Basic Intro?

[jshriver]

Is there a step-by-step howto from having an installed system to accepting payments?

 

I'm not to much concerned with how it looks for now, just want go get the products up and have it configured to use a CC processor (authorize.net perhaps).

 

I've written a program to generate csv files that match the product and product_description tables, but they dont show up on the website.

 

Is osCommerce considered a turn-key solution, it seems to be kinda of difficult to setup.

 

Josh

[Guest]

osC isn't a turn-key solution in the truest since of the term, but it is about as close as you can get without paying for a program that has been pre-configured for your needs and then have that program installed on your site by a third-party.

 

There are two really good documents out there that outline the steps needed to get osC up and running. The first is the documentation.pdf that is bundled in the zip file. At first glance it seems a bit daunting, but if you take it one step at a time and install as you go, instead of reading the whole thing then installing, it's actually quite informative and simple.

 

The second is Vger's post here on the forum, Quick Install Guide. The first post outlines in 3 to 4 paragraphs exactly what needs to be done to get osC up and installed on your site. Additional information is also included in the replies.

 

As for what comes after the installation (adding your products, setting up your cc acceptance, etc.), that you will have to do yourself. In some cases you only have to click a certain button in the administration panel, in other cases you may have to install additional files. Most of these modifications are covered in the documentation.pdf file, but other additional applications, such as those that require additional files, will generally have their own directions for setup. If not, then it's a pretty good guess that a search here on the forums will result in a post that outlines the steps needed to take.

 

osC is, in very simple terms, a "some assembly required" application. But at least with it you don't have to go scrounging around for an allen wrench.