'd suggest making a copy of a template you want to edit and save it as a different name. It might be worth opening the 'Edit HTML' and saving that so you can rummage round to see were the various 'classes' are - give you more of a clue what to change etc.

If you're already well into CSS then you should be fine.

[bymfc]

I know nothing about css, i am just bluffing my way through all this I basically want to change my colours to royal and white. So all the lines seperating things will be royal and on the menus it will royal to royal faded. If you know what I mean

[paul_r]

ok - it's probably going to be more time consuming getting into CSS than it's worth to you. You're prbably more interested in getting your site looking reasonable and getting it live than learning about websites.

I think you should have a look at some of the templates available - these may not be in exactlyty the coulours or layouts you want, but then neither will you get that modifying from sctrach unlees you spend a LOT of time learning how to do that.

I'll post a few examples of free templates if I can find a few in blue.

THIS (http://demo1.joomla-templates.com/index.php?jos_change_template=jt_simplicity_blue) is an example of one. If you like that you can download it HERE (http://www.joomla-templates.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=27).

I'll Google for a few more. If you need help installing a template I can have a look to see how, but I'm sure it's pretty straightforward.

[paul_r]

Here's a list of some (not all) sites that have Joomla templates. Haven't had time to look to see if they are free or pay-for. Normally you'd expect pay-for templates to be a bit smarter but it may be worth $20 - $25 (about £15) for one if you see something you really like.

www.pixelthemes.com (http://www.pixelthemes.com/)
www.joomla.org (http://www.joomla.org/)
www.opensourcematters.com (http://www.opensourcematters.org/)
www.joomla-templates.com/ (http://www.joomla-templates.com/)
www.joomlashack.com/ (http://www.joomlashack.com/)
www.joomplates.com/ (http://www.joomplates.com/)
www.joomladirectory.co.uk/ (http://www.joomladirectory.co.uk/)
www.joomladesigns.co.uk/ (http://www.joomladesigns.co.uk/)
www.joomlahut.com (http://www.joomlahut.com/)
www.mamboteam.com/ (http://www.mamboteam.com/)
www.joomlasolutions.com (http://www.joomlasolutions.com/)
www.webraydian.com (http://www.webraydian.com/)
www.joomlaawards.com (http://www.joomlaawards.com/)

[paul_r]

If you do want to learn a bit more to do some tweaking yourself the Joomla forums are a good place to visit. Picked out a few links from their 'Templates' forum here http://forum.joomla.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=3fc398a4485269a26f4824690a76fe 18&board=42.0:

Joomla templates tutorial http://dev.joomla.org/content/view/1136/79/

Free template links page http://forum.joomla.org/index.php/topic,25306.0.html

[bymfc]

I am wanting to add a section to my site that I can have any photographs we have on it. I would like it to be clickable thumbnails anyone any ideas?

[paul_r]

There are a couple of Photo Galleries in the Installatron package. I haven't integrated any of these into Joomla (I'm assuming you'd want to do that now that the site is starting to take nice shape) but I'd guess it isn't too difficult.

Alternatively there may well be one available for Joomla if you have a browse on their site or forums.

[stb74]

There's a new version of joomla, when will this be available through the admin panel to install.

[paul_r]

Yup - Stu posted this earlier. Checked and it isn't on the Installatron list yet - may take a few days as this was only released today.

As soon as it's available I'll update Installatron on the server.

In the meantime do the update to 1.10 - it's easy and only takes a few minutes. If you haven't already updated from 1.08 to 1.09 you can update direct to 1.10.

[stb74]

Stu

I wouls suggest looking around for a decent template and even if you have to pay a few $$ for it, its worth it.

I know a bit about css and styles but if someone else has done the work for you why bother.

Most of the paying templates have forums as well so if you cant do something or you want part of it changed they will glady help.

[stb74]

Stu

Don't know whether you know but here is the joomla extensions site.
Lik emost things you would want on your site, like forums,albums etc they should have a joomla version.

http://extensions.joomla.org/

[bymfc]

Cheers dudes!!

[bymfc]

If you go to my site can you see the banner ok? A mate has told me he only sees the Joomla banner

[bymfc]

O and how to put the vi-sport logo down the bottom right below the polls!

Just for you Paul

[paul_r]

The new banner is there ok.

The Joomla banner is being help in his PC by cookies or something. Tell your mate to refresh with Ctrl-F5 or clear his cookies ... in IE ... Tools -> Internet Options -> Delete Cookies (won't do any harm to Delete Files too, including tick the box that says 'Delete all offline content').

[bymfc]

Scott are the extensions hard to install?

[stb74]

No

Download your component, module or mambot.

In joomla admin under installers

select what you are installing

component
module
mambot

You will see that there are folders that need to have write permissions you will have to change these first, they should be red and set to unwritable.

Once you have them changed and they are now green and writeable.

Select the browse button and select the component that you downloaded.

i.e. com_exposebeta2.2.zip then upload and install.

Most will have a screen afterwards that tell you that you have successfully installed the component, other you will have some other things to configure.

MAKE SURE YOU CHANGE BACK THE PERMISSIONS!!!!

[stb74]

Stu

If you go to Modules/Site Modules.

These are most of the items that you see on each page.

In here you can move items from the left side to the right side.

Most templates have a template area that you work with, you can can have items displayed on the screen.

I will try and find the details for the template that you are using.

You can nearly find them out by changing a few things in this area.

I.E.

left,right,header, footer. user1,user2,user3,user4.

[bymfc]

your words enough! that nasty redworms not about is he?

[bymfc]

Right I have found out how to add a module to that area my only problem is that it is showing random images rather than just one!

[paul_r]

Some further useful reading on Joomla security ...

Online video tutorial
http://www.jaredsdesigns.com/ftp/joomla/JoomlaPermissions.html (http://www.jaredsdesigns.com/ftp/joomla/JoomlaPermissions.html)

That's over 5MB so if you prefer to download it
http://www.jaredsdesigns.com/ftp/joomla/JoomlaPermissions.zip



Soup had also suggested in a thread here that you should get the add-on that allowed permission changes in Joomla. I copied the relevant piece from the Joomla forums ...

Get joomlaXplorer (http://extensions.joomla.org/component/option,com_mtree/task,viewlink/link_id,102/Itemid,35/)

Install it and change the ownership to third party Components, Modules, and Image folders to a new owner other than the default (99)

The gist of all that on the Joomla site is that by acting on the information in these tutorials, and ensuring that you NEVER leave folders or files CHMOD'd to 707 or 777 except briefly during installation, you should be well protected against further attack.

[stb74]

Paul

I have this installed but I cannot use to change the ownership, or I just cannot see how.

I have tried some folders in the past but if they owner is apache then we can't change it.

[paul_r]

Haven't used it myself so I'm not a big help, but as the saying goes I know a man who does (I think). I'll try to get help from him.

Was the video any use? I ran out of time to watch it all - probably best to take the second (zipped) version and save it to your PCs as it looks like something you may need to watch more than once.

With joomlaXplorer I'm sure you can at least set the default permissions to 755 for folders and 644 for files, and the ownership to something other than 'none' (= apache). That way at least any new installations will be safe by default, and you will be able to change permissions temporarily yourself.

[paul_r]

It doesn't sound like you can use joomlaXplorer to change ownerships from apache once the component has been installed. However, I can get those changed for you in your existing sites if you need that done anywhere (think they were all done anyway, except for Stu's new installation and I hopefully got that sorted today).

Haven't had time look for how you set the default so that any new installations automatically have site ownership rather than apache but that video tutorial covers that I hope.

As fo changing permissions using joomlaXplorer ...

Step 1 - click the files/folders you want to change
http://www.visport.co.uk/VS/spider/step1.JPG

Step 2 - change the permissions (and this allows recursive changes, i.e. do all subfolders at the same time)
http://www.visport.co.uk/VS/spider/step2.JPG

[stb74]

Paul

Just used installatron to upgrade joomla.

Most folders and file are now set to 707. Some have had the ownership changes to apache, after you had it set to my user.

I have used the process from the video but some folders will not allow me to remove them.

I am currently going through the system to change the permissions.

Scott

[paul_r]

Thanks for reminding me - forgot to post to say I had updated Installatron to 1.10.

Bit late for you for this update, but I think I'd prefer to do the updates manually. It's very simple and quick and avoids any issues with folder ownerships or permissions. I'm not sure if the update to 1.5 will be possible that way as it sounds like a significant change but we'll cross that bridge when it's released.

Were you are to find how to set the default ownership and permissions in joomlaXplorer? That would ceratinly ease the pain for any future updates or installation of other extensions, as I think that will stop folders going to apache ownership in the first place. In fact, it you work out how to do it maybe you could post a noob's guide? :newb:

[dcladies]

Sorry to post stupid questions but i downloaded this joomla thing and its saved as www.donegalcelticladies.com/joomla (http://www.donegalcelticladies.com/joomla) but I havent got a clue how to use it or edit it...doesnt seem to be an edit function available.

[stb74]

On the left panel you have an Administrator link.

http://www.donegalcelticladies.com/joomla/administrator/

hopefully you can remember what admin password you setup.

[dcladies]

I see that now...I havent got a clue what my username password is...can I unistall and re-install it?

[paul_r]

Can't remember now if it will default to the same user and pass as your control panel. Probably not but worth a try.

It's no big deal though - you can uninstall and reinstall in a couple of minutes. If you aren't sure how to uninstall it I'll do it for you but you should see it ok. Go the same route you went to install it, i.e. to Installatron -> with the list of 50 applications available down the right side, on the left you'll see at the top a list of any that have already been installed.

Tick the button to the right of any you want to remove (in your case there's just Joomla anyway) and click the 'Uninstall' button. When it's done just reinstall again (making a note of the user and pass you choose this time!)

[paul_r]

I should mention that Joomla may be a bit of a handful at first. It's versatile, and stb74 and bymfc have made a great job of their sites, but I'm sure they'll say it probably took over their lives for a while!

[dcladies]

I have re-installed it again but the user name and password that it gives me are not recognised when I try them...can you set it up and then give me the passwords?
sorry for the hassle.

[paul_r]

I'm having a temporary blackout on this. I've deleted and reinstalled twice now and while I can set the password I can't see where to set the username. I assumed it automatically adopted your control panel username but that's not working.

I'm sure it's staring me in the face but I can't see what's wrong at the minute. I'll sort this for you tomorrow and PM you with the details (unless stb74 posts first and tells me what I'm being thick about).

[paul_r]

ok - I have this sussed now. I'll PM you the details now. It's obvious once you know the answer - the initial user is simply 'admin'. Then you use whatever pass you set during installation.

NB it's important with Joomla to use a pass that is reasonably complex or your site could get hacked.

[spoiledali]

hi,


I'm having a temporary blackout on this. I've deleted and reinstalled twice now and while I can set the password I can't see where to set the username. I assumed it automatically adopted your control panel username but that's not working.

I'm sure it's staring me in the face but I can't see what's wrong at the minute. I'll sort this for you tomorrow and PM you with the details (unless stb74 posts first and tells me what I'm being thick about).

I should mention that Joomla may be a bit of a handful at first. It's versatile, and stb74 and bymfc have made a great job of their sites, but I'm sure they'll say it probably took over their lives for a while!

tnkx

[spoiledali]

hi,

I'm having a temporary blackout on this. I've deleted and reinstalled twice now and while I can set the password I can't see where to set the username. I assumed it automatically adopted your control panel username but that's not working.

I'm sure it's staring me in the face but I can't see what's wrong at the minute. I'll sort this for you tomorrow and PM you with the details (unless stb74 posts first and tells me what I'm being thick about).

I should mention that Joomla may be a bit of a handful at first. It's versatile, and stb74 and bymfc have made a great job of their sites, but I'm sure they'll say it probably took over their lives for a while!

tnkx.