Joomla Training
In this course I will teach you how to register any domain name you choose (e.g. watanabi.com or schmoogdoog.org), as well as how to set up a hosting service that will host your web pages. I will also show you how to install Joomla, which is an open source (free) content management system. With Joomla you will be able to write a blog, create your own web pages easily, manage an online calendar that your readers can browse, and upload and share any types of files.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 3rd 2008 5PM - 8PM
Where: 4820 Delores Dr. Union City CA
RSVP To: Jack Herrington
You should bring your own wireless enabled (WiFi) laptop, your credit card and an open mind ready to learn.
The agenda
- Register your domain name
- Purchase web hosting
- Install Joomla
- Customize Joomla landing page
- Add initial article
- Install calendar
- Install document manager
- Customize menus
- Install a custom theme
We might not get through all of this. If we don't we can schedule another session.
Getting a head start
If you're a gunner and want to get a head start then go to GoDaddy and check to see if the domain name you want is available.
If you really want to get a head start then buy the domain. You can choose to buy just one year. Or go for two, whatever you like.
If you really, really want to get a head start then buy the 'economy hosting' package and attach it to your domain. You can go month by month if you want, or you can buy a couple of years in advance and get a discounted rate.
Answers to common questions
How much will it cost?
The domain name registration for two years is $28. The web site hosting plan is $96 for two years ($4/month).
The course is free.
What sites do you use?
I'll be using GoDaddy.com for domain name registration and hosting. I have no affiliation with GoDaddy. They just happen to be cheap and familiar to me.
Do I have to install anything on my computer?
No. All you need is a web browser.
From where can I make changes to my website?
From any computer that has a web browser and is connected to the Internet. And that include little computers, like PSPs, iPhones, PS3s, Blackberries, etc.
If I turn off my laptop will my website still be alive?
Yes. There is no special connection between your laptop and your website.
Does this have anything to do with my DSL, or cable modem, or ISP?
Nope. Not at all. Your DSL can fail, or get disconnected from your cable company and it won't effect your site at all.
Why Joomla?
It's free. It's industrial-strength. It's well maintained. It's perfect for small company sites or personal sites like this.
There are books on Joomla. As well as Joomla conferences, podcasts, blogs, all kinds of things. Joomla is extremely popular for good reason.
Do I need a web designer?
Probably not. Joomla has most of everything you need built in. We will be adding what are called 'Joomla extensions' to add the calendar and document facilities. There are Joomla extensions for lots of things. The web site design is taken care of by 'templates' which you can download from the Internet for free (or for a small fee) that have lots of cool graphics and what not to make your site look really pretty.
Do I need to know HTML?
Nope. When you edit content on Joomla you get a very friendly editor that makes it easy to bold, italicize, create links, etc.
Do I have to use this site for my teaching stuff?
No, you can use it for anything. The web hosting gives you 10 gigabytes of hosting space. Of which Joomla takes up about 3 megabytes. That leaves basically all of the space available for posting pictures, or video, or music, or podcasts. Whatever you want to do.
In addition, Joomla can be used for e-Commerce or almost anything really.
Am I stuck with Joomla?
No. You can replace it with whatever you want later.
Can I link to this page from the school site?
Absolutely.
Will people see this page on Google?
Absolutely.
Can I have sections of the site restricted to people I select?
Sure, Joomla has an account management system that allows you to select who sees what.
Why are you doing this?
It's fun, and I want to give something back to the teachers who are giving so much to our students.
Can I bring along other people?
Sure, just let us know.
Do you provide baby-sitting?
Not us personally, but if enough people need it we might be able to work something out.
I feel like I want to give you some money for this.
Thanks. If you do feel obliged then donate to Barack Obama. If you don't swing that way then just bring a nice bottle of wine.
This is all cool, but I don't want to use GoDaddy, Joomla, or any of that, I have my own ideas.
That's great. But I'm trying to keep it standardized so that I can help as many teachers get online as I can. If you have specific requirements then contact me directly and I can help you do whatever you want.
