Noobie with osCommerce

[sabra]

I will try to keep this to the point, but I need to give some background so readers realize the predicament that I am in. :huh:

 

I started in the web department of a company in late December last year. I was hired to enter products for a web store, keep the inventory accurate, process the order and then package them to have ready for FedEx. I had a basic understanding of HTML, but we had a set template for how the products were to be entered, so it was no big deal. I was told when I was hired that they wanted someone who was willing to learn more about web pages. I am computer friendly and can learn things quickly. However, by late May of this year, the supervisor/originator of osCommerce site and the other two guys in the department are gone. I was given a bunch of passwords and an assurance that if I needed help I could get it on the last day the supervisor was there.

 

Since late May I have been trying to learn more, but we have such an inventory issue that that has been my focus. (We have two building stores and the inventory that is on the web is from those stores. However, our POS system does not talk to osCommerce and so inventory must be manually updated daily). I have also become the one to help other employees in the store find files, work with customer support for our VPN, etc. :(

 

I have no PHP or SQL or Apache or any other programming language training nor knowledge. I'm only basically familiar with cuteFTP. :'(

 

The supervisor that was supposed to be available for help has another job and will help, but it is low on his priority list. Our checkout site was down for 3 days because the hosting service changed their IP address and did some security updates.

 

Where can I go to learn some basics to be able to manage our osCommerce site properly?

 

Thanks in advance for your help. :thumbsup:

[Guest]

Certainly I feel for you here sabra, I think the problem is that strictly there isnt a manual for "admininstrators" per se.

 

There is a link here:

 

http://www.oscommerce.com/solutions/downloads

 

but I have never used it.

 

i suggest that you sort of breakdown your "issues" into questions that can be answered individually. i.e. if you have an issue with stock management, try explaining it here, and Im sure someone will help, if you have an issue with layout and design, etc, etc

[Guest]

Oh and I suggest getting a new job lol, the only good thing is that it is oscommerce and not something propietory! At least you will be able to get answers to your problems here, compared to something like the commercial ones.

 

There are things that you ought to think about:

 

1) If you havent already got one you could do with a full backup of everything.

2) Create a test environment for your system. (Do this either by copying your setup on the server at your host under a different hidden domain, or run it locally on server PC). This way you can make changes, test and implement, stops you buggering up your live store.

[sabra]

...i suggest that you sort of breakdown your "issues" into questions that can be answered individually. i.e. if you have an issue with stock management, try explaining it here, and Im sure someone will help, if you have an issue with layout and design, etc, etc

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Thanks for your reply. I guess one of my main questions is how do I learn about PHP or using Apache, etc? Do I need an FTP program? I have cuteFTP. Can I use that with osCommerce or is it necessary? :blink:

 

You also said

"1) If you havent already got one you could do with a full backup of everything.

2) Create a test environment for your system. (Do this either by copying your setup on the server at your host under a different hidden domain, or run it locally on server PC). This way you can make changes, test and implement, stops you buggering up your live store."

 

1). When I do a backup, can I have it saved to a PC here at the store, or is that all at the host? (The hitch is that host is the ex-supervisor).

2). How would I run the test environment locally on a PC here at the store? I would like to be able to do that. I really don't want to foul something up.:sweating:

[dm_fw]

You also said

"1) If you havent already got one you could do with a full backup of everything.

2) Create a test environment for your system. (Do this either by copying your setup on the server at your host under a different hidden domain, or run it locally on server PC). This way you can make changes, test and implement, stops you buggering up your live store."

 

1).  When I do a backup, can I have it saved to a PC here at the store, or is that all at the host?  (The hitch is that host is the ex-supervisor).

2).  How would I run the test environment locally on a PC here at the store?  I would like to be able to do that.  I really don't want to foul something up.:sweating:

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

There are books that cover the basics of PHp/Apache/mySql. The issue is trying to go from nothing to a good knowledge is very hard. You might wish to read Beginning PHP Apache MySQL Web Development by WROX (ISBN 0764557440). It covers the basics of all three system. Also, the O'Relly Books are good.

 

The mySql admin function on your server should allow for a database or at least a table backup. If you do this, then copy the tables to your local machine and burn off to CD/DVD.

 

The major problem with PHP is that changes can be deadly, if the previous coder was cute in his programming style. An inexperienced programmer can do alot of damage without even knowing how or why.

 

I would suggest telling your boss to hire a contractor to show you the ropes. If he does not wish to do this, then disavow any responsibility for damage to the system. Eg. CYA!

 

 

The major issue is you are asking "how" to perform basic tasks. This indicates that you are well out of your depth.

[Guest]

Thanks for your reply.  I guess one of my main questions is how do I learn about PHP or using Apache, etc?  Do I need an FTP program?  I have cuteFTP.  Can I use that with osCommerce or is it necessary? :blink:

 

You also said

"1) If you havent already got one you could do with a full backup of everything.

2) Create a test environment for your system. (Do this either by copying your setup on the server at your host under a different hidden domain, or run it locally on server PC). This way you can make changes, test and implement, stops you buggering up your live store."

 

1).  When I do a backup, can I have it saved to a PC here at the store, or is that all at the host?  (The hitch is that host is the ex-supervisor).

2).  How would I run the test environment locally on a PC here at the store?  I would like to be able to do that.  I really don't want to foul something up.:sweating:

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

1) you can do either, you should have access via your host to some kind of backup if not:

 

i) Copy all your files to your pc locally using cuteftp, then burn to a cd!

ii) You should have access to phpmyadmin, this is a way of accessing your mysql db, from here you should have access to an "Export" function. "Check All" tables and export as SQL statements (this is a standard option).

 

2) You would need to run a copy of Apache, PHP and mysql locally on your pc. If you are really interested PM me, I have a complete set of info and files for setting up a local webserver.

 

 

 

I am a little worried for you, I certainly think you should be discussing about getting a consultant to help out even a day a week, you should be paying around ?300-400 a day, you might only need this for a few months.