I really want to do this, but pretty nervouse!

[stu]

Hey gang.
I really want to do classified site for a nitch market. I know what I want to do, know how I want to market it, but I know NOTHING about scripts and programming. I've been surfing sites for weeks and really like the 68c software. But as I said, I know nothing more than using a littel Frontpage. I have read many of the forum posts where a short script is written with instructions to upload it. I have ZERO clue how to do that.

Were any of you guys a total newbie like myself or did you guys have some basic knowledge of php and html? I'm concerned that if there is a bug or there is something that needs attention, I will have no idea how to do it?

thanks in advance.
stu

[Tim_A]

You won't find better help and support than this site mucker

We all started somewhere, it takes a little practise but i'm sure you'll find out what you need here

Don't worry about code changes/uploads, you'll soon get the hang of it once we've walked you through it

[VanWertAds*com]

Hello stu...

Well from where I'm looking you can go about this two ways...

1. LEARN how to program in html, php, and/or any other scripts you'll be dealing with. I know this is easier said than done but if you want TOTAL control over your site than this is the way to go.

2. PAY an have someone customize your site the way you want. Checkout scriptlance.com and getacoder.com

When I started my classified site back in may 2007, I only knew basic html. Throughout the last 5 months I have been learning php, smarty, java scripts and MySQL. I have came a long way in 5 months... (at least I think so!)

So its really up to how 'Involved' you want to be with your site...

If you do decide on LEARNING I highly recommend the following books:
Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML
Beginning PHP and MySQL 5: From Novice to Professional

Good luck with your new venture!

-Josh

[stu]

Thanks alot for the replys guys.

Josh, thank you very much for the links. I would love to atleast start to learn scripts so those links will be very helpful.

Question: Let's say hypotheticaly I don't want any customization at all (I know I will need some like adding my logo etc). So if I don't want any customization at all, do I need to know any scripts at all (php, etc)? My concerns are if I get a site up and running, how am I go to support it? I have seen where Eric posts scripts to fix bugs and things, I don't know how and where to upload that stuff.

I do have a freind that knows some basic PHP. He doesn't know if his knowledge is enough to help me? Is there somehting he can look at to determine if he understands it?

[Lhotch]

Stu, assuming that you dont do any modifiations to the script and just want to be able to upload, install and use it there are some things you need to know.

For starters, you need to know what FTP is and how to use it to transfer files from your PC/Mac over to your web host.

Next you need to have a very basic understanding of what a database is (MySQQL specifically in this case) and know how to use the tools provied by your web host to create a database on your web server.

The actual PHP script files and the template files are just plain text so they can be opened and viewed in just about anything and edited with something as simple as notepad in windows. Keep in mind that if you are using something like notepad and you want to edit a file on the server itself you need to download it form the server, open it in notepad and make your changes. Save it and then reupload it to your web server.

You need to understand the basic principles of files and folders/directories. A web server has folders/directories just like your local machine does.

You need to have a basic understanding of file permissions. On systems running an operating system designed to be used by many clients there are permissions that can be set on any given file or folder to control who and how people access it and the files it contains.

After you upload the folders/files for 68C to your web server you will need to change the file permissions on some folders and files. If you are using an FTP program like "Filezilla" (its free do a web seach) it has multiple panes, one side is your local PC and the other side shows files/folder on the remote system you are connected to (ie web server). Youcan right click on a file and chose "permissions" to get a little window that shows you the settings and you can change the file or folder settings right there. Most web servers also have a web based interface that allows you to view your files and alter permissions as well but that changes from host to host.

Once you know those fundamentals you download your 68C script from 68C user area to your PC. Unzip the file to a temporary folder on your PC and then transfer the files/folders to your web server.

Log into your web host supplied control panel and create a database for the 68C scripts to use and a database user which which the scripts can access the database.

Run the install script and it will tell you what folders/files need their permissions changed. Make the changes and refresh the install page and continue the install filling in the fields as you go. Once install is complete delete the /install directory and contents off your web server and from there on out you can set up your clasifieds by accessing the administration pages for your classified site.

To change the banner image/logo you could give your new image the same name as the one thats currently in use and upload it to your server overwriting the existing one.

I really recommend getting a good handle on the fundamentals I went over above, beyond that you dont need any PHP scripting experience to use the clasifieds as they sit. To get creative and change the colors etc of the site you will want to learn about HTML and CSS.

68 Classifieds Hosted Version

Once you purchase the 68 Hosted edition we will install 68 Classifieds on our servers It also includes free installation, free support and free upgrades for life. You also receive ftp access and a full control panel to manage email accounts, databases, and all aspects of your site.
Price: $29.99

Just Go To The "Order Page" scroll to the bottom

[stu]

Great info guys. Thanks

[calaf6]

Well I knew nothing when I bought this script (and don't know a hell of a lot more now), but I can use it easily and everyone here is so helpful I doubt you would have a problem