Where do I start

[sammerz]

Hi

 

I am totally new to OS Commerce and do not have a clue where to start?! I am fairly good with CSS and HTML, but not sure if OS Commerce can help further my web shops...

 

I have searched the website (www.oscommerce.com), but cannot find a "getting started section" I have also read bits about installing but cannot find anything to install?! Any help will be greatly appreciated

 

Thanks for your time

 

Sam

[diy]

Hi

 

I am totally new to OS Commerce and do not have a clue where to start?! I am fairly good with CSS and HTML, but not sure if OS Commerce can help further my web shops...

 

I have searched the website (www.oscommerce.com), but cannot find a "getting started section" I have also read bits about installing but cannot find anything to install?! Any help will be greatly appreciated

 

Thanks for your time

 

Sam

 

 

same question here

http://www.oscommerce.com/forums/index.php?sho...=334498&hl=

 

you can start by installing it locally on your pc (using a wampserver..... anyway i think there is a thread about locally installing osc)

[Hotclutch]

Start by downloading the oscommerce package V2.2rc2a here

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

 

There is a pdf file with startup instructions in there, then get it to work on your host company's server.

[sammerz]

Great, thanks for the swift responses, I think this might be a bit beyond me, as I am already confused.

 

I have downloaded and opened the zip file and it in the instructions it says "create your database and user, and assign that user

to the database."

 

What does that mean? what is a database, what should it contain and how do I create one....

 

Sorry if this lame, I really want to understand this...

 

Thanks

 

Sam

[masat]

Sam, you need to hire a programmer ($$) or get you a book(40-50 bucks) any php/mysql book will do. Most of the books are labeled beginner to intermediate. . You have a long way to go before you are ready to dig into osCommerce. But let 'er rip.

 

I spend more time with osCommerce than a kid spends with their video game but, it is great fun and as much challenge and mental exercise you could ever want.

 

There are some excellent getting started tips all over this forum. you might try the "Tips and Tricks Guidelines" or maybe "Installation and Configuration"

 

If you have the time you could probably learn everthing you need to know right here in this forum.

 

Good luck.

[Jack_mcs]

Great, thanks for the swift responses, I think this might be a bit beyond me, as I am already confused.

 

I have downloaded and opened the zip file and it in the instructions it says "create your database and user, and assign that user

to the database."

 

What does that mean? what is a database, what should it contain and how do I create one....

 

Sorry if this lame, I really want to understand this...

 

Thanks

 

Sam

The answers to most of your questions can be found here if you have the patience to work through them. Take a look at this thread to get started. There is nothing wrong with asking questions, even the most basic. The problem you have is when you ask many of them in one post. Others here volunteer their time to help so a long list of questions is either ignored or answered breifly, either of which probably won't help you.

 

Jack

[Hotclutch]

I have downloaded and opened the zip file and it in the instructions it says "create your database and user, and assign that user

to the database."

 

What does that mean? what is a database, what should it contain and how do I create one....

 

Sam

 

If the support people at your hosting company are helpful, they might be able to assist you with the installation. The database is going to be your store database where all your product info and customer orders etc are stored. You need to create this database and specify a username and password to connect with, when you do the install. You will also need the hostname or IP address of the webserver at the time of install. Ask your host for that info.

[ChrisBroadhurst]

Sam what kind of hosting do you have? Is it cpanel or some other? If its cpanel which is very popular so could be your install wil takel less than a minute!!!

 

Let us know.....................

[sammerz]

Thanks for your help everyone, I really appreicate it. Turns out my host (1and1) does not accept php or MySQL until you upgrade to Business, which is considerable more expensive than the Beginner package I have. So in order to test it out before I cough up some cash, I am using a free host with cPanel (x10 hosting) and it has been realtivity pain free. I found an excellent step by step guide for installing osCommerce:

 

www.autho-rity.info/2008/08/22/step-by-step-installation-guide-for-oscommerce/

 

And now it is all up and running it is just a case of editing the layout to suit my needs, and that could take a while as I have only just realised how indepth it is! Will probably need a couple of months just to get my head round it!

 

Thanks again everyone

 

Sam

[Jack_mcs]

If you search these forums for 1and1, you will fine many posts about problems others have had with it. So when you are finally ready to go live, you may want to find a different host. That's just my opinion based on these other posts though.

 

Jack

[Guest]

Hello,

 

Actually there are some hosts that will install the osCommerce and their own templates for you. Some will also help you to set up almost everything. This is the most easiest way to start an online shop.

 

Best regards