Joomla! Documentation - User contributions [en]

Archived:Starting with Joomla! FAQs

2008-01-21T16:15:14Z

Newbee:

{{inuse}}

==What license is Joomla! released under?==

Joomla! is released under the GPL (Gnu General Public License 2).

Details of the GPL can be found here: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html.

==What do the locks mean? How do I get rid of them?==

At any given time you may see a padlock next to a specific item in Joomla!'s administrative backend. These padlocks may be displayed next to any of the following (Content Items, Menu Items, Modules, etc).

The Joomla! system places these padlocks next to an item to indicate that a user is currently editing (or checked out) the item. The lock is removed by the system administratorvwhen the user clicks on the "Save" button for that item.
If the user never clicks "Save" and instead hits the "Back" button or navigates to another page, then the item stays locked. If another user needs to work with the item he or she must have the item checked back in before they can work on it.

There are two ways of checking items back in. One way is to contact the person that has the item checked out to see if they are done with the item.

The other option utilises the administrative back end;
Click on "System => Global check in"
This option should be used very carefully, especially in multi-user environments. This single action checks in all previously checked out items, whether they were checked out by you or not. Possible undesirable side effects may be that multiple editors end up working on the same document.
In this case whoever clicks the save button last has their version saved as the final copy.

==How do I eliminate the pathway or breadcrumbs?==

The pathway or breadcrumb is a hierarchical trail that shows your current location on the site. The breadcrumb follows the Section, Category, Content Item hierarchy and a site's home page is always listed as the root of the hierarchy as "Home".

An example is as follows; You are currently reading a content item "New Page". This content item is a member of the "Pages " category. In the turn the pages category is a member of the "Books" section. In this case the breadcrumb for that page would look like: "Home >> Books >> Pages >> New Page".

'''1.0'''

If you wish to eliminate the pathway entirely, edit your template html (index) file. Usually it will look like this:
<div id="pathway">
<?php mosPathWay(); ?>
</div>

If you wish to eliminate it on a specific page, such as just the home page, you can modify the template in this way:
New line:if($option != "" && $option != "com_frontpage")
New line:{
New line:?>
Existing:<div id="pathway">
Existing:<?php mosPathWay(); ?>
Existing:</div>
New line:}
New line:?>
Keep in mind: The first line says that if the option in the url does not equal com_frontpage (!="com_frontpage") display the pathway. In php ! means not.

'''1.5'''

Breadcrumbs are in the breadcrumbs module. To eliminate them, disable the module.

==How do I exit the wrapper?==

(needs permission or rewrite)

==How do I get rid of the News Flash or other module?==

To disable the news flash (or any other) module from being displayed on the front end of the website, you first need to log into the administrative back end.

'''1.0'''

* Once in the back end, on the top menu click Modules => Site Modules.
* Locate the Newsflash module. You may need to navigate to another page as there are many modules and they are not all displayed on the first page.
* Click the "Next" or "Previous" links at the bottom of the page until the module is located.
* Once the module is located, click on the icon next for this module name in the "Published" column.

The icon should change to a red "X" which indicates that the module is now unpublished and invisible on the site’s front end.

'''1.5'''

*Once in the back end, go to Extensions, Module Manager
*Locate the newsflash or other module
*Once the module is located, click on the icon next for this module name in the "Enabled" column.

==How do I remove the page title from the front page of my site?==

(needs permission or rewrite)

==How do I find an extension to do [fill in the blank]?==

The official Joomla! extensions site: http://extensions.joomla.org/ is the main source for extensions.

If you cannot find what you need there, you should also search the Joomla! Extensions Directory Forum.

If you still cannot find the right component then you should post a request or question in the Extensions Directory forum.

1.5 forum: http://forum.joomla.org/index.php/board,470.0.html

1.0 forum: http://forum.joomla.org/index.php/board,465.0.html

==Can content items be assigned to multiple categories or sections?==

No, content items cannot be assigned to multiple categories or sections. In Joomla! 1.0.x content items are restricted to a single category in a single section.

To have the same content in several sections or categories you must make separate content items for each category.

Workarounds include using menus rather than dynamic lists of content items and using various third party extensions that simulate assignment to multiple categories.

==How do I control what items appear in my newsflashes?==

Newsflash is a module that displays content from specific sections and/or categories.

* In the administrative back end from the top menu select “Modules => Site Modules”.
* Click on “Newsflash” to edit the module.
* Go to the parameters section of the page.
* Next to the “Category” parameter click on the drop down menu to select which category of content items will be displayed by this module. (In older versions of Joomla! the section and/or category id numbers have to be manually entered).
* Click the "Save" button to make your changes permanent.

==How do I change the image(s) in my template?==

One common template change is to use your own graphic/image. Simple graphics (not banners) are usually linked in your template's html file. Simply change the reference to the image of your choice in the your template's html file.

'''1.0'''
In the adminstrative interface do this by going to Site =>Template manager and then selecting your template. Click the icon for html.

'''1.5'''

In the administrative interface do this by going to Extensions =>Templates.

Select the template you want to modify and click edit. Then click the icon for html.

Keep in mind that if it is a different size than the original image this may change the appearance of the site in unexpected ways.

Additional information:

The images for a given template are generally located in this folder:
/templates/templatename/images (Substitute the name of the template you are using in place of "templatename").

A trick for finding the name of the image is to put your cursor over it and click right. Select view image. This will display the image and give its full url. Sometimes the images are background images. This is viewable in Firefox or you can look for the background tag in your page source.

How to upload an image:

There are many ways to upload images. Which one you use will depend on your host and server.

1. You can use the media manager.
2. You can use an FTP client.
3. You can use a cPanel file manager.
4. You can use various extensions that allow uploading.

==How do I change the introductory text for weblinks?==

By default Joomla! 1.0.x uses the 'We are out on the web ..." introductory text. If you wish to change you have two options.
1. In your menu link to the weblinks component, add introductory text to the parameters. This replaces the default text. Note: to see all of the parameters you need to create the component link and then edit it.

2. Change your language file (e.g. english.php). It is found in _WEBLINKS_DESC.

==Why cannot I edit my content from the front end?==

The most common cause of this problem is the item is "checked out." Either the item is being edited by another user or (more commonly) that the last time someone opened (edited) the file it was not closed properly (or saved).

If you were the person that last edited the article, log into the back end of the site, go to the content manager and find the article in question. It will have a lock next to its name. Open the file and then save it (or cancel). When the content list is reloaded the lock should be gone.

Alternatively, someone with superadministrator privileges can use Global Checkin to checkin all checked out items. If using this option, make sure that no one is actively editing a file or their work may be lost.

It is possible to check in your own items that you may have accidentally locked if a link to checkin is available. This may be called something else. You can add this link to a menu by creating a URL link like this: index.php?option=com_user&task=CheckIn

Note: It is important that whenever you open an article for editing you should close it using either "save" (floppy icon) or "cancel" (red x icon) when finished with your edits. Failure to do so will cause this lock as described above.

==How do I link from inside content to another content item?==

The simple answer is that you get the page URL you want to link to and then make a link using whatever text editor you are using or (if you have no wysiwyg) with html.

The more complicated answer is that some text editors have fancier links managers. A number of these editors are available in the Joomla! Extensions Directory.

==How is access control set up in Joomla!?==

Joomla! has a limited access control system. By default there are the following groups:
Front End Only

* Public
* Registered
* Author
* Publisher

Back End

* Manager
* Administrator
* Super Administrator

There are two basic ways that access control is used:

* To control the ability of users to see modules, content and menu items;
* To control the actions that users can take.

Access to content, modules and menu links

All groups except Public and Registered are considered "Special."

When creating content or setting parameters for modules, you can set access to: Public, Registered or Special.

These groups are hierarchical. Groups further down the list have all the rights of those above them.

Control of privileges to create and edit content and modify administrative settings.

Group Front End Back End
Public Can view pubic pages None
Registered Same permissions as "Public" plus can view content and modules limited to registered. Can submit weblinks None
Author Same permissions as "Registered" plus can submit but not publish content. None
Editor Same permissions as "Author" plus edit any content. None
Publisher Same permissions as "Publisher" plus can publish and edit any content. None
Manager Same permissions as as "Publisher" Limited
Administrator Same permissions as "Publisher" Most privileges
Super Administrator Same permissions as "Publisher" All privileges
Each group can view the content and modules at the same level or above on this table.

There is no way to create additional access groups without modifying Joomla!'s core files.

There are some extensions available which provide additional access control capabilities.

You can learn more about access control here:

http://help.joomla.org/images/User_manual/joomal_users_manual_combined.pdf

==Where are the web pages?==

If you are coming from a traditional website made up of separate html pages, you may well wonder where the pages are.

In Joomla! almost everything that you would normally think of as a web page is actually stored in a MySQL database. When you create a new page, your content is stored in a database record, not in a separate file.

Then when your site is viewed, Joomla! calls up different items from your database and puts them together to make what is displayed to the user.

One exception is that your images are usually stored in the images directory and not the database.

Your MySQL database usually is created by you during the installation process (unless you use a Fantastico or a similar installer that will create the database automatically). If you have a control panel on a linux host, you can usually access MySQL through a program called phpAdmin. This will allow you to view your database.

==What determines what is shown on my frontpage?==

Frontpage is a component that is part of the core of Joomla!, like the front page of a newspaper, it shows (usually) multiple pieces of content arranged in some way.

When you install Joomla! the front page component is by default set as the homepage of your site (that is it is the first link on your Main Menu) but front page does not have to be your "home" page.

What exactly appears on the front page and how it is laid out is controlled in two ways. First, if you open the menu link in your menu manager in the back end there are numerous parameters that control the number of items shown, the number of columns etc.

To control which items are shown you must also indicate that an item should be placed on the front page by editing the parameters for the content item. In the back end this will be indicated by an icon in the front page column of the list of content items/articles.

In addition, you can use the front page manager (in the content menu of the backend) to control the publication dates and other variables for content items that are on the front page.

==What determines my home page?==

Your "homepage" in a traditional html site--the page that shows when you type mydomain.com for example-- would be the page displaying that is in the index.html file.

Joomla! is a database driven CMS so it does not have html pages, but rather pulls up the pieces of pages from a mysql database.

When you install Joomla! by default it has a menu link to the frontpage component as the home page. However, any content or component or other link can be used as the "home" page. The default page is controlled using the Main Menu.

Changing the default page.

'''1.0'''

The "page" that shows when a user navigates to mydomain.com is the page created by clicking on the first link on the Main Menu. The link can be called anything (Home, Bob it does not matter), that is the page that will show.

This menu can be displayed anywhere and can be displayed vertically or horizontally or not at all. The menu does not even need to be published.

'''1.5'''

The "page" that shows is determined by the Main Menu. Go to Menu ==>Main Menu. Select the item you would like as the homepage and click the default icon.

==What are section, categories, content items and articles?==

Joomla! is a content management system. Sections and categories allow you to organize your content.

The basic structure is:
Sections include Categories.
Categories include content items (1.0)/articles (1.5).

Section A
Category A1
content items/articles
Category A2
content items/articles
Category A3
content items/articles

Section B
Category B1
content items
Category B2
content items
Category B3
content items

Section C

Category C1
content items
Category C2
content items
Category C3
content items

The content items/articles are what you would think of as web pages in a traditional html site.

Both section and category "pages" can be created to serve (more or less) as the home pages for the categories and sections, respectively.

Although it makes sense to organize your work into categories and sections, you do not need to show these to your users. Using your menus, you can link directly to sections, categories and content items. You can also select numerous options for the display of content associated with each type of link.

==What are components, modules, mambots and plugins?==

'''Components'''

Content elements or applications that are usually displayed in the center of the main content area of a template. This depends on the design of the template in use. Components are core elements of Joomla!’s functionality. These core elements include Content, Banners, Contact, News Feeds, Polls and Web Links. Members of the Joomla! community produce third party Joomla! components on a continuous basis. They are freely available to download from http://extensions.joomla.org/ and a number of other web sites. See also Modules.

'''Plugins and Mambots'''

Plugins and mambots are the same thing. Plugin is the term used in 1.5 while mambot is used in 1.0.

A plugin or mambot is a small, task-oriented function that intercepts content before it is displayed and manipulates it in some way. Joomla! provides a number of Mambots in the core distribution, e.g. WYSIWYG editors, but there are many other mambots available for specific tasks. Some 3rd Party developer components have their own mambots which need to be installed in order to make the component work properly.
In Joomla! 1.5 mambots will be renamed plugins.

'''Modules'''

Modules extend the capabilities of Joomla! giving the software new functionality. Modules are small content items that can be displayed anywhere that your template allows it to be displayed by assigning them to positions and pages through the module manager in the administrative interface. Modules are installed in the Admin Section. Joomla! modules may include: Main Menu, Top menu, Template Chooser, Polls, Newsflash, Hit Counter, etc. Members of the Joomla! Community produce Joomla! modules on a continuous basis. Many are freely available at http://forge.joomla.org/ for download.

In addition, some 3rd party components, modules and mambots themselves have plugins.

==How do I change the favicon?==

Favicon is the favorites icon that is associated with your site and appears in the browser address bar. Both Joomla! 1.0.x and 1.5.x come with a default favicon that displays the Joomla! Logo. You may change that as long as your new favicon is in the ICO format and sized 16×16 pixels. Here's how to do it:

'''1.0'''

* Upload your new favicon into Joomla!'s /images/ folder.
* Delete Joomla!'s default /images/favicon.ico file and rename your file into favicon.ico OR
* Go to your site's back-end and change the name of the favicon file that's being loaded at Site > Global Configuration > Site > Favourites Site Icon (make sure configuration.php is writable before you commit your changes).

'''1.5'''

Unlike the 1.0.x series, the only name you are allowed to use for your favicon is favicon.ico but you are offered the flexibility to associate different favicons with different templates. You only need to upload your favicon.ico into the main folders of your front-end and back-end templates, which are found in the /templates/ and the /administrator/templates/ folders respectively, overwriting any favicon files that came with your templates.

However, if you'd rather use a single favicon.ico for all your templates, just upload it into Joomla!'s main folder (that's where your index.php resides) and into the /administrator/ folder. Make sure you delete all favicon.ico files found in the template folders mentioned above because Joomla! will check your template folder first for the favicon.ico file.

'''Note'''

To see the new favicon you will need to empty your browser cache.

==Why do the pop ups in my WYSIWYG editor not work or show gibberish?==

Depending on the editor, this problem may occur when trying to edit the html, insert tables or perform a similar function that requires javascript.

Most likely the problem with the livesite...

You look in your site configuration (General Configuration, select the Server tab) you will see that the livesite is given. Usually it is either www.mydomain.com or mydomain.com.

When you log into your site, you must log in from the exact livesite. if you don't the javascript in your editor will not work.

One way to deal with this is to put a redirect from, for example, mydomain.com to www.mydomain.com so that you and your users always login from the correct url. You can do this with .htaccess.

==What are positions?==

Site templates divides the "pages" displayed on a site into a series of positions, each with a different name.

'''1.0'''
You can view the location of positions in your default template from the administrator go to Site =>Preview=>Inline with Positions.

You can only preview the default template.

You can annotate your positions through the administrator (backend). Go to Site=>Template Manage=>Module Positions.

'''1.5'''

Extensions => Templates.
Select the template you wish to preview and click the edit icon.
Click the preview icon.

You can add or remove positions by modifying your template html.

You assign a module to a position using the module manager.

'''1.0'''
Modules=>Site Modules==>edit the module
On the left side of the page, on the third line, there is a drop down menu that lets you select the position.

'''1.5'''
In the module manager, edit the module. In the left column select all, none or the specific pages you would like it to appear on.

Notes:
Modules that are not pubished (1.0) or enabled (1.5) will not display.
Modules can be assigned to unused positions (positions not in the template) if you want to have them published but not displayed in a position (for example, if you want to display a module in content using {mosloadposition} (1.0) or {loadposition} (1.5)).
Multiple modules may be assigned to the same position. They will be displayed in the order shown for modules in that position in the module manager.
If you want to display a module in more than one position, use the module manager to create another copy.
1.0 copy the module and assign the copy to the second position.
1.5 use the new icon and create another instance of the module.

==Why are the backgrounds of my WYSIWYG editor fields colored?==

The simple answer as to why this happens is in the term 'WYSIWYG'. Content editors like TinyMCE attempt to allow users to see what the text they're entering will look like when it appears on the front-end of the website. To this end, they show the text against the color or image specified in the template_css.css file of whatever template the front-end of the website is using.

This often presents a problem for users when their website is designed to appear as a lighter content pane floating over a darker-colored background. The darker background is what appears in the editor windows, making the text almost impossible to see. In such cases, it may be necessary to tell the editor not to use the template_css.css file as a reference, but rather to use a different css file instead.

Note [added by mod]: Some editors (such as JCE and FCK) have configuration interfaces that allow you to override the template_css file or to ignore template classes. You may wish to explore this option before trying the solution below.

Step 1: Create a customized CSS file.
The first thing you'll need to do is to write a customized .css file for your editor. It doesn't have to be very complicated, and you can use the file below for reference (Many thanks to jxl, who wrote the sample file).

'''Note: Changes to the image urls would be need to use this file in 1.5'''

/* CSS Document */

/* Editor Assigned Styles */
/*make sure that any styles you put here also exist in your template_css.css file or they will have no effect in the front end */

p.rightalign {
text-align: right;
}

.red {
color: #c00;
}

.green {
color: #0c0;
}

.highlight {
background-color: Yellow;
color: Blue;
padding: 0;
}
p.code {
background-color: #ddd;
border: 1px solid #bbb;
}

.small {
color: #999999;
font-size: 10px;
}

/* Body Tag for Background Color and Font Specs. */

body {
font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Sans Serif;
font-size: 12px;
color: #333333;
background: #ffffff;
}

/* Optional Basic Stuff you can use to make everything look like it does on the site itself */
/* you can get this stuff right out of your template_css.css file, or you can just leave it out */

ul
{
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
list-style: none;
}

li
{
line-height: 16px;
padding-left: 16px;
padding-top: 0px;
background-image: url(../images/arrow.png); /* use the real image path that you have on your site. An absolute path is OK */
background-repeat: no-repeat;
background-position: 0px 2px;
}

td {
text-align: left;
font-size: 12px;
}

a, a:link, a:visited {
color: #c64934; text-decoration: none;
font-weight: bold;
}

a:hover {
color: #900; text-decoration: none;
font-weight: bold;
}

Make careful note of the comments in the file above. The first section is comprised of text classes; you'll want to go into your template's template_css.css file and find the text classes (.highlight, .small, etc.) it specifies that you'll be likely to use in your content and make sure to copy them into the editor_content.css file as well. The same is true of the styles defined in the last section (a:hover, td, ul, etc.).

The key part that fixes the background issue is the 'body' style specified in the middle. You can change parts of this to match your template if you like, but leave the 'background' rule set to #FFFFFF. This will make the editor windows white, as opposed to the dark background color of your site template.

Incidentally, if your website uses a background IMAGE in addition to a color, the same thing applies.

Also, if this is too much work, you CAN just copy and paste your template's template_css.css file into a new CSS file and change the BODY style so that the background is set to #FFFFFF. This is less neat and orderly, but you'll be sure you have all of the classes and such defined properly this way.

When you've finished, save your new CSS file as editor_content.css

Step 2: Upload your CSS file to the correct directory.

You'll use an FTP client for this, which hopefully you're already doing. If Joomla! is in a separate folder, you'll navigate to:

joomla/templates/[the template you're using]/css/

If you don't have Joomla! in a separate folder, just go to whatever directory houses your Joomla! files. The key is to make sure you're in the correct front-end template folder for your website. Upload your editor_content.css file to the CSS folder under this template directory.

Note that in most cases, the only other file in this directory is a file called 'template_css.css'. If you see that file, you're probably in the right place. Also, note that there is a 'css' directory in joomla/templates/ as well, but this IS NOT the directory you're looking for. You want the css directory under the template you're using.

Step 3: Point your Editor to the new CSS.

Now go back to your site and into the administration area. Click on 'Mambots" and "Site Mambots" to see the list of Mambots currently in use in your website. Check TinyMCE WYSIWYG (or whatever WYSIWYG editor you're using) and then 'Edit' to open the editing pane for the editor.

Look to the right side under 'Parameters' and scroll down until you see the option entitled 'Template CSS Classes'. Click the radio button to 'no'. Right under this is a field entitled 'Custom CSS Classes'. In this field type:

templates/[template you're using]/css/editor_content.css

Then save and exit.

This should correct the background issue in your editor. If it doesn't, you've either set up your editor_content.css file incorrectly or you've uploaded the file to the wrong directory.

==How do you install an extension?==

Before starting it always is wise to read the documentation associated with an extension. Most extensions have homepages and forums, and it is a good idea to look at them first. If there is a README file included with the extension, you should read it.

For most extensions and most users, the procedure will be:

'''1.0'''

* Download the extension to your local machine
* From the backend of your joomla site (adminsitration) select Installers and then the type of extension (module, component, mambot/plugin, site template, administrative template, language
* Browse for the package file
* Click the install icon
* Follow any instructions

'''1.5'''

* Download the extension to your local machine
* From the backend of your joomla site (adminsitration) select Extensions.
* Browse for the package file
* Click the install icon
* Follow any instructions

There are some situations in which this procedure will not work.

Sometimes you need to unzip the file locally prior to installing. If you get an error saying that the file is not in the correct format, the need to unzip is a common cause of this. After unzipping try installing the individual items. Note that the files you upload using the installed still need to be zipped.

Sometimes you cannot use the automated installer. For example, very large extensions may exceed the maximum upload size allowed by your host.

In this case, unzip all of the files locally. Then transfer the files to a folder in the the install directory(for example administrator/components/com_installer/components) for the type of extension you are installing (using FTP). Then use the installer, but select "install from directory" indicating the correct folder name.

For modules and mambots/plugins to work, you must make sure that they are pubished (1.0) or enabled (1.5).

==Why doesn't the pdf of my page show the images?==

Images are not supported in Joomla! 1.0.x in the pdf creation script. Images are supported in Joomla! 1.5.

==How do I make a menu link that is not clickable?==

To make a menu link that does not connect to anything (is not clickable) use the link type Separator/Placeholder

==What does a simple Joomla! installation include?==

If you simply install Joomla! without any modifications or extensions, the following (incomplete) list of features will be included.

* Content component which allows creation and display of "content items" usually in the middle of the page.
* Front page component, which displays multiple recent content items designated as "front page" in the content manager. Configurable for layout and number of items.
* Weblinks component for entering and displaying a list of weblinks.
* Media manager for uploading and managing images and other media.
* User manager (administrative end) and user registration module (front end).
* Newsflash module for displaying specific content items as "newsflashes."
* Modules for latest items, most popular, and related items.
* A simple poll component
* A menu system
* A choice of several templates for your site[/li]
* Installers for third party extensions (templates, components, modules and plugins/mambots).
* The TinyMCE wysiwyg editor. 1.5 Also includes xStandard Lite
* Administrative interface for managing your site

Archived:Starting with Joomla! FAQs

2008-01-21T15:42:43Z

Newbee:

{{inuse}}

==What license is Joomla! released under?==

Joomla! is released under the GPL (Gnu General Public License 2).

Details of the GPL can be found here: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html.

==What do the locks mean? How do I get rid of them?==

At any given time you may see a padlock next to a specific item in Joomla!'s administrative backend. These padlocks may be displayed next to any of the following (Content Items, Menu Items, Modules, etc).

The Joomla! system places these padlocks next an item to indicate that a user is currently editing (checked out) the item. The lock is removed by the sytem when the user clicks on the "Save" button for that item.
If the user never clicks save and instead hits the "Back" button or naviagtes to another page, then the item stays locked. If another user needs to work with the item he or she must have the item checked back in before the can work.

There are two ways of checking items back in. One way is to contact the person that has the item checked out to see if they are done with the item.

The other option utilizes the administrative back end;
Click on "System => Global check in"
This option should be used very carefully, especially in multi-user environments. This single action checks in all previously checked out items, whether they were checked out by you or not. Possible undesirable side effects may be that multiple editors end up working on the same document.
In this case who ever clicks the save button last has their version saved as the final copy.

==How do I eliminate the pathway or breadcrumbs?==

The pathway or breadcrumb is a hierarchical trail that shows your current location on the site. The breadcrumb follows the Section, Catgory, Content Item hierarchy and a site's home page is always listed as the root of the hierarchy as "Home".

An example is as follows; You are currently reading a content item "New Page". This content item is a member of the "Pages " category. In the turn the pages category is a member of the "Books" section. In this case the breadcrumb for that page would look like: "Home >> Books >> Pages >> New Page".

'''1.0'''

If you wish to eliminate the pathway entirely, edit your template html (index) file. Usually it will look like this:
<div id="pathway">
<?php mosPathWay(); ?>
</div>

If you wish to eliminate it on a specific page, such as just the home page, you can modify the template in this way:
New line:if($option != "" && $option != "com_frontpage")
New line:{
New line:?>
Existing:<div id="pathway">
Existing:<?php mosPathWay(); ?>
Existing:</div>
New line:}
New line:?>
Understanding: The first line says that if the option in the url does not equal com_frontpage (!="com_frontpage") display the pathway. In php ! means not.

'''1.5'''

Breadcrumbs are in the breadcrumbs module. To eliminate them, disable the module.

==How do I exit the wrapper?==

(needs permission or rewrite)

==How do I get rid of the News Flash or other module?==

To disable the news flash (or any other) module from being displayed on the front end of the website, you first need to log in to the administrative backend.

'''1.0'''

* Once in the back end, on the top menu click Modules => Site Modules.
* Locate the Newsflash module. You may need to navigate to another page as there are many modules and they are not all displayed on the first page.
* Click the "Next" or "Previous" links at the button of the page until the module is located.
* Once the module is located, click on the icon next for this module name in the "Published" column.

The icon should change to a red "X" which indicates that the module is now unpublished and invisible on the site’s front end.

'''1.5'''

*Once in the back end, go to Extensions, Module Manager
*Locate the newsflash or other module
*Once the module is located, click on the icon next for this module name in the "Enabled" column.

==How do I remove the page title from the front page of my site?==

(needs permission or rewrite)

==How do I find an extension to do [fill in the blank]?==

The official Joomla! extensions site: http://extensions.joomla.org/ is the main source for extensions.

If you cannot find what you need there, you should also search the Joomla! Extensions Directory Forum.

If you still can't find the right component then you should post a request or question in the Extensions Directory forum.

1.5 forum: http://forum.joomla.org/index.php/board,470.0.html

1.0 forum: http://forum.joomla.org/index.php/board,465.0.html

==Can content items be assigned to multiple categories or sections?==

No, content items cannot be assigned to multiple categories or sections. In Joomla! 1.0.x content items are restricted to a single category in a single section.

To have the same content in several sections or categories you must make separate content items for each category.

Workarounds include using menus rather than dynamic lists of content items and using various third party extensions that simulate assignment to multiple categories.

==How do I control what items appear in my newsflashes?==

Newsflash is a module that displays content from specific sections and/or categories.

* In the administrative back end from the top menu select “Modules => Site Modules”.
* Click on “Newsflash” to edit the module.
* Go to the parameters section of the page.
* Next to the “Category” parameter click on the drop down menu to select which category of content items will be displayed by this module. (In older versions of Joomla! You need to manually enter the section and/or category id numbers).
* Click the save button to make your changes permanent.

==How do I change the image(s) in my template?==

One common template change is to use your own graphic/image. Simple graphics (not banners) are usually linked in the html file of your template. Simply change the reference to the image of your choice in the html file of your template.

'''1.0'''
In the adminsitrative interface do this by going to Site =>Template manager and then selecting your template. Click the icon for html.

'''1.5'''

In the administrative interface do this by going to Extensions>Templates.

Select the template you want to modify and click edit. Then click the icon for html.

Keep in mind that it if it is a different size than the original image this may change the appearance of the site in unexpected ways.

Additional information:

The images for a given template are generally located in this folder:
/templates/templatename/images (Substitute the name of the template you are using in place of "templatename").

A trick for finding the name of the image is to put your cursor over it and click right. Select view image. This will display the image and give its full url. Sometimes the images are background images. This is viewable in Firefox or you can look for the background tag in your page source.

How to upload an image:

There are many ways to upload images. Which one you use will depend on your host and server.

1. You can use the media manager.
2. You can use an ftp client.
3. You can use a cpanel file manager.
4. You can use various extensions that allow uploading.

==How do I change the introductory text for weblinks?==

By default Joomla! 1.0.x uses the 'We are out on the web ..." introductory text. If you wish to change you have two options.
1. In your menu link to the weblinks component, add introductory text to the parameters. This replaces the default text. Note, to see all of the parameters you need to create the component link, then edit it.

2. Change your language file (e.g. english.php). It is found in _WEBLINKS_DESC

==Why can't I edit my content from the front end?==

The most common cause of this is that the item is "checked out." That means that the item is either being edited by another user or (more common) that the last time someone opened (edited) the file it was not closed properly (saved).

If you were the person that last edited the article, log into the backend of the site, go to the content manager and find the article in question. It will have a lock next to its name. Open the file and then save it (or cancel). When the content list is reloaded the lock should be gone.

Alternatively, someone with superadministrator privleges can use Global Checkin to checkin all checked out items. If using this option, make sure that no one is actively editing a file or their work may be lost.

It is possible to check in your own items that you may have accidentally locked if a link to checkin is available. This may be called something else. You can add this link to a menu by creating a URL link like this: index.php?option=com_user&task=CheckIn

Note: It is important that whenever you open an article for editing you should close it using either "save" (floppy icon) or "cancel" (red x icon) when finished with your edits. Failure to do this so will lock as described above.

==How do I link from inside content to another content item?==

The simple answer is that you get the URL for the page you want to link to. Then you make a link using whatever editor you are using or with html if you have nowysiwyg.

The more complicated answer is that some editors have fancier links managers. A number of these editors are available in the Joomla! Extensions Directory.

==How is access control set up in Joomla!?==

Joomla! has a limited access control system. By default there are the following groups:
Front End Only

* Public
* Registered
* Author
* Publisher

Back End

* Manager
* Administrator
* Super Administrator

There are two basic ways that access control is used:

* To control the ability of users to see modules, content and menu items
* To control the actions that users can take.

Access to content, modules and menu links

All groups except Public and Registered are considered "Special."

When creating content or setting parameters for modules, you can set access to: Public, Registered or Special.

These groups are hierarchical. Groups further down the list have all rights of those above them.

Control of privileges to create and edit content and modify administrative settings.

Group Front End Back End
Public Can view pubic pages None
Registered Same permissions as "Public" plus can view content and modules limited to registered. Can submit weblinks None
Author Same permissions as "Registered" plus can submit but not publish content. None
Editor Same permissions as "Author" plus edit any content. None
Publisher Same permissions as "Publisher" plus can publish and edit any content. None
Manager Same permissions as as "Publisher" Limited
Administrator Same permissions as "Publisher" Most privileges
Super Administrator Same permissions as "Publisher" All privileges
Each group can view the content and modules at the same level or above on this table.

There is no way to create additional access groups without modifying Joomla! core files.

There are some extensions available which provide additional access control capabilities.

You can learn more about access control here:

http://help.joomla.org/images/User_manual/joomal_users_manual_combined.pdf

==Where are the web pages?==

If you are coming from a traditional website made up of separate html pages, you may well wonder where the pages are.

In Joomla! almost everything that you would normally think of as a web page is actually stored in a MySQL database. When you create a new page, your content is stored in a database record, not in a separate file.

Then when your site is viewed, Joomla! calls up different items from your database and puts them together to make what is displayed to the user.

One exception is that your images are usually stored in the images directory and not the database.

Your MySQL database usually is created by you during the installation process (unless you use a Fantastico or a similar installer that will create the database automatically). If you have a control panel on a linux host, you can usually access MySQL through a program called phpAdmin. This will allow you to view your database.

==What determines what is shown on my frontpage?==

Frontpage is a component that is part of the core of Joomla!, like the front page of a newspaper, it shows (usually) multiple pieces of content arranged in some way.

When you install Joomla! the front page component is by default set as the homepage of your site (that is it is the first link on your Main Menu) but front page does not have to be your "home" page.

What exactly appears on the front page and how it is laid out is controlled in two ways. First, if you open the menu link in your menu manager in the backend there are numerous parameters that control the number of items shown, the number of columns etc.

To control which items are shown you must also indicate that an item should be placed on the front page by editing the parameters for the content item. In the backend this will be indicated by an icon in the front page column of the list of content items/articles.

In addition, you can use the front page manager (in the content menu of the backend) to control the publication dates and other variables for content items that are on the front page.

==What determines my home page?==

Your "homepage" in a traditional html site--the page that shows when you type mydomain.com for example-- would be the page displaying that is in the index.html file.

Joomla! is a database driven CMS so it does not have html pages, but rather pulls up the pieces of pages from a mysql database.

When you install Joomla! by default it has a menu link to the frontpage component as the home page. However, any content or component or other link can be used as the "home" page. The default page is controlled using the Main Menu.

Changing the default page.

'''1.0'''

The "page" that shows when a user navigates to mydomain.com is the page created by clicking on the first link on the Main Menu. The link can be called anything (Home, Bob it does not matter), that is the page that will show.

This menu can be displayed anywhere and can be displayed vertically or horizontally or not at all. The menu does not even need to be published.

'''1.5'''

The "page" that shows is determined by the Main Menu. Go to Menu ==>Main Menu. Select the item you would like as the homepage and click the default icon.

==What are section, categories, content items and articles?==

Joomla! is a content management system. Sections and categories allow you to organize your content.

The basic structure is:
Sections include Categories.
Categories include content items (1.0)/articles (1.5).

Section A
Category A1
content items/articles
Category A2
content items/articles
Category A3
content items/articles

Section B
Category B1
content items
Category B2
content items
Category B3
content items

Section C

Category C1
content items
Category C2
content items
Category C3
content items

The content items/articles are what you would think of as web pages in a traditional html site.

Both section and category "pages" can be created to serve (more or less) as the home pages for the categories and sections, respectively.

Although it makes sense to organize your work into categories and sections, you do not need to show these to your users. Using your menus, you can link directly to sections, categories and content items. You can also select numerous options for the display of content associated with each type of link.

==What are components, modules, mambots and plugins?==

'''Components'''

Content elements or applications that are usually displayed in the center of the main content area of a template. This depends on the design of the template in use. Components are core elements of Joomla!’s functionality. These core elements include Content, Banners, Contact, News Feeds, Polls and Web Links. Members of the Joomla! community produce third party Joomla! components on a continuous basis. They are freely available to download from http://extensions.joomla.org/ and a number of other web sites. See also Modules.

'''Plugins and Mambots'''

Plugins and mambots are the same thing. Plugin is the term used in 1.5 while mambot is used in 1.0.

A plugin or mambot is a small, task-oriented function that intercepts content before it is displayed and manipulates it in some way. Joomla! provides a number of Mambots in the core distribution, e.g. WYSIWYG editors, but there are many other mambots available for specific tasks. Some 3rd Party developer components have their own mambots which need to be installed in order to make the component work properly.
In Joomla! 1.5 mambots will be renamed plugins.

'''Modules'''

Modules extend the capabilities of Joomla! giving the software new functionality. Modules are small content items that can be displayed anywhere that your template allows it to be displayed by assigning them to positions and pages through the module manager in the administrative interface. Modules are installed in the Admin Section. Joomla! modules may include: Main Menu, Top menu, Template Chooser, Polls, Newsflash, Hit Counter, etc. Members of the Joomla! Community produce Joomla! modules on a continuous basis. Many are freely available at http://forge.joomla.org/ for download.

In addition, some 3rd party components, modules and mambots themselves have plugins.

==How do I change the favicon?==

Favicon is the favorites icon that is associated with your site and appears in the browser address bar. Both Joomla! 1.0.x and 1.5.x come with a default favicon that displays the Joomla! Logo. You may change that as long as your new favicon is in the ICO format and sized 16×16 pixels. Here's how to do it:

'''1.0'''

* Upload your new favicon into Joomla!'s /images/ folder.
* Delete Joomla!'s default /images/favicon.ico file and rename your file into favicon.ico OR
* Go to your site's back-end and change the name of the favicon file that's being loaded at Site > Global Configuration > Site > Favourites Site Icon (make sure configuration.php is writable before you commit your changes).

'''1.5'''

Unlike the 1.0.x series, the only name you are allowed to use for your favicon is favicon.ico but you are offered the flexibility to associate different favicons with different templates. You only need to upload your favicon.ico into the main folders of your front-end and back-end templates, which are found in the /templates/ and the /administrator/templates/ folders respectively, overwriting any favicon files that came with your templates.

However, if you'd rather use a single favicon.ico for all your templates, just upload it into Joomla!'s main folder (that's where your index.php resides) and into the /administrator/ folder. Make sure you delete all favicon.ico files found in the template folders mentioned above because Joomla! will check your template folder first for the favicon.ico file.

'''Note'''

To see the new favicon you will need to empty your browser cache.

==Why do the pop ups in my WYSIWYG editor not work or show gibberish?==

Depending on the editor, this problem may occur when trying to edit the html, insert tables or perform a similar function that requires javascript.

Most likely the problem with the livesite...

You look in your site configuration (General Configuration, select the Server tab) you will see that the livesite is given. Usually it is either www.mydomain.com or mydomain.com.

When you log into your site, you must log in from the exact livesite. if you don't the javascript in your editor will not work.

One way to deal with this is to put a redirect from, for example, mydomain.com to www.mydomain.com so that you and your users always login from the correct url. You can do this with .htaccess.

==What are positions?==

Site templates divides the "pages" displayed on a site into a series of positions, each with a different name.

'''1.0'''
You can view the location of positions in your default template from the administrator go to Site =>Preview=>Inline with Positions.

You can only preview the default template.

You can annotate your positions through the administrator (backend). Go to Site=>Template Manage=>Module Positions.

'''1.5'''

Extensions => Templates.
Select the template you wish to preview and click the edit icon.
Click the preview icon.

You can add or remove positions by modifying your template html.

You assign a module to a position using the module manager.

'''1.0'''
Modules=>Site Modules==>edit the module
On the left side of the page, on the third line, there is a drop down menu that lets you select the position.

'''1.5'''
In the module manager, edit the module. In the left column select all, none or the specific pages you would like it to appear on.

Notes:
Modules that are not pubished (1.0) or enabled (1.5) will not display.
Modules can be assigned to unused positions (positions not in the template) if you want to have them published but not displayed in a position (for example, if you want to display a module in content using {mosloadposition} (1.0) or {loadposition} (1.5)).
Multiple modules may be assigned to the same position. They will be displayed in the order shown for modules in that position in the module manager.
If you want to display a module in more than one position, use the module manager to create another copy.
1.0 copy the module and assign the copy to the second position.
1.5 use the new icon and create another instance of the module.

==Why are the backgrounds of my WYSIWYG editor fields colored?==

The simple answer as to why this happens is in the term 'WYSIWYG'. Content editors like TinyMCE attempt to allow users to see what the text they're entering will look like when it appears on the front-end of the website. To this end, they show the text against the color or image specified in the template_css.css file of whatever template the front-end of the website is using.

This often presents a problem for users when their website is designed to appear as a lighter content pane floating over a darker-colored background. The darker background is what appears in the editor windows, making the text almost impossible to see. In such cases, it may be necessary to tell the editor not to use the template_css.css file as a reference, but rather to use a different css file instead.

Note [added by mod]: Some editors (such as JCE and FCK) have configuration interfaces that allow you to override the template_css file or to ignore template classes. You may wish to explore this option before trying the solution below.

Step 1: Create a customized CSS file.
The first thing you'll need to do is to write a customized .css file for your editor. It doesn't have to be very complicated, and you can use the file below for reference (Many thanks to jxl, who wrote the sample file).

'''Note: Changes to the image urls would be need to use this file in 1.5'''

/* CSS Document */

/* Editor Assigned Styles */
/*make sure that any styles you put here also exist in your template_css.css file or they will have no effect in the front end */

p.rightalign {
text-align: right;
}

.red {
color: #c00;
}

.green {
color: #0c0;
}

.highlight {
background-color: Yellow;
color: Blue;
padding: 0;
}
p.code {
background-color: #ddd;
border: 1px solid #bbb;
}

.small {
color: #999999;
font-size: 10px;
}

/* Body Tag for Background Color and Font Specs. */

body {
font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Sans Serif;
font-size: 12px;
color: #333333;
background: #ffffff;
}

/* Optional Basic Stuff you can use to make everything look like it does on the site itself */
/* you can get this stuff right out of your template_css.css file, or you can just leave it out */

ul
{
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
list-style: none;
}

li
{
line-height: 16px;
padding-left: 16px;
padding-top: 0px;
background-image: url(../images/arrow.png); /* use the real image path that you have on your site. An absolute path is OK */
background-repeat: no-repeat;
background-position: 0px 2px;
}

td {
text-align: left;
font-size: 12px;
}

a, a:link, a:visited {
color: #c64934; text-decoration: none;
font-weight: bold;
}

a:hover {
color: #900; text-decoration: none;
font-weight: bold;
}

Make careful note of the comments in the file above. The first section is comprised of text classes; you'll want to go into your template's template_css.css file and find the text classes (.highlight, .small, etc.) it specifies that you'll be likely to use in your content and make sure to copy them into the editor_content.css file as well. The same is true of the styles defined in the last section (a:hover, td, ul, etc.).

The key part that fixes the background issue is the 'body' style specified in the middle. You can change parts of this to match your template if you like, but leave the 'background' rule set to #FFFFFF. This will make the editor windows white, as opposed to the dark background color of your site template.

Incidentally, if your website uses a background IMAGE in addition to a color, the same thing applies.

Also, if this is too much work, you CAN just copy and paste your template's template_css.css file into a new CSS file and change the BODY style so that the background is set to #FFFFFF. This is less neat and orderly, but you'll be sure you have all of the classes and such defined properly this way.

When you've finished, save your new CSS file as editor_content.css

Step 2: Upload your CSS file to the correct directory.

You'll use an FTP client for this, which hopefully you're already doing. If Joomla! is in a separate folder, you'll navigate to:

joomla/templates/[the template you're using]/css/

If you don't have Joomla! in a separate folder, just go to whatever directory houses your Joomla! files. The key is to make sure you're in the correct front-end template folder for your website. Upload your editor_content.css file to the CSS folder under this template directory.

Note that in most cases, the only other file in this directory is a file called 'template_css.css'. If you see that file, you're probably in the right place. Also, note that there is a 'css' directory in joomla/templates/ as well, but this IS NOT the directory you're looking for. You want the css directory under the template you're using.

Step 3: Point your Editor to the new CSS.

Now go back to your site and into the administration area. Click on 'Mambots" and "Site Mambots" to see the list of Mambots currently in use in your website. Check TinyMCE WYSIWYG (or whatever WYSIWYG editor you're using) and then 'Edit' to open the editing pane for the editor.

Look to the right side under 'Parameters' and scroll down until you see the option entitled 'Template CSS Classes'. Click the radio button to 'no'. Right under this is a field entitled 'Custom CSS Classes'. In this field type:

templates/[template you're using]/css/editor_content.css

Then save and exit.

This should correct the background issue in your editor. If it doesn't, you've either set up your editor_content.css file incorrectly or you've uploaded the file to the wrong directory.

==How do you install an extension?==

Before starting it always is wise to read the documentation associated with an extension. Most extensions have homepages and forums, and it is a good idea to look at them first. If there is a README file included with the extension, you should read it.

For most extensions and most users, the procedure will be:

'''1.0'''

* Download the extension to your local machine
* From the backend of your joomla site (adminsitration) select Installers and then the type of extension (module, component, mambot/plugin, site template, administrative template, language
* Browse for the package file
* Click the install icon
* Follow any instructions

'''1.5'''

* Download the extension to your local machine
* From the backend of your joomla site (adminsitration) select Extensions.
* Browse for the package file
* Click the install icon
* Follow any instructions

There are some situations in which this procedure will not work.

Sometimes you need to unzip the file locally prior to installing. If you get an error saying that the file is not in the correct format, the need to unzip is a common cause of this. After unzipping try installing the individual items. Note that the files you upload using the installed still need to be zipped.

Sometimes you cannot use the automated installer. For example, very large extensions may exceed the maximum upload size allowed by your host.

In this case, unzip all of the files locally. Then transfer the files to a folder in the the install directory(for example administrator/components/com_installer/components) for the type of extension you are installing (using FTP). Then use the installer, but select "install from directory" indicating the correct folder name.

For modules and mambots/plugins to work, you must make sure that they are pubished (1.0) or enabled (1.5).

==Why doesn't the pdf of my page show the images?==

Images are not supported in Joomla! 1.0.x in the pdf creation script. Images are supported in Joomla! 1.5.

==How do I make a menu link that is not clickable?==

To make a menu link that does not connect to anything (is not clickable) use the link type Separator/Placeholder

==What does a simple Joomla! installation include?==

If you simply install Joomla! without any modifications or extensions, the following (incomplete) list of features will be included.

* Content component which allows creation and display of "content items" usually in the middle of the page.
* Front page component, which displays multiple recent content items designated as "front page" in the content manager. Configurable for layout and number of items.
* Weblinks component for entering and displaying a list of weblinks.
* Media manager for uploading and managing images and other media.
* User manager (administrative end) and user registration module (front end).
* Newsflash module for displaying specific content items as "newsflashes."
* Modules for latest items, most popular, and related items.
* A simple poll component
* A menu system
* A choice of several templates for your site[/li]
* Installers for third party extensions (templates, components, modules and plugins/mambots).
* The TinyMCE wysiwyg editor. 1.5 Also includes xStandard Lite
* Administrative interface for managing your site

Portal:Beginners

2008-01-21T15:40:53Z

Newbee:

{{review}}

=Absolute Beginners Guide to Joomla!=

Welcome to Joomla!, a leading open-source Content Management System (or "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.

==Planning Your Web Project==

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 advanced planning and defining the nature and scope of theproject. Ask yourself questions like:
* What do you want to accomplish with your website?
* What is the nature and quantity of content you wish to present?
* Who is your audience, and how do you want to interact with them?
* What types of budgets or timetables are you working within?
Writing down these key questions and their answers will help focus your efforts and guide the decisions you make as you implement your project.

==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! .

This was originally [[jtopic:47524|in the forum]]. This is its new home.

If you just want to install Joomla! now, please follow the available documentation for the installation process:
[http://downloads.joomlacode.org/docmanfileversion/1/7/4/17471/1.5_Installation_Manual_version_0.5.pdf 1.5 Installation Manual version 0.5]

Let's make a quick review of the installation instructions provided:
<ul>
<li>Requirements</li>
<li>Download Joomla!</li>
<li>Upload files and create database</li>
<li>Install (Web or Manually)</li>
<li>Known Issues</li>
</ul>

After you follow the steps described above, you will probably have a functional Joomla! site. What is next? Make it your own site by adding custom features:
<ul>
<li>[http://help.joomla.org/component/option,com_easyfaq/task,view/id,167/Itemid,268/ Check security]</li>
<li>Look for 3rd party extensions for Joomla!</li>
<li>Subscribe to the security forums</li>
</ul>

As a general rule, minimise the use of 3rd party software. Please look first in the
[http://help.joomla.org/component/option,com_easyfaq/task,view/id,186/Itemid,268/ 3rd party black list]

Now, with basic security enabled and the minimum number of 3rd party modules activated, it is time to make a support plan, yeah!
<ul>
<li>Backup, BACKUP, BACKUP</li>
<li>Implement an off-line version of your site for testing</li>
<li>Monitor site statistics, and keep an eye in logs</li>
</ul>


[[Category:Landing Pages]]

Portal:Beginners

2008-01-21T15:40:21Z

Newbee:

{{inuse}}

=Absolute Beginners Guide to Joomla!=

Welcome to Joomla!, a leading open-source Content Management System (or "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.

==Planning Your Web Project==

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 advanced planning and defining the nature and scope of theproject. Ask yourself questions like:
* What do you want to accomplish with your website?
* What is the nature and quantity of content you wish to present?
* Who is your audience, and how do you want to interact with them?
* What types of budgets or timetables are you working within?
Writing down these key questions and their answers will help focus your efforts and guide the decisions you make as you implement your project.

==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! .

This was originally [[jtopic:47524|in the forum]]. This is its new home.

If you just want to install Joomla! now, please follow the available documentation for the installation process:
[http://downloads.joomlacode.org/docmanfileversion/1/7/4/17471/1.5_Installation_Manual_version_0.5.pdf 1.5 Installation Manual version 0.5]

Let's make a quick review of the installation instructions provided:
<ul>
<li>Requirements</li>
<li>Download Joomla!</li>
<li>Upload files and create database</li>
<li>Install (Web or Manually)</li>
<li>Known Issues</li>
</ul>

After you follow the steps described above, you will probably have a functional Joomla! site. What is next? Make it your own site by adding custom features:
<ul>
<li>[http://help.joomla.org/component/option,com_easyfaq/task,view/id,167/Itemid,268/ Check security]</li>
<li>Look for 3rd party extensions for Joomla!</li>
<li>Subscribe to the security forums</li>
</ul>

As a general rule, minimise the use of 3rd party software. Please look first in the
[http://help.joomla.org/component/option,com_easyfaq/task,view/id,186/Itemid,268/ 3rd party black list]

Now, with basic security enabled and the minimum number of 3rd party modules activated, it is time to make a support plan, yeah!
<ul>
<li>Backup, BACKUP, BACKUP</li>
<li>Implement an off-line version of your site for testing</li>
<li>Monitor site statistics, and keep an eye in logs</li>
</ul>


[[Category:Landing Pages]]

Portal:Beginners

2008-01-21T15:32:58Z

Newbee:

{{inuse}}

=Absolute Beginners Guide to Joomla!=

Welcome to Joomla!, a leading open-source Content Management System (or "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.

==Planning Your Web Project==

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 advanced planning and defining the nature and scope of your project. Ask yourself questions like:
* What do you want to accomplish with your website?
* What is the nature and quantity of content you wish to present?
* Who is your audience, and how do you want to interact with them?
* What types of budgets or timetables are you working within?
Writing down these key questions and their answers will help focus your efforts and guide the decisions you make as you implement your project.

==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 specialized 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!.)

Customizing 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 and/or Javascript code.

Knowledge of the PHP programming language or programming concepts in general is '''not''' required in order to install, customize and administer Joomla! .

This was originally [[jtopic:47524|in the forum]]. This is its new home.

If you just want to install Joomla! now, please follow the available documentation for the installation process:
[http://downloads.joomlacode.org/docmanfileversion/1/7/4/17471/1.5_Installation_Manual_version_0.5.pdf 1.5 Installation Manual version 0.5]

Let's make a quick review of the installation instructions provided:
<ul>
<li>Requirements</li>
<li>Download Joomla!</li>
<li>Upload files and create database</li>
<li>Install (Web or Manually)</li>
<li>Known Issues</li>
</ul>

After you follow the steps described above, you will probably have a functional Joomla! site. What's next? Make it your own site by adding custom features:
<ul>
<li>[http://help.joomla.org/component/option,com_easyfaq/task,view/id,167/Itemid,268/ Check security]</li>
<li>Look for 3rd party extensions for Joomla</li>
<li>Subscribe to the security forums</li>
</ul>

As a general rule, minimize the use of 3rd party software. Please look first in the
[http://help.joomla.org/component/option,com_easyfaq/task,view/id,186/Itemid,268/ 3rd party black list]

Now, with basic security enabled and the minimum number of 3rd party modules activated, it is time to make support plan, yeah!
<ul>
<li>Backup, BACKUP, BACKUP</li>
<li>Implement a off-line version of your site for testing</li>
<li>Perfom statistics of your site, and keep an eye in logs</li>
</ul>


[[Category:Landing Pages]]

Copying a Joomla website

2008-01-21T15:17:04Z

Newbee: /* FTP download and upload method */

{{underconstruction}}
Copying a Joomla! website is a two-part process: you must copy the files and you must copy the database (which is where the content is stored). Copying the files and copying the database are separate operations. Which you carry out first will depend on your particular circumstances but in most cases it does not really matter. If your website is being updated frequently and you need to take your website offline while the copy takes place then you will probably want to perform the database copy last so as to minimize downtime.

==Copying the files==

===FTP download and upload method===

One method of copying the files from one Joomla! installation to another is to use standard desktop FTP software to first download all of the files comprising your Web site from their location on your Web server, then upload these files to the location of the new Joomla! installation. Depending on where you're placing the copy of your Joomla! site, the new location could be a different directory on the same Web server, or it could be a new location on a completely different Web server.

It is important to maintain the same directory structure for all of your folders and files as you move them from one location to another. Fortunately, desktop FTP software will handle this automatically as you upload and download sets of files and folders. (Your FTP software should contain Help documentation which explains FTP and how to use the FTP software interface.)

Note that after you move the files from one location to another, you may still need to edit Joomla! configuration files to get your copy of Joomla! working at the new location; you may also need to change settings for aspects of your Web server to get the copy of your Joomla! site working.

In rare instances, a file may become corrupted during an FTP transfer, where only part of the file is successfully transmitted. If you encounter strange or unexpected errors with your new Joomla! installation after you copy over the files, you may want to try re-uploading your files in case of corruption during transfer.

===Copying a compressed archive file method===
Copying a large number of individual files using FTP can sometimes be unreliable. If you have command-line access to the both source and destination systems then you can create a compressed archive file containing all the files on the source system, then transfer that single file to the destination system where it can be decompressed.

====Creating an archive file====
On Unix-style systems (eg. Linux) you can use the '''gzip''' program to create .zip files, or the '''tar''' program to create .tar.gz or .tar.bz2 files. For detailed instructions type '''man gzip''' or '''man tar''' at the command line. For example,
<source lang="bash">
tar cvfz joomlabackup.tar.gz /path-to-joomla
</source>
will create a gzip-compressed archive file, called ''joomlabackup.tar.gz'', containing all of the files in your Joomla! installation.

====Extracting an archive file====
Having copied the archive file to the destination system, you now need to unpack it. Use the equivalent command that you used to create the archive file. For example, to unpack the archive file created in the example above, enter
<source lang="bash">
cd /path-to-joomla
tar xvfz joomlabackup.tar.gz
</source>
If the user or group IDs are not the same between the source and destination systems, then you will need to amend the ownership of the files you just extracted. For example, on an Apache 2 system, you might need to enter the command
<source lang="bash">
cd /path-to-joomla
chmod -R www-data.www-data *
</source>
so that Apache has ownership of the Joomla! files.

==Copying the database==
There are multiple methods to copying your Joomla database and moving it to a live server environment.

===MySQL command line method===

Usually you run mysqldump to create database copy:
$ mysqldump -u user -p db-name > db-name.out

Copy db-name.out file using sftp/ssh to remote MySQL server:
$ scp db-name.out user@remote.box.com:/backup

Restore database at remote server (login over ssh):
$ mysql -u user -p db-name < db-name.out

===phpMyAdmin method===

The phpMyAdmin tool can be used to export and import a database, providing a simple way to duplicate a copy of a database using a different name on our servers.

====Exporting a copy of the database to your computer====

1. Login to the database that you want to duplicate using phpMyAdmin
2. Click the database name on the left-hand side of the page.
3. Select the Export tab
4. Select the Save as file option
5. Click Go

You'll then be prompted to save the database file on your personal computer.

====Importing the copy into a new database====

You'll first need to create the new, empty database on our servers using the account control panel. After the new database has been created:

1. Login to the new database using phpMyAdmin
2. Click the database name on the left-hand side of the page
3. Select the Import tab
4. Click the Browse button under "File to import", then select the database file from your computer
5. Click Go to import the database

(Hint: If you see a "No database selected" error, it's probably because you forgot to first click on the database name in the left-hand column.)

Register globals

2008-01-21T14:47:36Z

Newbee:

{{review}}

== What is it? ==

<tt>register_globals</tt> is a PHP environmental setting that has been the subject of controversy for sometime. Older versions of PHP often have this variable set to on and that setting is known to leave a site vulnerable to hacking. Further information is available at [http://us.php.net/register_globals the PHP website]. Current Joomla! releases do not require this setting to be on, and best practices dictate that it should be changed to off. (Joomla 1.0.x releases also have a related emulator for this setting, which was implemented for backward compatibility with older components and extensions. ''It is generally preferred not to enable this capability''.) If you have a component that requires this setting, you should look for an update, or find an alternative component.

== Can I change it? ==
Yes, maybe. Depending on how much control you have over your server, there are several approaches to addressing this setting.

If you have complete control of your server, then you probably want to make sure that your main PHP configuration file (which is typically found in /usr/local/lib/php.in) has the directive ''register_globals'' set to 0(zero).

If you're in a shared web environment, most likely your hosting provider will not let you modify the global php.ini file. You have a couple of options in this case.

== Where do I change it? ==
Possibly the easiest thing to do is to ask your hosting provider to make this change for your domain. (Often this is accomplished by logging a technical support request.) But not all providers will make this change for you. So you may not be so lucky. The good news is that there are likely other options available to you, and here are some of them.

'''Local php configuration file:'''
If you have access to your web site's root directory, you should be able to include your own copy of a php.ini file. Your copy only needs to include the settings that you want to alter from the global settings.

'''Change to .htaccess:'''
Another option is to introduce the preferred setting by making an entry in the .htaccess file at the root directory of your web site. In this case, you should add the following line to .htaccess
: '''Important''': This method is only suitable for the Apache PHP ''module'' and will not work if PHP runs in CGI-mode.
php_flag register_globals off

'''Joomla's Global Register Emulator:'''
In the case where you have an extension that absolutely needs to have register_globals on, Joomla 1.0.x provides an alternative approach that does not require a change to your global settings. The ''globals.php'' file in your site's root directory has an entry that lets Joomla emulate a change to the register_globals site setting. You will find a line that looks as such:

define( 'RG_EMULATION', 0 );

You can change the zero to a one, if you want Joomla to emulate ''register_globals = on''.

Register globals

2008-01-21T14:47:13Z

Newbee:

{{inuse}}

== What is it? ==

<tt>register_globals</tt> is a PHP environmental setting that has been the subject of controversy for sometime. Older versions of PHP often have this variable set to on and that setting is known to leave a site vulnerable to hacking. Further information is available at [http://us.php.net/register_globals the PHP website]. Current Joomla! releases do not require this setting to be on, and best practices dictate that it should be changed to off. (Joomla 1.0.x releases also have a related emulator for this setting, which was implemented for backward compatibility with older components and extensions. ''It is generally preferred not to enable this capability''.) If you have a component that requires this setting, you should look for an update, or find an alternative component.

== Can I change it? ==
Yes, maybe. Depending on how much control you have over your server, there are several approaches to addressing this setting.

If you have complete control of your server, then you probably want to make sure that your main PHP configuration file (which is typically found in /usr/local/lib/php.in) has the directive ''register_globals'' set to 0(zero).

If you're in a shared web environment, most likely your hosting provider will not let you modify the global php.ini file. You have a couple of options in this case.

== Where do I change it? ==
Possibly the easiest thing to do is to ask your hosting provider to make this change for your domain. (Often this is accomplished by logging a technical support request.) But not all providers will make this change for you. So you may not be so lucky. The good news is that there are likely other options available to you, and here are some of them.

'''Local php configuration file:'''
If you have access to your web site's root directory, you should be able to include your own copy of a php.ini file. Your copy only needs to include the settings that you want to alter from the global settings.

'''Change to .htaccess:'''
Another option is to introduce the preferred setting by making an entry in the .htaccess file at the root directory of your web site. In this case, you should add the following line to .htaccess
: '''Important''': This method is only suitable for the Apache PHP ''module'' and will not work if PHP runs in CGI-mode.
php_flag register_globals off

'''Joomla's Global Register Emulator:'''
In the case where you have an extension that absolutely needs to have register_globals on, Joomla 1.0.x provides an alternative approach that does not require a change to your global settings. The ''globals.php'' file in your site's root directory has an entry that lets Joomla emulate a change to the register_globals site setting. You will find a line that looks as such:

define( 'RG_EMULATION', 0 );

You can change the zero to a one, if you want Joomla to emulate ''register_globals = on''.

PHP

2008-01-21T14:40:08Z

Newbee:

== PHP - Open Source language for an open source CMS ==

Joomla! is predominantly written using PHP ([http://www.php.net PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor]), an open source programming language.

PHP, and its legions of global programmers, give Joomla! much of its breadth and flexibility.

Module Position

2008-01-21T14:38:55Z

Newbee:

Module positions are placeholders in a template. They are used to identify positions within the template and to tell the Joomla! application where to place output from modules assigned to a particular position.

For example the module position "Left" could be used in the left side of the template to display a site navigation menu.
So if that module is assigned to the "Left" position, it will be displayed there.

Ultimately the template designer decides how to use a module position. Therefore not all templates always support or use all module positions. If a module is assigned to a position that does not exist in a template, then the module will not be displayed. Common module positions are "Left", "Right", "Banner" and "Top".

Module Position

2008-01-21T14:36:47Z

Newbee:

Module positions are placeholders in a template. They are used to identify positions within the template and to tell the Joomla! application where to place output from modules assigned to a particular position.

For example the module position "Left" could be used in the left side of the template to display a site navigation menu.
So when a module is assigned to the "Left" position the module will be displayed there.

Ultimately the template designer decides how to use a module position. Therefore not all templates always support or use all module positions. If a module is assigned to a position that does not exist in a template, then the module will not be displayed. Common module positions are "Left", "Right", "Banner" and "Top".

Module Position

2008-01-21T14:33:27Z

Newbee:

Module positions are placeholders in a template. They are used to identify positions in the template and to tell the Joomla! application where to place output from modules assigned to a particular position.

For example the module position "left" could be used in the left side of the template to display a site navigation menu.
SO when a module is assigned to the "Left" position the module will be displayed there.

Ultimately it is up to the template designer to decide how to use a module position. Therefore not all templates always support or use all positions. If a module is assigned to a position that does not exist in a template, then the module will not be displayed. Common module positions are left, right, banner and top.

Archived:Installer

2008-01-21T14:24:49Z

Newbee:

{{review}}

===Using the the Joomla! Installer===
Once your files have been uploaded to the hosting space using an [[Using_an_FTP_client_to_upload_files|FTP client]], it is time to install Joomla!.

First open an Internet Browser and type in the address of your Joomla! installation directory. For example:

<source lang="html4strict">yourdomain.com/joomlainstallationdirectory</source>

'''Screen 1:'''
After the correct address is entered, the image below will appear. Joomla! has redirected you to the /installation subdirectory.

[[Image:Installer_Lang.jpg]]

'''Screen 2:'''
Click 'Next' and Joomla! displays the Pre-Installation Checklist. Specific details relating to PHP settings are outlined here. To proceed with the installation, all the lights should be green.

[[Image:Installer_PreCheck.jpg]]

'''Explanation about terms:''' (TECHNICAL REVIEW NEEDED OF THIS EXPLANATION)

*PHP version must be over 4.3.10
**Must be set to YES
**Your webserver's PHP version must be over 4.3.10

*Zlib compression support
*XML support
*MySQL support
*Directive Mbstring language by default
*Directive Mbstring overload deactivated
*configuration.php Modifiable
**Create a file named configuration.php on root or rename the default one from the package(configuration.php-dist)
**Chmod this file 777
*Safe Mode
*Display Errors
*File Transfer
*Magic Quotes Runtime
*Register Globals
*Output Buffering
*Session Auto Start

'''Screen 3:'''
Click 'Next' and the licence prompt below will appear.[[wikipedia:GNU/GPL|GNU/GPL]]

[[Image:Installer_GNUGPL.jpg]]

'''Screen 4:'''
Click 'Next' to enter the Database specifics. Guidelines are provided on the right-hand side to assist in completing the text fields properly. Please note that all data must be entered correctly to avoid errors.

[[Image:Installer_FTP.jpg]]

'''Screen 5:'''
Click 'Next' to enter the FTP settings. This allows Joomla! to operate in a more secure way, eliminating the need for PHP to handle file upload requests. Note: The FTP layer is not necessary on Windows servers.

[[Image:Installer_FTP.jpg]]

'''Screen 6:'''
Click 'Next' to enter the Main Configuration details.

[[Image:Installer_MainConfig.jpg]]

'''Screen 7:'''
Click 'Next' and a warning to delete the installation directory will appear. Once that is done (most likely using [[Using_an_FTP_client_to_upload_files|FTP client]], click either the 'View Site' tab or the 'Administrator' tab to continue using Joomla!.

Archived:Installer

2008-01-21T14:22:42Z

Newbee: English language review only; technical review required.

{{review}}

===Using the the Joomla! Installer===
Once your files have been uploaded to the hosting space using an [[Using_an_FTP_client_to_upload_files|FTP client]], it is time to install Joomla!.

First open an Internet Browser and type in the address of your Joomla! installation directory. For example:

<source lang="html4strict">yourdomain.com/joomlainstallationdirectory</source>

'''Screen 1:'''
After the correct address is entered, the image below will appear. Joomla! has redirected you to the /installation subdirectory.

[[Image:Installer_Lang.jpg]]

'''Screen 2:'''
Click 'Next' and Joomla! displays the Pre-Installation Checklist. Here, specific details relating to PHP settings are outlined. To proceed with the installation, all the lights should be green.

[[Image:Installer_PreCheck.jpg]]

'''Explanation about terms:'''

*PHP version must be newer over 4.3.10
**Must be set to YES
**Your webserver's PHP version must be over 4.3.10

*Zlib compression support
*XML support
*MySQL support
*Directive Mbstring language by default
*Directive Mbstring overload deactivated
*configuration.php Modifiable
**Create a file named configuration.php on root or rename the default one from the package(configuration.php-dist)
**Chmod this file 777
*Safe Mode
*Display Errors
*File Transfer
*Magic Quotes Runtime
*Register Globals
*Output Buffering
*Session Auto Start

'''Screen 3:'''
Click 'Next' and the licence prompt below will appear.[[wikipedia:GNU/GPL|GNU/GPL]]

[[Image:Installer_GNUGPL.jpg]]

'''Screen 4:'''
Click 'Next' to enter the Database specifics. Guidelines are provided on the right-hand side to assist in completing the text fields properly. Please note that all data must be entered correctly to avoid errors.

[[Image:Installer_FTP.jpg]]

'''Screen 5:'''
Click 'Next' to enter the FTP settings. This allows Joomla! to operate in a more secure way, eliminating the need for PHP to handle file upload requests. Note: The FTP layer is not necessary on Windows servers.

[[Image:Installer_FTP.jpg]]

'''Screen 6:'''
Click 'Next' to enter the Main Configuration details.

[[Image:Installer_MainConfig.jpg]]

'''Screen 7:'''
Click 'Next' and a warning to delete the installation directory will appear. Once that is done (most likely using [[Using_an_FTP_client_to_upload_files|FTP client]], click either the 'View Site' tab or the 'Administrator' tab to continue using Joomla!.

Help15:Screen.config.15

2008-01-21T14:04:14Z

Newbee:

{{review}}

==Description==
The Global Configuration screen allows you to configure the Joomla! site with your personal settings.

==Version Changes==
The following information lists the changes from version 1.0.x to 1.5:
* The following tabs have been removed:
** Locale
** Content
** Database
** Metadata
** Mail
** Cache
** Statistics
** SEO
* The following changes have been made to the [[#Site | Site]] tab:
** Options that have been removed:
*** System Error Message
*** Front-end Login
*** Favourites Site Icon
** '''Show Unauthorised Links''' has been moved to the '''Parameters''' options of the [[screen.content.15 | Article Manager]]
** The following options have been moved to the new [[#System | System]] tab
*** Allow User Registration
*** Use New Account Activation
*** Front-end User Parameters
** All settings originally under the '''Metadata''' tab have been grouped together as [[#Metadata_Settings | Metadata Settings]] and placed under this tab
** All settings originally under the '''SEO''' tab have been grouped together as [[#SEO_Settings | SEO Settings]] and placed under this tab
*** Dynamic Page Titles have been changed to '''Add suffix to URLs''' (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)
*** '''Use Apache ''mod_rewrite''''' has been added
** The following options have been grouped together and labeled as [[#Site_Settings | Site Settings]]:
*** Site Offline
*** Offline Message
*** Site Name
*** Default WYSIWYG Editor
*** List Length
* The following changes have been made to the [[#Server | Server]] tab
** Options that have been removed:
*** Absolute Path
*** Live Site
*** Admin Session Lifetime
*** Remember Expired Admin page
*** Session Authentication Method
*** File Creation
*** Directory Creation
** '''Time Offset''', originally under the '''Locale''' tab, is now under this tab under [[#Locale_Settings | Locale Settings]]
** All settings originally located under the '''Database''' tab have been grouped together as [[#Database_Settings | Database Settings]] and placed under this tab
** '''Site Session Lifetime''' has been renamed to '''Session Lifetime''' and has been moved to the new [[#System | System]] tab under [[#Session_Settings | Session Settings]]
** '''Help Server''' has been changed to a drop down box
** All settings originally located under the '''Mail''' tab have been grouped together as [[#Mail_Settings | Mail Settings]] and placed under this tab
* All settings originally located in the '''Content''' tab have been moved to the new '''Parameters''' options of the [[screen.content.15 | Article Manager]]
* All settings originally located in the '''Cache''' tab have been moved to the new [[#System | System]] tab.
** Cache Folder has been replaced with a drop down box unable to be changed. (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)

==Column Headers==
===Site===

[[Image:Gc-site.jpg|right|500px]]

====Site Settings====
; Site Offline : This setting shows when the site is offline. Only Administrators will be able to see the site when ''Site Offline'' is set to Yes. The default setting is '''No'''.
; Offline Message : The message that will be displayed on the site when the site is offline.
; Site Name : The name of the site.
; Default WYSIWYG Editor : (WYSIWYG stands for What You See Is What You Get) The default editor to use when creating articles.
; List Length : The length of lists in the Control Panel for all Users. By default, this is set to '''20'''.
; Feed Length : The number of content items to be shown in the feed(s). By default, this is set to '''10'''.

====Metadata Settings====
; Global Site Meta Description : This is the description of the site which is indexed by search engine spiders.
; Global Site Meta Keywords : These keywords describe the site and are the basis for improving the ability of search engine spiders ability to index the site.
; Show Title Meta Tag : It shows the Meta information of each article. This Meta information is used by search engine spiders when indexing the site. Each article can have it's own Meta Data information (set under the '''Metadata Information''' pane when creating or editing an article). Refer to [[screen.content.edit.15 | Article Manager - New/Edit]] for more information.
; Show Author Meta Tag : It shows the Author Meta information for articles and is used by search engine spiders when indexing the site. Refer to [[screen.content.edit.15 | Article Manager - New/Edit]] for more information.

====SEO Settings====
SEO stands for ''Search Engine Optimization''.

; Search Engine Friendly URLs : When set to ''Yes'', URLs are rewritten to be more friendly for search engine spiders. An example: instead of viewing the following URL ''www.yourname.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=etc...'', the URL will be ''www.yourname.com/alias''. Most of the items created in Joomla! have an Alias box where a search engine friendly URL can be inserted. The default setting is '''No'''.
; Use Apache ''mod_rewrite'' : When set to ''Yes'', Joomla! will use the ''mod_rewrite'' settings of Apache when creating search engine friendly URLs. Please note: it is advised that you do not modify the '''.htaccess''' file without working knowledge of how it works and is used. Use of the included '''.htaccess''' file (provided with Joomla!) is required if planned on using this setting by renaming '''htaccess.txt''' to '''.htaccess'''. To learn more about '''.htaccess''' files, refer to Apache.org's Documentation[http://httpd.apache.org/docs/1.3/howto/htaccess.html]. By default, this setting is set to '''No'''. (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)
; Add suffix to URLs : When set to ''Yes'', Joomla! will add '''.html''' at the end of the URLs. The default setting is '''No'''.

===System===

[[Image:Gc-system.jpg|right|500px]]

====System Settings====
; Secret Word : It is generated when Joomla! is first installed and is not changeable. It is used for security functions.
; Path to Log folder : The path where the logs should be stored. Joomla! installer should automatically fill in this folder.
; Enable Web Services : This feature enables Joomla! to make RPC (Remote Procedure Calls) using HTTP as the transport medium and XML as the encoding language. This function should remain on to ensure that many third party extensions works. The default setting '''Yes'''.
; Help Server : The server used to get help information when clicking the '''Help''' image (visible in many screens and options of the administration panel). By default, it uses Joomla!'s main help site.

====User Settings====
; Allow User Registration : This determines whether users can register on the site. The default setting is '''Yes'''.
; New User Registration Type : If ''Allow User Registration'' is set to ''Yes'', this setting tells Joomla! what level of access should be given to new users who register. The default setting is '''Registered'''.
; New User Account Activation : This setting determines whether a new user will have to activate their account before they can use it. If set to '''Yes''', users will be sent an email containing a link to a web address. Following the link will activate the account. By default, this setting is set to '''Yes'''.
; Front-end User Parameters : When set to ''Show'' and logged in via the front-end, users will be able to select their language, article editor, and help site preferences from within their Details screen. The default setting is '''Show'''.

====Media Settings====
; Legal Extensions (File Types) : The file types allowed for uploading. By default, when Joomla! is installed, the basic image and document files are set.
; Maximum Size (in bytes) : The maximum file size allowed for an upload in bytes. The default setting is '''10000000'''.
; Path to File Folder : The path where non-images media files are located (non-images refers to files such as videos and document files). Upon installation this path is automatically filled in. It may be modified to fit how a site's directories are setup.
; Path to Image Folder : The path where images are stored. Upon installation this path is automatically filled in. It may be modified to fit how the directories are setup on the site.
; Restrict Uploads : This feature restricts uploads by user type. The default setting is '''Yes'''.
; Check MIME Types : This uses MIME Magic or Fileinfo to verify files. The default setting is '''Yes'''. If invalid MIME type errors are received then change the setting to ''No''.
; Legal Image Extensions (File Types) : This sets the legal images that can be uploaded. It operates by checking the file image headers and, by default, Joomla! only allows '''bmp,gif,jpg,png'''.
; Ignored Extensions : This sets what extensions are ignored for MIME type checking and restricts uploads. By default, no extensions are added.
; Legal MIME Types : This sets the list of legal MIME types for uploads. By default, Joomla! automatically includes the standard file types. It is recommended that you should not touch this setting unless you know what you are doing.
; Illegal MIME Types : This sets the list of illegal MIME types for uploads. By default, Joomla! automatically blocks HTML MIME types. It is recommended that you should not touch this setting unless you know what you are doing.

====Debug Settings====
; Debug System : This will turn on the debugging system of Joomla!. When set to '''Yes''', this tool will provide diagnostic information, language translations, and SQL errors. If any such issues or errors are identified, it/they will be displayed at the bottom of each page below the footer on every page in both the front-end and back-end.
; Debug Language : This will turn on the debugging indicators (*...*) or (?...?) for the Joomla! Language files. Debug Language will work without the Debug System tool set to on. But it will not provide additional detailed references which would help in correcting any errors.

====Cache Settings====
; Cache : This setting sets whether site caching is enabled or not. When enabled, it keeps a local copy of the content on the server to speed up accessing and lessen stress on the database. The default setting is '''No'''.
; Cache Time : This setting sets the maximum length of time (in minutes) for a cache file to be stored before it i refreshed. The default setting is '''15''' minutes.
; Cache Handler : This setting sets how the cache operates. There is only one caching mechanism which is file-based.

====Session Settings====
; Session Lifetime : This setting sets how long a session should last and how long a user can remain signed in for (before logging them off for being inactive). The default setting is '''15''' minutes.
; Session Handler : This setting sets how the session should be handled once a user connects and logs into the site. The default setting is set to '''Database'''.

===Server===

[[Image:Gc-server.jpg|right|500px]]

====Server Settings====
; Path to Temp-folder : The path where files are temporary stored. This is filled in by default when Joomla! is installed.
; GZIP Page Compression : Compressing pages typically quickens site speed. The default setting is '''No'''.
; Error Reporting : This sets the appropriate level of reporting. The default setting is '''System Default'''.

====Locale Settings====
; Time Zone : This tool sets the current date and time. The set time should be where the site's server is located. The default setting is '''(UTC 00:00) Western Europe Time, London, Lisbon, Casablanca'''.

====FTP Settings====
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. Most of these settings are set during the initial Joomla! installation.

; Enable FTP : This setting tells Joomla! to use it's built-in FTP function instead of the normal upload progress used by PHP.
; FTP Host : The host server's URL connecting the FTP.
; FTP Port : The port where the FTP is accessed. The default setting is '''21'''.
; FTP Username : The username that Joomla! will use when accessing the FTP server. Security recommendation: create another FTP user account to access a folder where files will be uploaded to. (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)
; FTP Password : The password that Joomla! will use when accessing the FTP server. Security recommendation: creqte another FTP user account to access the folder where files will be uploaded to. (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)
; FTP Root : The root directory where files should be uploaded to.

====Database Settings====
These settings are set during the initial setup of Joomla! It is advised that no settings should be changed in this section without working knowledge of how databases work.

; Database Type : The type of databased used. The default setting is '''mysql''', unless changed during the initial setup of Joomla!.
; Hostname : The hostname where the database is located. It is typically set to '''localhost''' for most servers. It is possible for the hostname to be located on a different server all together.
; Username : The username to access the database.
; Database : The name of the database.
; Database Prefix : The prefix used before the actual table's name is working with the database. The default setting is '''jos_''' unless changed during initial setup of Joomla!.

====Mail Settings====
The mail settings are set during the initial setup of Joomla!. These settings can be changed whenever needed.

; Mailer : This setting sets which mailer to use when delivery emails from the site. The default setting is '''PHP Mail Function''' but may be changed during the initial Joomla! installation.
:; PHP Mail Function : This tools instructs Joomla! to use the mail function that is built into PHP.
:; Sendmail : This instructs Joomla! to use the sendmail function typically used when creating HTML email forms.
:; SMTP Server : This tool uses the site's SMTP server.
; Mail from : The email address used by Joomla! to send site email.
; From Name : The name Joomla! will use when sending site emails. By default, Joomla! uses the site name during the initial setup.
; Sendmail Path : The path where the Sandmail program is located. This is typically filled in by Joomla! during the initial setup. This path is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.
; SMTP Authentication : If the SMTP server requires authentication to send mail, set this to '''Yes''', otherwise leave it at '''No'''. This is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.
; SMTP Username : The username to use for access to the SMTP host. This is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.
; SMTP Password : The password to use for access to the SMTP host. This is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.
; SMTP Host : The SMTP address to use when sending mail. This is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.

==Typical Usage==
Global Configuration sets all the required settings needed for the site to function properly. To access the page, either click on Global Configuration in the main Control Panel or go to '''Site > Global Configuration'''.

==Quick Tips==
Most, if not all, of these settings can be set once and then left alone.

If no major modifications are to be made then consider taking the site offline to test it's functions and to make sure everything is in working order.

==Points to Watch==
None Known at this Time

==Dependencies==
None

[[Category:DocCamp]]

Help15:Screen.config.15

2008-01-21T14:02:48Z

Newbee:

{{review}}

==Description==
The Global Configuration screen allows you to configure the Joomla! site with your personal settings.

==Version Changes==
The following information lists the changes from version 1.0.x to 1.5:
* The following tabs have been removed:
** Locale
** Content
** Database
** Metadata
** Mail
** Cache
** Statistics
** SEO
* The following changes have been made to the [[#Site | Site]] tab:
** Options that have been removed:
*** System Error Message
*** Front-end Login
*** Favourites Site Icon
** '''Show Unauthorised Links''' has been moved to the '''Parameters''' options of the [[screen.content.15 | Article Manager]]
** The following options have been moved to the new [[#System | System]] tab
*** Allow User Registration
*** Use New Account Activation
*** Front-end User Parameters
** All settings originally under the '''Metadata''' tab have been grouped together as [[#Metadata_Settings | Metadata Settings]] and placed under this tab
** All settings originally under the '''SEO''' tab have been grouped together as [[#SEO_Settings | SEO Settings]] and placed under this tab
*** Dynamic Page Titles have been changed to '''Add suffix to URLs''' (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)
*** '''Use Apache ''mod_rewrite''''' has been added
** The following options have been grouped together and labeled as [[#Site_Settings | Site Settings]]:
*** Site Offline
*** Offline Message
*** Site Name
*** Default WYSIWYG Editor
*** List Length
* The following changes have been made to the [[#Server | Server]] tab
** Options that have been removed:
*** Absolute Path
*** Live Site
*** Admin Session Lifetime
*** Remember Expired Admin page
*** Session Authentication Method
*** File Creation
*** Directory Creation
** '''Time Offset''', originally under the '''Locale''' tab, is now under this tab under [[#Locale_Settings | Locale Settings]]
** All settings originally located under the '''Database''' tab have been grouped together as [[#Database_Settings | Database Settings]] and placed under this tab
** '''Site Session Lifetime''' has been renamed to '''Session Lifetime''' and has been moved to the new [[#System | System]] tab under [[#Session_Settings | Session Settings]]
** '''Help Server''' has been changed to a drop down box
** All settings originally located under the '''Mail''' tab have been grouped together as [[#Mail_Settings | Mail Settings]] and placed under this tab
* All settings originally located in the '''Content''' tab have been moved to the new '''Parameters''' options of the [[screen.content.15 | Article Manager]]
* All settings originally located in the '''Cache''' tab have been moved to the new [[#System | System]] tab.
** Cache Folder has been replaced with a drop down box unable to be changed. (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)

==Column Headers==
===Site===

[[Image:Gc-site.jpg|right|500px]]

====Site Settings====
; Site Offline : This setting shows when the site is offline. Only Administrators will be able to see the site when ''Site Offline'' is set to Yes. The default setting is '''No'''.
; Offline Message : The message that will be displayed on the site when the site is offline.
; Site Name : The name of the site.
; Default WYSIWYG Editor : (WYSIWYG stands for What You See Is What You Get) The default editor to use when creating articles.
; List Length : The length of lists in the Control Panel for all Users. By default, this is set to '''20'''.
; Feed Length : The number of content items to be shown in the feed(s). By default, this is set to '''10'''.

====Metadata Settings====
; Global Site Meta Description : This is the description of the site which is indexed by search engine spiders.
; Global Site Meta Keywords : These keywords describe the site and are the basis for improving the ability of search engine spiders ability to index the site.
; Show Title Meta Tag : It shows the Meta information of each article. This Meta information is used by search engine spiders when indexing the site. Each article can have it's own Meta Data information (set under the '''Metadata Information''' pane when creating or editing an article). Refer to [[screen.content.edit.15 | Article Manager - New/Edit]] for more information.
; Show Author Meta Tag : It shows the Author Meta information for articles and is used by search engine spiders when indexing the site. Refer to [[screen.content.edit.15 | Article Manager - New/Edit]] for more information.

====SEO Settings====
SEO stands for ''Search Engine Optimization''.

; Search Engine Friendly URLs : When set to ''Yes'', URLs are rewritten to be more friendly for search engine spiders. An example: instead of viewing the following URL ''www.yourname.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=etc...'', the URL will be ''www.yourname.com/alias''. Most of the items created in Joomla! have an Alias box where a search engine friendly URL can be inserted. The default setting is '''No'''.
; Use Apache ''mod_rewrite'' : When set to ''Yes'', Joomla! will use the ''mod_rewrite'' settings of Apache when creating search engine friendly URLs. Please note: it is advised that you do not modify the '''.htaccess''' file without working knowledge of how it works and is used. Use of the included '''.htaccess''' file (provided with Joomla!) is required if planned on using this setting by renaming '''htaccess.txt''' to '''.htaccess'''. To learn more about '''.htaccess''' files, refer to Apache.org's Documentation[http://httpd.apache.org/docs/1.3/howto/htaccess.html]. By default, this setting is set to '''No'''. (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)
; Add suffix to URLs : When set to ''Yes'', Joomla! will add '''.html''' at the end of the URLs. The default setting is '''No'''.

===System===

[[Image:Gc-system.jpg|right|500px]]

====System Settings====
; Secret Word : It is generated when Joomla! is first installed and is not changeable. It is used for security functions.
; Path to Log folder : The path where the logs should be stored. Joomla! installer should automatically fill in this folder.
; Enable Web Services : This feature enables Joomla! to make RPC (Remote Procedure Calls) using HTTP as the transport medium and XML as the encoding language. This function should remain on to ensure that many third party extensions works. The default setting '''Yes'''.
; Help Server : The server used to get help information when clicking the '''Help''' image (visible in many screens and options of the administration panel). By default, it uses Joomla!'s main help site.

====User Settings====
; Allow User Registration : This determines whether users can register on the site. The default setting is '''Yes'''.
; New User Registration Type : If ''Allow User Registration'' is set to ''Yes'', this setting tells Joomla! what level of access should be given to new users who register. The default setting is '''Registered'''.
; New User Account Activation : This setting determines whether a new user will have to activate their account before they can use it. If set to '''Yes''', users will be sent an email containing a link to a web address. Following the link will activate the account. By default, this setting is set to '''Yes'''.
; Front-end User Parameters : When set to ''Show'' and logged in via the front-end, users will be able to select their language, article editor, and help site preferences from within their Details screen. The default setting is '''Show'''.

====Media Settings====
; Legal Extensions (File Types) : The file types allowed for uploading. By default, when Joomla! is installed, the basic image and document files are set.
; Maximum Size (in bytes) : The maximum file size allowed for an upload in bytes. The default setting is '''10000000'''.
; Path to File Folder : The path where non-images media files are located (non-images refers to files such as videos and document files). Upon installation this path is automatically filled in. It may be modified to fit how a site's directories are setup.
; Path to Image Folder : The path where images are stored. Upon installation this path is automatically filled in. It may be modified to fit how the directories are setup on the site.
; Restrict Uploads : This feature restricts uploads by user type. The default setting is '''Yes'''.
; Check MIME Types : This uses MIME Magic or Fileinfo to verify files. The default setting is '''Yes'''. If invalid MIME type errors are received then change the setting to ''No''.
; Legal Image Extensions (File Types) : This sets the legal images that can be uploaded. It operates by checking the file image headers. By default, Joomla! only allows '''bmp,gif,jpg,png'''.
; Ignored Extensions : This sets what extensions are ignored for MIME type checking and restricts uploads. By default, no extensions are added.
; Legal MIME Types : This sets the list of legal MIME types for uploads. By default, Joomla! automatically includes the standard file types. It is recommended that you should not touch this setting unless you know what you are doing.
; Illegal MIME Types : This sets the list of illegal MIME types for uploads. By default, Joomla! automatically blocks HTML MIME types. It is recommended that you should not touch this setting unless you know what you are doing.

====Debug Settings====
; Debug System : This will turn on the debugging system of Joomla!. When set to '''Yes''', this tool will provide diagnostic information, language translations, and SQL errors. If any such issues or errors are identified, it/they will be displayed at the bottom of each page below the footer on every page in both the front-end and back-end.
; Debug Language : This will turn on the debugging indicators (*...*) or (?...?) for the Joomla! Language files. Debug Language will work without the Debug System tool set to on. But it will not provide additional detailed references which would help in correcting any errors.

====Cache Settings====
; Cache : This setting sets whether site caching is enabled or not. When enabled, it keeps a local copy of the content on the server to speed up accessing and lessen stress on the database. The default setting is '''No'''.
; Cache Time : This setting sets the maximum length of time (in minutes) for a cache file to be stored before it i refreshed. The default setting is '''15''' minutes.
; Cache Handler : This setting sets how the cache operates. There is only one caching mechanism which is file-based.

====Session Settings====
; Session Lifetime : This setting sets how long a session should last and how long a user can remain signed in for (before logging them off for being inactive). The default setting is '''15''' minutes.
; Session Handler : This setting sets how the session should be handled once a user connects and logs into the site. The default setting is set to '''Database'''.

===Server===

[[Image:Gc-server.jpg|right|500px]]

====Server Settings====
; Path to Temp-folder : The path where files are temporary stored. This is filled in by default when Joomla! is installed.
; GZIP Page Compression : Compressing pages typically quickens site speed. The default setting is '''No'''.
; Error Reporting : This sets the appropriate level of reporting. The default setting is '''System Default'''.

====Locale Settings====
; Time Zone : This tool sets the current date and time. The set time should be where the site's server is located. The default setting is '''(UTC 00:00) Western Europe Time, London, Lisbon, Casablanca'''.

====FTP Settings====
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. Most of these settings are set during the initial Joomla! installation.

; Enable FTP : This setting tells Joomla! to use it's built-in FTP function instead of the normal upload progress used by PHP.
; FTP Host : The host server's URL connecting the FTP.
; FTP Port : The port where the FTP is accessed. The default setting is '''21'''.
; FTP Username : The username that Joomla! will use when accessing the FTP server. Security recommendation: create another FTP user account to access a folder where files will be uploaded to. (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)
; FTP Password : The password that Joomla! will use when accessing the FTP server. Security recommendation: creqte another FTP user account to access the folder where files will be uploaded to. (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)
; FTP Root : The root directory where files should be uploaded to.

====Database Settings====
These settings are set during the initial setup of Joomla! It is advised that no settings should be changed in this section without working knowledge of how databases work.

; Database Type : The type of databased used. The default setting is '''mysql''', unless changed during the initial setup of Joomla!.
; Hostname : The hostname where the database is located. It is typically set to '''localhost''' for most servers. It is possible for the hostname to be located on a different server all together.
; Username : The username to access the database.
; Database : The name of the database.
; Database Prefix : The prefix used before the actual table's name is working with the database. The default setting is '''jos_''' unless changed during initial setup of Joomla!.

====Mail Settings====
The mail settings are set during the initial setup of Joomla!. These settings can be changed whenever needed.

; Mailer : This setting sets which mailer to use when delivery emails from the site. The default setting is '''PHP Mail Function''' but may be changed during the initial Joomla! installation.
:; PHP Mail Function : This tools instructs Joomla! to use the mail function that is built into PHP.
:; Sendmail : This instructs Joomla! to use the sendmail function typically used when creating HTML email forms.
:; SMTP Server : This tool uses the site's SMTP server.
; Mail from : The email address used by Joomla! to send site email.
; From Name : The name Joomla! will use when sending site emails. By default, Joomla! uses the site name during the initial setup.
; Sendmail Path : The path where the Sandmail program is located. This is typically filled in by Joomla! during the initial setup. This path is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.
; SMTP Authentication : If the SMTP server requires authentication to send mail, set this to '''Yes''', otherwise leave it at '''No'''. This is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.
; SMTP Username : The username to use for access to the SMTP host. This is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.
; SMTP Password : The password to use for access to the SMTP host. This is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.
; SMTP Host : The SMTP address to use when sending mail. This is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.

==Typical Usage==
Global Configuration sets all the required settings needed for the site to function properly. To access the page, either click on Global Configuration in the main Control Panel or go to '''Site > Global Configuration'''.

==Quick Tips==
Most, if not all, of these settings can be set once and then left alone.

If no major modifications are to be made then consider taking the site offline to test it's functions and to make sure everything is in working order.

==Points to Watch==
None Known at this Time

==Dependencies==
None

[[Category:DocCamp]]

Help15:Screen.config.15

2008-01-21T13:59:42Z

Newbee:

{{review}}

==Description==
The Global Configuration screen allows you to configure the Joomla! site with your personal settings.

==Version Changes==
The following information lists the changes from version 1.0.x to 1.5:
* The following tabs have been removed:
** Locale
** Content
** Database
** Metadata
** Mail
** Cache
** Statistics
** SEO
* The following changes have been made to the [[#Site | Site]] tab:
** Options that have been removed:
*** System Error Message
*** Front-end Login
*** Favourites Site Icon
** '''Show Unauthorised Links''' has been moved to the '''Parameters''' options of the [[screen.content.15 | Article Manager]]
** The following options have been moved to the new [[#System | System]] tab
*** Allow User Registration
*** Use New Account Activation
*** Front-end User Parameters
** All settings originally under the '''Metadata''' tab have been grouped together as [[#Metadata_Settings | Metadata Settings]] and placed under this tab
** All settings originally under the '''SEO''' tab have been grouped together as [[#SEO_Settings | SEO Settings]] and placed under this tab
*** Dynamic Page Titles have been changed to '''Add suffix to URLs''' (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)
*** '''Use Apache ''mod_rewrite''''' has been added
** The following options have been grouped together and labeled as [[#Site_Settings | Site Settings]]:
*** Site Offline
*** Offline Message
*** Site Name
*** Default WYSIWYG Editor
*** List Length
* The following changes have been made to the [[#Server | Server]] tab
** Options that have been removed:
*** Absolute Path
*** Live Site
*** Admin Session Lifetime
*** Remember Expired Admin page
*** Session Authentication Method
*** File Creation
*** Directory Creation
** '''Time Offset''', originally under the '''Locale''' tab, is now under this tab under [[#Locale_Settings | Locale Settings]]
** All settings originally located under the '''Database''' tab have been grouped together as [[#Database_Settings | Database Settings]] and placed under this tab
** '''Site Session Lifetime''' has been renamed to '''Session Lifetime''' and has been moved to the new [[#System | System]] tab under [[#Session_Settings | Session Settings]]
** '''Help Server''' has been changed to a drop down box
** All settings originally located under the '''Mail''' tab have been grouped together as [[#Mail_Settings | Mail Settings]] and placed under this tab
* All settings originally located in the '''Content''' tab have been moved to the new '''Parameters''' options of the [[screen.content.15 | Article Manager]]
* All settings originally located in the '''Cache''' tab have been moved to the new [[#System | System]] tab.
** Cache Folder has been replaced with a drop down box unable to be changed. (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)

==Column Headers==
===Site===

[[Image:Gc-site.jpg|right|500px]]

====Site Settings====
; Site Offline : It shows when the site is offline. Only Administrators will be able to see the site when ''Site Offline'' is set to Yes. By default, this is set to '''No'''.
; Offline Message : The message that will be displayed on the site when the site is offline.
; Site Name : The name of the site.
; Default WYSIWYG Editor : (WYSIWYG stands for What You See Is What You Get) The default editor to use when creating articles.
; List Length : The length of lists in the Control Panel for all Users. By default, this is set to '''20'''.
; Feed Length : The number of content items to be shown in the feed(s). By default, this is set to '''10'''.

====Metadata Settings====
; Global Site Meta Description : This is the description of the site which is indexed by search engine spiders.
; Global Site Meta Keywords : These keywords describe the site and are the basis for improving the ability of search engine spiders ability to index the site.
; Show Title Meta Tag : It shows the Meta information of each article. This Meta information is used by search engine spiders when indexing the site. Each article can have it's own Meta Data information (set under the '''Metadata Information''' pane when creating or editing an article). Refer to [[screen.content.edit.15 | Article Manager - New/Edit]] for more information.
; Show Author Meta Tag : It shows the Author Meta information for articles and is used by search engine spiders when indexing the site. Refer to [[screen.content.edit.15 | Article Manager - New/Edit]] for more information.

====SEO Settings====
SEO stands for ''Search Engine Optimization''.

; Search Engine Friendly URLs : When set to ''Yes'', URLs are rewritten to be more friendly for search engine spiders. An example: instead of viewing the following URL ''www.yourname.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=etc...'', the URL will be ''www.yourname.com/alias''. Most of the items created in Joomla! have an Alias box where a search engine friendly URL can be inserted. The default setting is '''No'''.
; Use Apache ''mod_rewrite'' : When set to ''Yes'', Joomla! will use the ''mod_rewrite'' settings of Apache when creating search engine friendly URLs. Please note: it is advised that you do not modify the '''.htaccess''' file without working knowledge of how it works and is used. Use of the included '''.htaccess''' file (provided with Joomla!) is required if planned on using this setting by renaming '''htaccess.txt''' to '''.htaccess'''. To learn more about '''.htaccess''' files, refer to Apache.org's Documentation[http://httpd.apache.org/docs/1.3/howto/htaccess.html]. By default, this setting is set to '''No'''. (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)
; Add suffix to URLs : When set to ''Yes'', Joomla! will add '''.html''' at the end of the URLs. The default setting is '''No'''.

===System===

[[Image:Gc-system.jpg|right|500px]]

====System Settings====
; Secret Word : It is generated when Joomla! is first installed and is not changeable. It is used for security functions.
; Path to Log folder : The path where the logs should be stored. Joomla! installer should automatically fill in this folder.
; Enable Web Services : This feature enables Joomla! to make RPC (Remote Procedure Calls) using HTTP as the transport medium and XML as the encoding language. This function should remain on to ensure that many third party extensions works. The default setting '''Yes'''.
; Help Server : The server used to get help information when clicking the '''Help''' image (visible in many screens and options of the administration panel). By default, it uses Joomla!'s main help site.

====User Settings====
; Allow User Registration : This determines whether users can register on the site. The default setting is '''Yes'''.
; New User Registration Type : If ''Allow User Registration'' is set to ''Yes'', this setting tells Joomla! what level of access should be given to new users who register. The default setting is '''Registered'''.
; New User Account Activation : This setting determines whether a new user will have to activate their account before they can use it. If set to '''Yes''', users will be sent an email containing a link to a web address. Following the link will activate the account. By default, this setting is set to '''Yes'''.
; Front-end User Parameters : When set to ''Show'' and logged in via the front-end, users will be able to select their language, article editor, and help site preferences from within their Details screen. The default setting is '''Show'''.

====Media Settings====
; Legal Extensions (File Types) : The file types allowed for uploading. By default, when Joomla! is installed, the basic image and document files are set.
; Maximum Size (in bytes) : The maximum file size allowed for an upload in bytes. The default setting is '''10000000'''.
; Path to File Folder : The path where non-images media files are located (non-images refers to files such as videos and document files). Upon installation this path is automatically filled in. It may be modified to fit how a site's directories are setup.
; Path to Image Folder : The path where images are stored. Upon installation this path is automatically filled in. It may be modified to fit how the directories are setup on the site.
; Restrict Uploads : This feature restricts uploads by user type. The default setting is '''Yes'''.
; Check MIME Types : This uses MIME Magic or Fileinfo to verify files. The default setting is '''Yes'''. If invalid MIME type errors are received then change the setting to ''No''.
; Legal Image Extensions (File Types) : This sets the legal images that can be uploaded. It operates by checking the file image headers. By default, Joomla! only allows '''bmp,gif,jpg,png'''.
; Ignored Extensions : This sets what extensions are ignored for MIME type checking and restricts uploads. By default, no extensions are added.
; Legal MIME Types : This sets the list of legal MIME types for uploads. By default, Joomla! automatically includes the standard file types. It is recommended that you should not touch this setting unless you know what you are doing.
; Illegal MIME Types : This sets the list of illegal MIME types for uploads. By default, Joomla! automatically blocks HTML MIME types. It is recommended that you should not touch this setting unless you know what you are doing.

====Debug Settings====
; Debug System : This will turn on the debugging system of Joomla!. When set to '''Yes''', this tool will provide diagnostic information, language translations, and SQL errors. If any such issues or errors are identified, it/they will be displayed at the bottom of each page below the footer on every page in both the front-end and back-end.
; Debug Language : This will turn on the debugging indicators (*...*) or (?...?) for the Joomla! Language files. Debug Language will work without the Debug System tool set to on. But it will not provide additional detailed references which would help in correcting any errors.

====Cache Settings====
; Cache : This setting sets whether site caching is enabled or not. When enabled, it keeps a local copy of the content on the server to speed up accessing and lessen stress on the database. The default setting is '''No'''.
; Cache Time : This setting sets the maximum length of time (in minutes) for a cache file to be stored before it i refreshed. The default setting is '''15''' minutes.
; Cache Handler : This setting sets how the cache operates. There is only one caching mechanism which is file-based.

====Session Settings====
; Session Lifetime : This setting sets how long a session should last and how long a user can remain signed in for (before logging them off for being inactive). The default setting is '''15''' minutes.
; Session Handler : This setting sets how the session should be handled once a user connects and logs into the site. The default setting is set to '''Database'''.

===Server===

[[Image:Gc-server.jpg|right|500px]]

====Server Settings====
; Path to Temp-folder : The path where files are temporary stored. This is filled in by default when Joomla! is installed.
; GZIP Page Compression : Compressing pages typically quickens site speed. The default setting is '''No'''.
; Error Reporting : This sets the appropriate level of reporting. The default setting is '''System Default'''.

====Locale Settings====
; Time Zone : This tool sets the current date and time. The set time should be where the site's server is located. The default setting is '''(UTC 00:00) Western Europe Time, London, Lisbon, Casablanca'''.

====FTP Settings====
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. Most of these settings are set during the initial Joomla! installation.

; Enable FTP : This setting tells Joomla! to use it's built-in FTP function instead of the normal upload progress used by PHP.
; FTP Host : The host server's URL connecting the FTP.
; FTP Port : The port where the FTP is accessed. The default setting is '''21'''.
; FTP Username : The username that Joomla! will use when accessing the FTP server. Security recommendation: create another FTP user account to access a folder where files will be uploaded to. (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)
; FTP Password : The password that Joomla! will use when accessing the FTP server. Security recommendation: creqte another FTP user account to access the folder where files will be uploaded to. (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)
; FTP Root : The root directory where files should be uploaded to.

====Database Settings====
These settings are set during the initial setup of Joomla! It is advised that no settings should be changed in this section without working knowledge of how databases work.

; Database Type : The type of databased used. The default setting is '''mysql''', unless changed during the initial setup of Joomla!.
; Hostname : The hostname where the database is located. It is typically set to '''localhost''' for most servers. It is possible for the hostname to be located on a different server all together.
; Username : The username to access the database.
; Database : The name of the database.
; Database Prefix : The prefix used before the actual table's name is working with the database. The default setting is '''jos_''' unless changed during initial setup of Joomla!.

====Mail Settings====
The mail settings are set during the initial setup of Joomla!. These settings can be changed whenever needed.

; Mailer : This setting sets which mailer to use when delivery emails from the site. The default setting is '''PHP Mail Function''' but may be changed during the initial Joomla! installation.
:; PHP Mail Function : This tools instructs Joomla! to use the mail function that is built into PHP.
:; Sendmail : This instructs Joomla! to use the sendmail function typically used when creating HTML email forms.
:; SMTP Server : This tool uses the site's SMTP server.
; Mail from : The email address used by Joomla! to send site email.
; From Name : The name Joomla! will use when sending site emails. By default, Joomla! uses the site name during the initial setup.
; Sendmail Path : The path where the Sandmail program is located. This is typically filled in by Joomla! during the initial setup. This path is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.
; SMTP Authentication : If the SMTP server requires authentication to send mail, set this to '''Yes''', otherwise leave it at '''No'''. This is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.
; SMTP Username : The username to use for access to the SMTP host. This is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.
; SMTP Password : The password to use for access to the SMTP host. This is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.
; SMTP Host : The SMTP address to use when sending mail. This is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.

==Typical Usage==
Global Configuration sets all the required settings needed for the site to function properly. To access the page, either click on Global Configuration in the main Control Panel or go to '''Site > Global Configuration'''.

==Quick Tips==
Most, if not all, of these settings can be set once and then left alone.

If no major modifications are to be made then consider taking the site offline to test it's functions and to make sure everything is in working order.

==Points to Watch==
None Known at this Time

==Dependencies==
None

[[Category:DocCamp]]

Help15:Screen.config.15

2008-01-21T13:57:58Z

Newbee: English language review only; technical review required.

{{inuse}}

==Description==
The Global Configuration screen allows you to configure the Joomla! site with your personal settings.

==Version Changes==
The following information lists the changes from version 1.0.x to 1.5:
* The following tabs have been removed:
** Locale
** Content
** Database
** Metadata
** Mail
** Cache
** Statistics
** SEO
* The following changes have been made to the [[#Site | Site]] tab:
** Options that have been removed:
*** System Error Message
*** Front-end Login
*** Favourites Site Icon
** '''Show Unauthorised Links''' was moved to the '''Parameters''' options of the [[screen.content.15 | Article Manager]]
** The following options have been moved to the new [[#System | System]] tab
*** Allow User Registration
*** Use New Account Activation
*** Front-end User Parameters
** All settings originally under the '''Metadata''' tab have been grouped together as [[#Metadata_Settings | Metadata Settings]] and placed under this tab
** All settings originally under the '''SEO''' tab have been grouped together as [[#SEO_Settings | SEO Settings]] and placed under this tab
*** Dynamic Page Titles have been changed to '''Add suffix to URLs''' (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)
*** '''Use Apache ''mod_rewrite''''' has been added
** The following options have been grouped together and labeled as [[#Site_Settings | Site Settings]]:
*** Site Offline
*** Offline Message
*** Site Name
*** Default WYSIWYG Editor
*** List Length
* The following changes have been made to the [[#Server | Server]] tab
** Options that have been removed:
*** Absolute Path
*** Live Site
*** Admin Session Lifetime
*** Remember Expired Admin page
*** Session Authentication Method
*** File Creation
*** Directory Creation
** '''Time Offset''', originally under the '''Locale''' tab, is now under this tab under [[#Locale_Settings | Locale Settings]]
** All settings originally located under the '''Database''' tab have been grouped together as [[#Database_Settings | Database Settings]] and placed under this tab
** '''Site Session Lifetime''' has been renamed to '''Session Lifetime''' and has been moved to the new [[#System | System]] tab under [[#Session_Settings | Session Settings]]
** '''Help Server''' has been changed to a drop down box
** All settings originally located under the '''Mail''' tab have been grouped together as [[#Mail_Settings | Mail Settings]] and placed under this tab
* All settings originally located in the '''Content''' tab have been moved to the new '''Parameters''' options of the [[screen.content.15 | Article Manager]]
* All settings originally located in the '''Cache''' tab have been moved to the new [[#System | System]] tab.
** Cache Folder has been replaced with a drop down box unable to be changed. (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)

==Column Headers==
===Site===

[[Image:Gc-site.jpg|right|500px]]

====Site Settings====
; Site Offline : It shows when the site is offline. Only Administrators will be able to see the site when ''Site Offline'' is set to Yes. By default, this is set to '''No'''.
; Offline Message : The message that will be displayed on the site when the site is offline.
; Site Name : The name of the site.
; Default WYSIWYG Editor : (WYSIWYG stands for What You See Is What You Get) The default editor to use when creating articles.
; List Length : The length of lists in the Control Panel for all Users. By default, this is set to '''20'''.
; Feed Length : The number of content items to be shown in the feed(s). By default, this is set to '''10'''.

====Metadata Settings====
; Global Site Meta Description : This is the description of the site which is indexed by search engine spiders.
; Global Site Meta Keywords : These keywords describe the site and are the basis for improving the ability of search engine spiders ability to index the site.
; Show Title Meta Tag : It shows the Meta information of each article. This Meta information is used by search engine spiders when indexing the site. Each article can have it's own Meta Data information (set under the '''Metadata Information''' pane when creating or editing an article). Refer to [[screen.content.edit.15 | Article Manager - New/Edit]] for more information.
; Show Author Meta Tag : It shows the Author Meta information for articles and is used by search engine spiders when indexing the site. Refer to [[screen.content.edit.15 | Article Manager - New/Edit]] for more information.

====SEO Settings====
SEO stands for ''Search Engine Optimization''.

; Search Engine Friendly URLs : When set to ''Yes'', URLs are rewritten to be more friendly for search engine spiders. An example: instead of viewing the following URL ''www.yourname.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=etc...'', the URL will be ''www.yourname.com/alias''. Most of the items created in Joomla! have an Alias box where a search engine friendly URL can be inserted. The default setting is '''No'''.
; Use Apache ''mod_rewrite'' : When set to ''Yes'', Joomla! will use the ''mod_rewrite'' settings of Apache when creating search engine friendly URLs. Please note: it is advised that you do not modify the '''.htaccess''' file without working knowledge of how it works and is used. Use of the included '''.htaccess''' file (provided with Joomla!) is required if planned on using this setting by renaming '''htaccess.txt''' to '''.htaccess'''. To learn more about '''.htaccess''' files, refer to Apache.org's Documentation[http://httpd.apache.org/docs/1.3/howto/htaccess.html]. By default, this setting is set to '''No'''. (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)
; Add suffix to URLs : When set to ''Yes'', Joomla! will add '''.html''' at the end of the URLs. The default setting is '''No'''.

===System===

[[Image:Gc-system.jpg|right|500px]]

====System Settings====
; Secret Word : It is generated when Joomla! is first installed and is not changeable. It is used for security functions.
; Path to Log folder : The path where the logs should be stored. Joomla! installer should automatically fill in this folder.
; Enable Web Services : This feature enables Joomla! to make RPC (Remote Procedure Calls) using HTTP as the transport medium and XML as the encoding language. This function should remain on to ensure that many third party extensions works. The default setting '''Yes'''.
; Help Server : The server used to get help information when clicking the '''Help''' image (visible in many screens and options of the administration panel). By default, it uses Joomla!'s main help site.

====User Settings====
; Allow User Registration : This determines whether users can register on the site. The default setting is '''Yes'''.
; New User Registration Type : If ''Allow User Registration'' is set to ''Yes'', this setting tells Joomla! what level of access should be given to new users who register. The default setting is '''Registered'''.
; New User Account Activation : This setting determines whether a new user will have to activate their account before they can use it. If set to '''Yes''', users will be sent an email containing a link to a web address. Following the link will activate the account. By default, this setting is set to '''Yes'''.
; Front-end User Parameters : When set to ''Show'' and logged in via the front-end, users will be able to select their language, article editor, and help site preferences from within their Details screen. The default setting is '''Show'''.

====Media Settings====
; Legal Extensions (File Types) : The file types allowed for uploading. By default, when Joomla! is installed, the basic image and document files are set.
; Maximum Size (in bytes) : The maximum file size allowed for an upload in bytes. The default setting is '''10000000'''.
; Path to File Folder : The path where non-images media files are located (non-images refers to files such as videos and document files). Upon installation this path is automatically filled in. It may be modified to fit how a site's directories are setup.
; Path to Image Folder : The path where images are stored. Upon installation this path is automatically filled in. It may be modified to fit how the directories are setup on the site.
; Restrict Uploads : This feature restricts uploads by user type. The default setting is '''Yes'''.
; Check MIME Types : This uses MIME Magic or Fileinfo to verify files. The default setting is '''Yes'''. If invalid MIME type errors are received then change the setting to ''No''.
; Legal Image Extensions (File Types) : This sets the legal images that can be uploaded. It operates by checking the file image headers. By default, Joomla! only allows '''bmp,gif,jpg,png'''.
; Ignored Extensions : This sets what extensions are ignored for MIME type checking and restricts uploads. By default, no extensions are added.
; Legal MIME Types : This sets the list of legal MIME types for uploads. By default, Joomla! automatically includes the standard file types. It is recommended that you should not touch this setting unless you know what you are doing.
; Illegal MIME Types : This sets the list of illegal MIME types for uploads. By default, Joomla! automatically blocks HTML MIME types. It is recommended that you should not touch this setting unless you know what you are doing.

====Debug Settings====
; Debug System : This will turn on the debugging system of Joomla!. When set to '''Yes''', this tool will provide diagnostic information, language translations, and SQL errors. If any such issues or errors are identified, it/they will be displayed at the bottom of each page below the footer on every page in both the front-end and back-end.
; Debug Language : This will turn on the debugging indicators (*...*) or (?...?) for the Joomla! Language files. Debug Language will work without the Debug System tool set to on. But it will not provide additional detailed references which would help in correcting any errors.

====Cache Settings====
; Cache : This setting sets whether site caching is enabled or not. When enabled, it keeps a local copy of the content on the server to speed up accessing and lessen stress on the database. The default setting is '''No'''.
; Cache Time : This setting sets the maximum length of time (in minutes) for a cache file to be stored before it i refreshed. The default setting is '''15''' minutes.
; Cache Handler : This setting sets how the cache operates. There is only one caching mechanism which is file-based.

====Session Settings====
; Session Lifetime : This setting sets how long a session should last and how long a user can remain signed in for (before logging them off for being inactive). The default setting is '''15''' minutes.
; Session Handler : This setting sets how the session should be handled once a user connects and logs into the site. The default setting is set to '''Database'''.

===Server===

[[Image:Gc-server.jpg|right|500px]]

====Server Settings====
; Path to Temp-folder : The path where files are temporary stored. This is filled in by default when Joomla! is installed.
; GZIP Page Compression : Compressing pages typically quickens site speed. The default setting is '''No'''.
; Error Reporting : This sets the appropriate level of reporting. The default setting is '''System Default'''.

====Locale Settings====
; Time Zone : This tool sets the current date and time. The set time should be where the site's server is located. The default setting is '''(UTC 00:00) Western Europe Time, London, Lisbon, Casablanca'''.

====FTP Settings====
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. Most of these settings are set during the initial Joomla! installation.

; Enable FTP : This setting tells Joomla! to use it's built-in FTP function instead of the normal upload progress used by PHP.
; FTP Host : The host server's URL connecting the FTP.
; FTP Port : The port where the FTP is accessed. The default setting is '''21'''.
; FTP Username : The username that Joomla! will use when accessing the FTP server. Security recommendation: create another FTP user account to access a folder where files will be uploaded to. (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)
; FTP Password : The password that Joomla! will use when accessing the FTP server. Security recommendation: creqte another FTP user account to access the folder where files will be uploaded to. (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)
; FTP Root : The root directory where files should be uploaded to.

====Database Settings====
These settings are set during the initial setup of Joomla! It is advised that no settings should be changed in this section without working knowledge of how databases work.

; Database Type : The type of databased used. The default setting is '''mysql''', unless changed during the initial setup of Joomla!.
; Hostname : The hostname where the database is located. It is typically set to '''localhost''' for most servers. It is possible for the hostname to be located on a different server all together.
; Username : The username to access the database.
; Database : The name of the database.
; Database Prefix : The prefix used before the actual table's name is working with the database. The default setting is '''jos_''' unless changed during initial setup of Joomla!.

====Mail Settings====
The mail settings are set during the initial setup of Joomla!. These settings can be changed whenever needed.

; Mailer : This setting sets which mailer to use when delivery emails from the site. The default setting is '''PHP Mail Function''' but may be changed during the initial Joomla! installation.
:; PHP Mail Function : This tools instructs Joomla! to use the mail function that is built into PHP.
:; Sendmail : This instructs Joomla! to use the sendmail function typically used when creating HTML email forms.
:; SMTP Server : This tool uses the site's SMTP server.
; Mail from : The email address used by Joomla! to send site email.
; From Name : The name Joomla! will use when sending site emails. By default, Joomla! uses the site name during the initial setup.
; Sendmail Path : The path where the Sandmail program is located. This is typically filled in by Joomla! during the initial setup. This path is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.
; SMTP Authentication : If the SMTP server requires authentication to send mail, set this to '''Yes''', otherwise leave it at '''No'''. This is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.
; SMTP Username : The username to use for access to the SMTP host. This is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.
; SMTP Password : The password to use for access to the SMTP host. This is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.
; SMTP Host : The SMTP address to use when sending mail. This is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.

==Typical Usage==
Global Configuration sets all the required settings needed for the site to function properly. To access the page, either click on Global Configuration in the main Control Panel or go to '''Site > Global Configuration'''.

==Quick Tips==
Most, if not all, of these settings can be set once and then left alone.

If no major modifications are to be made then consider taking the site offline to test it's functions and to make sure everything is in working order.

==Points to Watch==
None Known at this Time

==Dependencies==
None

[[Category:DocCamp]]

Help15:Screen.config.15

2008-01-21T12:53:53Z

Newbee:

{{inuse}}

==Description==
The Global Configuration screen allows you to configure the Joomla! site with your personal settings.

==Version Changes==
The following information states what has changed from version 1.0.x to 1.5:
* The following tabs have been removed:
** Locale
** Content
** Database
** Metadata
** Mail
** Cache
** Statistics
** SEO
* The following changes have been made to the [[#Site | Site]] tab:
** Options that have been removed:
*** System Error Message
*** Front-end Login
*** Favourites Site Icon
** '''Show Unauthorised Links''' was moved to the '''Parameters''' options of the [[screen.content.15 | Article Manager]]
** The following options have been moved to the new [[#System | System]] tab
*** Allow User Registration
*** Use New Account Activation
*** Front-end User Parameters
** All settings originally under the '''Metadata''' tab have been grouped together as [[#Metadata_Settings | Metadata Settings]] and placed under this tab
** All settings originally under the '''SEO''' tab have been grouped together as [[#SEO_Settings | SEO Settings]] and placed under this tab
*** Dynamic Page Titles have been changed to '''Add suffix to URLs''' (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)
*** '''Use Apache ''mod_rewrite''''' has been added
** The following options have been grouped together and labeled as [[#Site_Settings | Site Settings]]:
*** Site Offline
*** Offline Message
*** Site Name
*** Default WYSIWYG Editor
*** List Length
* The following changes have been made to the [[#Server | Server]] tab
** Options that have been removed:
*** Absolute Path
*** Live Site
*** Admin Session Lifetime
*** Remember Expired Admin page
*** Session Authentication Method
*** File Creation
*** Directory Creation
** '''Time Offset''', originally under the '''Locale''' tab, is now under this tab under [[#Locale_Settings | Locale Settings]]
** All settings originally located under the '''Database''' tab have been grouped together as [[#Database_Settings | Database Settings]] and placed under this tab
** '''Site Session Lifetime''' has been renamed to '''Session Lifetime''' and has been moved to the new [[#System | System]] tab under [[#Session_Settings | Session Settings]]
** '''Help Server''' has been changed to a drop down box
** All settings originally located under the '''Mail''' tab have been grouped together as [[#Mail_Settings | Mail Settings]] and placed under this tab
* All settings originally located in the '''Content''' tab have been moved to the new '''Parameters''' options of the [[screen.content.15 | Article Manager]]
* All settings originally located in the '''Cache''' tab have been moved to the new [[#System | System]] tab.
** Cache Folder has been replaced with a drop down box unable to be changed. (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)

==Column Headers==
===Site===

[[Image:Gc-site.jpg|right|500px]]

====Site Settings====
; Site Offline : It shows when the site is offline. Only Administrators will be able to see the site when ''Site Offline'' is set to Yes. By default, this is set to '''No'''.
; Offline Message : The message that will be displayed on the site when the site is offline.
; Site Name : The name of the site.
; Default WYSIWYG Editor : (WYSIWYG stands for What You See Is What You Get) The default editor to use when creating articles.
; List Length : The length of lists in the Control Panel for all Users. By default, this is set to '''20'''.
; Feed Length : The number of content items to be shown in the feed(s). By default, this is set to '''10'''.

====Metadata Settings====
; Global Site Meta Description : This is the description of the site which is indexed by search engine spiders.
; Global Site Meta Keywords : These keywords describe the site and are the basis for improving the ability of search engine spiders ability to index the site.
; Show Title Meta Tag : It shows the Meta information of each article. This Meta information is used by search engine spiders when indexing the site. Each article can have it's own Meta Data information (set under the '''Metadata Information''' pane when creating or editing an article). Refer to [[screen.content.edit.15 | Article Manager - New/Edit]] for more information.
; Show Author Meta Tag : It shows the Author Meta information for articles and is used by search engine spiders when indexing the site. Refer to [[screen.content.edit.15 | Article Manager - New/Edit]] for more information.

====SEO Settings====
SEO stands for ''Search Engine Optimization''.

; Search Engine Friendly URLs : When set to ''Yes'', URLs are rewritten to be more friendly for search engine spiders. An example: instead of viewing the following URL ''www.yourname.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=etc...'', the URL will be ''www.yourname.com/alias''. Most of the items created in Joomla! have an Alias box where a search engine friendly URL can be inserted. The default setting is '''No'''.
; Use Apache ''mod_rewrite'' : When set to ''Yes'', Joomla! will use the ''mod_rewrite'' settings of Apache when creating search engine friendly URLs. Please note: it is advised that you do not modify the '''.htaccess''' file without working knowledge of how it works and is used. Use of the included '''.htaccess''' file (provided with Joomla!) is required if planned on using this setting by renaming '''htaccess.txt''' to '''.htaccess'''. To learn more about '''.htaccess''' files, refer to Apache.org's Documentation[http://httpd.apache.org/docs/1.3/howto/htaccess.html]. By default, this setting is set to '''No'''. (REVIEW: ACCURATE STATEMENT?)
; Add suffix to URLs : When set to ''Yes'', Joomla! will add '''.html''' at the end of the URLs. The default setting is '''No'''.

===System===

[[Image:Gc-system.jpg|right|500px]]

====System Settings====
; Secret Word : It is generated when Joomla! is first installed and is not changeable. It is used for security functions.
; Path to Log folder : The path where the logs should be stored. Joomla! installer should automatically fill in this folder.
; Enable Web Services : This feature enables Joomla! to make RPC (Remote Procedure Calls) using HTTP as the transport medium and XML as the encoding language. This function should remain on to ensure that many third party extensions works. The default setting '''Yes'''.
; Help Server : The server used to get help information when clicking the '''Help''' image (visible in many screens and options of the administration panel). By default, it uses Joomla!'s main help site.

====User Settings====
; Allow User Registration : This determines whether users can register on the site. The default setting is '''Yes'''.
; New User Registration Type : If ''Allow User Registration'' is set to ''Yes'', this setting tells Joomla! what level of access should be given to new users who register. The default setting is '''Registered'''.
; New User Account Activation : This setting determines whether a new user will have to activate their account before they can use it. If set to '''Yes''', users will be sent an email containing a link to a web address. Following the link will activate the account. By default, this setting is set to '''Yes'''.
; Front-end User Parameters : When set to ''Show'' and logged in via the front-end, users will be able to select their language, article editor, and help site preferences from within their Details screen. The default setting is '''Show'''.

====Media Settings====
; Legal Extensions (File Types) : The file types allowed for uploading. By default, when Joomla! is installed, the basic image and document files are set.
; Maximum Size (in bytes) : The maximum file size allowed for an upload in bytes. By default, the setting is set to '''10000000'''.
; Path to File Folder : The path where non-images media files are located (non-images refers to files such as videos and document files). This is automatically filled in by Joomla! on install and may be modified to fit how the directories is setup on the site.
; Path to Image Folder : The path where images are stored. This is automatically filled in by Joomla! on install and may be modified to fit how the directories is setup on the site.
; Restrict Uploads : This restricts the uploads to just images for lower than manager users. By default, this setting is set to '''Yes'''.
; Check MIME Types : This uses MIME Magic or Fileinfo to attempt to verify files. By default, this setting is set to '''Yes'''. If getting invalid MIME type errors, set this to ''No''.
; Legal Image Extensions (File Types) : This sets what legal images allowed to be uploaded which it's checked for file image headers. By default, Joomla! only includes '''bmp,gif,jpg,png'''.
; Ignored Extensions : This sets what extensions are ignored for MIME type checking and restricts uploads. By default, no extensions are added.
; Legal MIME Types : This sets the list of legal MIME types for uploads. By default, Joomla! automatically includes the standard file types. It is recommended that you should not touch this setting unless you know what you are doing.
; Illegal MIME Types : This sets the list of illegal MIME types for uploads. By default, Joomla! automatically blocks HTML MIME types. It is recommended that you should not touch this setting unless you know what you are doing.

====Debug Settings====
; Debug System : This will turn on the debugging system of Joomla!. When set to '''Yes''', this will provide you with diagnostic information, language translations, and SQL errors, if any, which will be displayed at the bottom of the page below the footer on every page regardless of it being the front-end or back-end.
; Debug Language : This will turn on the debugging indicators (*...*) or (?...?) for the Joomla! Language files. Debug Language will work without Debug System being on but it won't provide additional detailed references which would help in correcting any errors.

====Cache Settings====
; Cache : This setting sets whether site caching is enabled or not. When enabled, it keeps a local copy of the content on the server for used to speed up accessing and less stress on the database. By default, this setting is set to '''No'''.
; Cache Time : This setting sets the maximum length of time (in minutes) for a cache file to be stored before it gets refreshed. By default, this setting is set to '''15'''.
; Cache Handler : This setting sets how it should be cache. There's only one caching mechanism which is file-based.

====Session Settings====
; Session Lifetime : This setting sets how long the session should last and keep a user signed in for before logging them off for being inactive. By default, the setting is set to '''15''' minutes.
; Session Handler : This setting sets how the session should be handle once a user connects and logs into the site. By default, the setting is set to '''Database'''.

===Server===

[[Image:Gc-server.jpg|right|500px]]

====Server Settings====
; Path to Temp-folder : The path where files are temporary stored. This is filled in by default when Joomla! is installed.
; GZIP Page Compression : This sets rather or not to compress the pages. This typically speeds up the site. By default, the setting is set to '''No'''.
; Error Reporting : This sets the appropriate level of reporting. By default, the setting is set to '''System Default'''.

====Locale Settings====
; Time Zone : Sets the current date and time to display. This should be set where the server is located at. By default, the setting is set to '''(UTC 00:00) Western Europe Time, London, Lisbon, Casablanca'''.

====FTP Settings====
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. Most of these settings was set during the initial setup of Joomla!

; Enable FTP : This setting tells Joomla! to use it's built in FTP function instead of the normal upload progress of Joomla!
; FTP Host : The URL of the host where the FTP functionally should connect to.
; FTP Port : The port of where the FTP functionally should accessed. By default, the setting is set to '''21'''.
; FTP Username : The username that Joomla! should use when accessing the FTP server. It is recommended that another FTP user account should be created with only accessed to the folder where files will be uploaded to for security reasons.
; FTP Password : The password that Joomla! should use when accessing the FTP server. It is recommended that another FTP user account should be created with only accessed to the folder where files will be uploaded to for security reasons.
; FTP Root : The root directory of where the files should be uploaded to.

====Database Settings====
These settings are set during the initial setup of Joomla! It is advised that no settings should be changed in this section without working knowledge of how databases work.

; Database Type : The type of databased being used. By default, the setting is set to '''mysql''' unless changed during the initial setup of Joomla!.
; Hostname : The hostname of where the database is located. This is typically set to '''localhost''' for most servers but still possible to be located on a different server all together.
; Username : The username to use to access the database.
; Database : The name of the database to use.
; Database Prefix : The prefix to used before the actual table's name when working with the database. By default, the setting is set to '''jos_''' unless changed during initial setup of Joomla!.

====Mail Settings====
This settings was set during the initial setup of Joomla!. These settings can be change whenever needed.

; Mailer : This setting sets which mailer to use when delivery emails from the site. By default, the setting is set to '''PHP Mail Function''' but could of been changed during initial setup of Joomla!.
:; PHP Mail Function : This tells Joomla! to use the mail function that's built into PHP.
:; Sendmail : This tells Joomla! to use the sendmail function typically used when creating HTML email forms.
:; SMTP Server : This uses the site's SMTP server.
; Mail from : The email address of which the Joomla! will use to send site email from.
; From Name : The name Joomla! will use when sending site emails. By default, Joomla! uses the site name during the initial setup.
; Sendmail Path : The path where the Sandmail program is located. This is typically filled in by Joomla! during initial setup. This is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.
; SMTP Authentication : If the STMP server requires authentication to send mail, set this to '''Yes''', otherwise leave it at '''No'''. This is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.
; SMTP Username : The username to use for access to the SMTP host. This is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.
; SMTP Password : The password to use for access to the SMTP host. This is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.
; SMTP Host : The SMTP address to use when sending mail. This is only used if '''Mailer''' is set to '''Sendmail'''.

==Typical Usage==
Global Configuration is to set all the required settings you need in order for the site to function. To access the page, either click on Global Configuration in the main Control Panel or go to '''Site > Global Configuration'''.

==Quick Tips==
Most, if not all, of these settings you'll just set once and leave it alone.

If you're going to make major modification, consider putting the site offline so you can test the functions and make sure everything is in working order.

==Points to Watch==
None Known at this Time

==Dependencies==
None

[[Category:DocCamp]]

Using an FTP client to upload files

2008-01-21T11:36:40Z

Newbee: Typo chqnge: "were" into "where"

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Since many hosting companies do not allow their users shell/local access to their files, users wishing to send (upload) new files to their hosting space must make use of a File Transfer Program. [[wikipedia:FTP_client|FTP]] clients allow users to upload files that have been locally edited to a server. There are a variety [[wikipedia:FTP_client|FTP]] clients available and [[wikipedia:Comparison_of_FTP_clients|this chart]] nicely details the strengths of numerous popular programs, many of which are open source and/or free to download.

If you are using Firefox, may we suggest [http://fireftp.mozdev.org/ FireFTP] as a useful add-on. FireFTP will be used for this tutorial.

You may want enable the display of hidden files so that you don't lose your .htaccess file (on a linux box) when you upload.

== Using Windows Explorer ==
If you have a Windows Operating System installed, you can use Windows Explorer to connect to FTP.

=== Launching Windows Explorer ===
The images that follow are taken from Windows Vista but the process remains identical.

There are many ways to launch Windows Explorer. You can either just open a folder or My Computer, or you can Hold down the '''Windows Key''' and press '''R'''. Type '''explorer.exe''' and click '''Run'''.

[[Image:Runexplorer.png]]

=== Connecting to FTP ===
To connect to your FTP server, you will require the login details provided to you by your host or administrator. In the address bar, type '''ftp://USERNAME:PASSWORD@HOST.com''' changing the username, password and host where appropriate. If you are running Windows Vista, you may be required to double click on the address bar to have the ability to type into it. Press '''enter''' on your keyboard once you have filled out the details correctly, and Windows Explorer will connect to your FTP server.

If you entered the user login information incorrectly, you will receive an error like the following:

[[Image:Errorwindowsftp.png]]

If this is the case, retype your user details in the boxes provided and try again.

You should see a page, like the following, listing all of the folders/files on your server.

[[Image:Connectedwindowsftp.png]]

''For security reasons files/folders on the example screenshot have been removed''

=== Transferring files ===
The benefit of using Windows Explorer as your FTP application is that you will most likely be familiar with how transferring files work. Basically it's the same as you would if you were copying/moving to another folder.

The trick is to work out in which folder you will upload the files to. In most cases, you will need to upload into a folder called '''"public_html"''', '''"htdocs"''' or '''"www"'''. You'll need to check this with your host or administrator.

To upload a file, simply drag the file from it's original folder onto the window that is connected to your FTP server. Here's an example:

[[Image:Transferftpwin.png]]

=== Closing your FTP connection ===
To close your FTP connection, simply close the Windows Explorer window. To do this, press the red '''X''' on the top right hand corner of the window, as per the following screenshot.

[[Image:Closewin.png]]

== Using FireFTP ==
[http://fireftp.mozdev.org/ FireFTP] is our preferred application for FTP transfer if you are using Mozilla FireFox.

=== Launching FireFTP ===
To begin a file transfer, open FireFox then click '''Tools >> FireFTP'''. FireFTP will open in a new tab.

[[Image:Fireftpmenu.png]]

=== Configure your FTP Details ===
If this is the first time you're connecting to your FTP server using your application, you will need to configure the application to connect to the appropriate server. You will need to obtain the details from your host or administrator.