Is OS Commerce for Newbies?

[judyw]

What do I have to know to use OS Commerce?

[arietis]

What do I have to know to use OS Commerce?

 

that depends on how involved with it you want to be.

 

i'd say at a minimum, you should know a little something about hosting a web site. this includes how to use an ftp program and a little something about file permissions.

 

if you want to be able to install some of the available contributions to your site yourself, some knowledge of php and even sql would be helpful. but there are some people here who have minimal experience with that and still can get things done. but if you want to have others do the installs for you, then your knowledge of php/sql doesn't need to be that great.

 

basically, the more you know about hosting, php, sql, etc. the better you will be. but you can start with a very small skill set and let it grow as you're 'learning the ropes'.

 

read the tips and tricks forum for some good beginner stuff. ask questions, and read books. you'll get up to speed pretty quick.

[JemCraft]

but if you want to have others do the installs for you,

 

where do you find the people who install things for you? do you contact the writer of the contrib direct?

[♥FWR Media]

where do you find the people who install things for you? do you contact the writer of the contrib direct?

 

No you have to install things yourselves. (as JemCraft was alluding to)

[WoodsWalker]

Hi, Judy,

 

I launched myself into osCommerce with a basic knowledge of HTML, and a love of all-things-computer. That was it.

 

Oh, and I read the first chapter of a manual on PHP.

 

But seriously (although the above is all true), I had designed and been maintaining a business website for over 10 years, using DreamWeaver for the last 5 years or so. Since I was accustomed to looking at HTML code, PHP was not especially scary, and although I don't know much PHP yet, customizing the PHP pages in osCommerce is not hard - just a matter of following the instructions in the suggestions and contributions you'll find here on the forum.

 

Another essential criterion for success is the urge to create a first-rate e-store that makes money. B)

 

Best wishes,

~Wendy

[dhooper]

where do you find the people who install things for you? do you contact the writer of the contrib direct?

 

I would suggest asking your webhost provider. They may know of someone if you can't manage it yourself. Or, a web designer.

 

I had no previous experience with php, but have used Dreamweaver for my website maintenance for years. This transition has been fun, but can be overwhelming at times! :)

[Guest]

What do I have to know to use OS Commerce?

Usually, you use it to sell ggods or services. You need to be willing to take responsibility for your own shop and learn how to change it to suit what you want.

[shooter-boy]

To create a truly great osCommerce store, you need to know alot.

 

To get going however, not much.

 

It really depends how far up the scale you think you need to be.

It is a steep learning curve for many though, which is why people like me stay in business :D

 

Rob