Template design tutorial!

[Kateedyd +]

Hello,
I am brand new to 68classifieds and this forum. I have purchased the hosted version, created my categories and hit a brick wall. I have tried to read the tutorial, but I don't have Photoshop or even know what it is. Don't know what cascading sheets are and don't know html. I was understanding that I didn't have to know html to build this site. Soooo, as far as the tutorial, I don't have a clue what is being discussed. Although, reading farther in about the layering is very familiar to me. I have built websites with layering (copy and paste and drag and drop). I feel if I could just get started I may be O.K. with time. I thought I may could at least go in and change the colors, but I don't know the color numbers and the site in the tutorial doesn't come up.
Also, I am using the default, but if I wanted to change to the blue or green, how do I do that?
Where can I find the control panel? What about FTP? I have the Usernames and passwords but can't find the page.
I am feeling really DUMB about this, because everyone talks about how easy it is. I have been wanting and trying to get this classified site built for nearly three years, and I really want this to work. Can somebody PLEASE help me by giving me some instructions for a first grader to get me started?
Ava:

[Lhotch +]

Kateedyd, 68classifieds, like most interactive web sites, combines a lot of different components to control its collection and display of data.

I have no formal training in programming or anything web related and just learned on the fly. With a little tenacity, ambition and some time I dont think you should have a problem picking up the basics. The biggest hurdle right now appears to be a lack of an overall internet foundation.

I guess if I were in your shoes, I would visit

http://www.w3schools.com/default.asp

There are many good examples and tutorials on HTML (hypertext markup language)and CSS (cascading style sheets). These are what is used to control how your pages look, their colors etc.

In the right column near the bottom are a couple tutorials called "my first html" and "my first css" they give you a short crash course on what html and css is.

If you still need more to sink your teeth in just do a google search for beginner html tutorials.

the "Dummies" series of books are also very good when you are starting from the ground floor.

HTML 4 For Dummies (Html 4 for Dummies)

and

CSS Web Design For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

would be a couple good books to get. They are usually written for the total novice and very easy to understand and follow along with.

[calaf6 +]

Originally Posted by Kateedyd

I feel if I could just get started I may be O.K. with time. I thought I may could at least go in and change the colors, but I don't know the color numbers and the site in the tutorial doesn't come up.
Also, I am using the default, but if I wanted to change to the blue or green, how do I do that?
Where can I find the control panel? What about FTP? I have the Usernames and passwords but can't find the page.
I am feeling really DUMB about this, because everyone talks about how easy it is. I have been wanting and trying to get this classified site built for nearly three years, and I really want this to work. Can somebody PLEASE help me by giving me some instructions for a first grader to get me started?
Ava:

I am probably a second grader!! so I can really understand what its like to be confused
The site that Larry gave a link to is very good, helped me a lot.

I would not think about the tutorial for now, as its best if you get used to the files and the program first, the tutorial is fantastic, but not something you would want to be starting with as you do need to be confident with the software first.

I knew nothing about css or php until I came on here, and with a lot of help from everyone on here I have managed to get 2 sites running using this software, and am ploughing slowly through a third (the really hard one!!). When I did the first one I needed a lot of 'hand holding' but now I am quite happy playing with the files and trying things not always successful, but the program has not broken yet!!

FTP, is File Transfer Protocol - how the files are transferred onto the server, and on the server you have a control panel where you can do all sorts, like set up email addresses and see site visitors statistics.

You can access the css file from the admin panel in v.3.1 which is where you change the colours. I use THIS SITE to get the colour code - you want the 6 digit hex (after the # on the left of the screen) just put it into the css file and save, and the colour will change on the site. On that site the Studio (link on the right of the screen gives you ideas for colours that go well together.

A good tip the guys on here gave me was to use Firefox as it will show your css file to the left of the screen, and you can see the effect of changing things immediately. Then you copy the css and paste it into your own file.

If you want to change the template, log into your admin area, and look for the Main Settings, then about half way down the screen there is a box called Site Template, click on the one you want to use.

[Kateedyd +]

Thanks for your help. Maybe I can get a grip on SOMETHING and at least get started. I'm more than sure you will be hearing back from me very soon and quiet often.
Ava

[Kateedyd +]

O.K. It's only been 10 minutes and I'm back. Changed my template and looking around in the file. Have message that the file can't be written as is. The CHMOD needs to be changed to 777. What does this mean, and do I need to do this at this time?
Ava

[Chaslie +]

Ava,

What FTP program are you using? That is, how have you uploaded the 68 Classifieds script?

[Kateedyd +]

I haven't uploaded anything. I emailed support and asked what I needed to do to DOWNload the script. they said I didn't need to DOWNload anything because I have the hosted version. I didn't think to ask about UPloading. This could very well be why I can't get anywhere.
Please give me instructions!
Ava

[mazarron.com +]

Originally Posted by calaf6

THANK YOU

I have only browsed the first bit, but it makes sense and is easy to read, it is printing now, and I will be taking it to read on the train to/from work.

The first thing I have realised is I should have got photoshop - I have been using Pain shop pro which does not look as easy to use

Hi,

I am using PSP V9 and it has an Image Slicer which works fine. Access to it is a bit obscure (until you think about it ... ) File --> Export --> Image Slicer.

I've been using PSP for yearrrrrrs, and I think it's great - beats Photoshop hands down on price versus performance. Haven't found anything I could not do with it.

Good luck

[dpendleton +]

Hi, Just tried to download the PDF and I get a error 404, does anybody have the tutorial?

Thanks,

Dan

[dpendleton +]

Blair has fixed the link...