Joomla is a free and open source content management system (CMS) for
publishing content on the World Wide Web and intranets and a Web application
framework that can also be used independently. Joomla is written in PHP, uses
object-oriented programming (OOP) techniques and software design patterns,
stores data in a MySQL database, and includes features such as page caching,
RSS feeds, printable versions of pages, news flashes, blogs, polls, search, and
support for language internationalization.
A content management
system (CMS)
is a system providing a collection of procedures used to manage work flow in a
collaborative environment. These procedures can be manual or computer-based. In
a CMS, data can be defined as nearly anything: documents, movies, text,
pictures, phone numbers, scientific data, and so forth. CMSs are frequently
used for storing, controlling, revising, semantically enriching, and publishing
documentation. Serving as a central repository, the CMS increases the version
level of new updates to an already existing file. Version control is one of the
primary advantages of a CMS.
A decade ago, having a webpage was cool. Today, not
having a webpage is almost primitive. Through a blog or a wiki or a webpage,
everyone these days is present on the web, one way or the other. There are
websites on gossip, websites on politics and websites on sports and so on. Why,
there are websites on websites as well! Does that mean everyone who wants to be
on the web has to be a geek? No. All you need is a Content Management System. Wait,
did I mention CMS? Well, not any CMS would do. What you need is Joomla!. It’s a
revolutionary open-source system that is just as cool to work with as it
sounds.
If you have a webpage that needs some working on all
the time, Joomla! is your best friend. Download it and forget about coding,
programming, designing. Sit back and let Joomla! do all the hard work. Be it
updating your design template or setting up a forum on your website, you can do
it all through a browser-based interface. Joomla! is easy to set up and
operate. It also provides demo for various extensions helping you understand
software better. In this book, I have tried to pack in as much information as I
could about Joomla! and the wonders it can work for you. Read on and explore
more.
Extensions
The dynamic developer team of the Joomla! constantly
strives to give you a satisfying customer-experience. This includes giving you
a wide range of extensions and subextensions. Let’s take a look at the kind of
extensions on offer. Joomla! has released 18 extension categories, each
containing sub-categories. These categories correspond to the different
requirements of a web content management project. These categories are broadly
listed as – Admin Tools – include add-ons for backup, reporting, file
management, statistics, etc.
Banner Ads & Affiliates – include advertising
banners and classified ads. Calendars – provide for your needs related to
events (birthdays, event calendar etc.) and reservations (primarily useful for
hotels or guest houses etc) Communication – provides for chat, comments,
forums, polls, guestbook, newsletter, mailing list etc on your website. Content
& News – this category of extension helps you include blog, clock, weather,
quiz, news, RSS, e-cards, ratings and reviews, tips and notes etc in the
website.
Core Enhancements – group access, categories/sections,
cache, credits, security etc. are the categories you may find here
Documentation/Document Management – this extension provides for FAQs, glossary
and dictionary, bibliography, Wiki and downloads.
e-Commerce – the extensions under these category are
those pertaining to shopping cart, auction, payment systems, donation, electronic data
interchange and
Amazon Extension Specific Plugin – These plugins can be used only when certain
extensions are already installed as the plugins are for specific extensions.
E.g. if you want to install BannersManager Plugins, then you need to install
Banners Manager extension first.
Other such plugins include AdsManager Plugins,
Community Builder plugins, dcsFlashGames plugins, VirtueMart Plugins, DOCMan
Plugins etc.
Forms – this extension helps you create various kinds
of forms (e.g. forms for surveys, guestbook, polls etc) Gallery &
Multimedia – the extension category includes sub-categories like gallery,
podcasting and streaming Media. These primarily help in adding pictures/images,
audio and videos, providing radio and video streams etc.
Intranet & Groupware – CRM, Contacts, LDAP, Project and task
Management are
the areas addressed by this extension category. It contains address book,
blogs, calendar, organizers, etc.
Languages – Languages extension is designed to help
you with translation and also provides the option of multi-lingual content.
Miscellaneous – help desk, religion, quotes, recipes, portfolio, sports/games,
etc are the sub-categories included in this extension category.
Search & Indexing – it comprises of Search, Site
Map, Google and Directory.
Benefits
Community Support Joomla!’s resounding success is
well-reflected in its thriving online community. If you have any doubts with
using Joomla!, the Joomla! Community is your best bet to find answers. These
communities consist of domain experts like designers, developers etc. You may
share your CMS problems/questions on board (forum). With thousands of members
in the Community, you can be assured of a reply in the least possible time. All
this without spending a dollar! Continual Development
The online world is changing rapidly and so are your
CMS needs. Joomla! has now marked the tradition of releasing upgraded versions
to meet your varying needs and expectations. In not more than two years of
time, Joomla! has brought in numerous helpful versions. The core development
team works in tandem with the community members to upgrade Joomla! and release
newer versions. As a result you get advanced knowledge and systems to stay
ahead in the online marketplace.
Components and Module As discussed in the previous
section, there are numerous Joomla! components or add-ons and modules that you
can get as per the requirements. Often these modules and components are
developed by the community members or third party entities. You can download it
for free or by paying a small amount. Some of them may be bound by License
regulations. These components, when added to your website and CMS, can enhance
the functionality of your website.
Comments
Post a Comment