Newbie's very basic questions about php.

[goodscents]

I downloaded the oscommerce files today, unzipped them and tried to upload them to my server. (it supports php) This is the first php I've ever tried to use. I don't have sql yet (my server charges a small fee to use it. do I need to have it installed before the php will work?). But I'm not sure if I'm even uploading the php files correctly and into the right place.

 

I created a Catalog directory under htdocs on my server. I uploaded (in ASCII) all the files I saw there. Under the Catalog directory I made an admin directory, renamed it to a 'secret' name, uploaded the admin files. But what do I do with the other directory files under Catalog? CVS, download, images, includes, install and pub? Where do they go? And same question for the other subdirectories of Admin. (CVS, images, includes).

 

Do I make sub, sub directories for each of these? Or put them all in the main directory?

 

I know I'm not doing it right so far because when I try to access

CATALOG/install.php I get a fatal error=

 

Fatal error: main() [function.main]: Failed opening required 'includes/application.php' (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php') in

/www/goodscents/htdocs/CATALOG/install.php on line 13

 

instead of further instructions.

 

These are my questions so far, for any of you kind enough to take pity on such a green newbie. Or, do these kind of questions mean that I'm in over my head?

 

Thank you,

Donna

[Guest]

Donna,

 

You do need the mysql before the site will function. The database (mysql) holds all of the merchandise information and many of the settings for the site.

 

For more information on installing OSC, please visit: http://wiki.oscommerce.com

[goodscents]

Hi Kim!

 

Thanks for your reply! I did look at the wiki info last night. I can tell it is meant to be very basic, but I don't understand some of the terms used. I think I am getting in deeper than I can handle - haven't even looked at mysql yet!

 

Thank you,

Donna

[GF]

Hi Kim!

 

Thanks for your reply! I did look at the wiki info last night. I can tell it is meant to be very basic, but I don't understand some of the terms used. I think I am getting in deeper than I can handle - haven't even looked at mysql yet!

 

Thank you,

Donna

 

The fact that you are asking these sorts of questions means that you are on your way. It just takes time to glean the basics.

 

Probably the key to success and less frustration starts with a host that has the basic functionality installed on their servers, good support documentation and a 24/7 toll free support line.

 

There are several available for $10.00+ US per month. Try http://webaxxs.net/whostSE1.html VDS2 for example. Make sure you get Telnet access, you'll know why shortly.

 

Good Luck