Is this for php pros only?

[spaceboy +]

I know nothing about php files and can't even get them to open on my computer. ...Is 68classifieds for someone like me who knows plenty about mainstream html design but nothing about php?

I thought this would be the way to go, but now can't even open the dang files.

[John Snyder +]

You should be able to open them with notepad. Which version did you buy? Designer or Developer?

Designer files with just .php as an extension will be encoded and you don't really need to open them. However the developer version files are not encoded and you should be able to open them in notepad.

If you don't plan on doing php changes you only need to edit the files with the .tpl.php extension located in the templates/default/ directory. The main file that handles the overall look is templates/default/layout.tpl.php

[spaceboy +]

I bought tehe developer package... is there instruction for greenhorns like me? or does this site require some background knowledge?

[Lhotch +]

For basic html the files you want to be working with are the ones installed in /templates/<your template name>

Within there you will have a template wide style.css file which is your style sheet and then the template files will have their filename.tpl.php. Even though they end in php you can tell they are template files because they have the tpl in the name.

Unless you have a php file editor installed windows will likely not have the file type *.php associated with an application but as John said you should be able to open them with notepad.

I would say that most 68c clients have little to no php experiece and moderate html experience.

[detrate +]

While everyone is suggesting notepad, I strongly suggest a better editor especially for a beginner. Syntax highlighting _really_ makes a difference. Check out notepad++, it's a wonderful application, definitely one of my favorite editors.

[Eric Barnes]

Yes I love notepad++. I use all the time for quick edits.

[John Snyder +]

My personal preference is dreamweaver or ultraedit. I agree that syntax highlighting makes a big difference. Definitely speeds up error checking and prevents many of them all together.

I only recommend notepad because it is standard equipment on windows. Now that you've recommended notepad++, I'll have to go and check it out.

[sporthorsebreeder +]

Have a look at TextPad http://www.textpad.com/
A fantastic little program and there is a free version too.
Cheers
Hugh

[detrate +]

textpad is nice but I consider the free version nagware, try notepad++