Possible Suggestion

[zoomnbyu]

As a brand new OSCommerce user I wanted to pass on a possible suggestion. If my thoughts are already handled somewhere else maybe the suggestion is to move where it's at.

 

All the installation instructions that many folks have been nice enough to post seem to be a level or two beyond "newbie" stage. As a newbie I'm not trying to change the colors or corners first I would think most people are trying to get the install right. Install at a minimum would include:

 

1. Download/Install (pretty much handled)

2. Common module types, generic info on how they work, and how to install. For example, shipping and payment combined with the OSC equals 80% of what 75% of shops will need. Before I get flamed about open source and all the options I'm not talking about recommending one module over another just a primer on how the shipping modules work, how to use multiple shipping providers, overseas vs domestic, etc... Same with Payment modules.

3. How about a basic plug and play install with the most popular forms of shipping and payment to let the user get a taste of what's involved? Back to open source I understand but regardless of how well meaning different providers are some stuff is just better. Alternatively an install box that asks the user to optionally select the shipping or payment module they prefer, could take this as far as you want.

 

I realize some are going to feel I'm suggesting to dumb down the process and I am. This is a excellent tool with a great deal of complexity but for the majority of online store OSC can be daunting. At the same time making the basic install less taxing allows greater implementation so that user can take advantage of the complexity as their knowledge and businesses increase.

 

Just my newbie 2 cents.

 

Zoom

[♥toyicebear]

Read the documentation for the used version here>>