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osCommerce

The e-commerce.

Hi! Looking for a guide and a lil newbie help.


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I don't want to bog down this forum with more questions that have been asked but I'm having trouble finding info on setting up for a total newbie (searches I've tried havent helped most info is beyond what I'm trying to start with.)

 

I'm trying to set up with small webspace I have just to try oscommerce out and begin learning about how to set up an e-store.

 

Firstly I have no clue what I'm doing .. I've spent most of day looking for info and I've managed to get this far!

I've downloaded oscommerce which seemed simple enough but now Im bogged down with Apache and Mysql having trouble finding out what these are and why they are relevant. Downloading em hasn't helped since they come with no info about how they relate to using osCommerce.

 

Do I need all this stuff when all I want is to set up a simple shopping cart system?

My biggest prob is I dont have a website just some homepage space that doesnt seem to let me intall oscommerce, I get error "Host '64.141.16.36' is not allowed to connect to this MySQL server"

 

which doesn't help since I can't figureout what Mysql is lol.. its a bunch of things on my hd right now :blink:

 

Can I set up a local version without webspace just to start building a page and testing things out?

 

Sorry for this long post but if someone could post a link to a guide or answer these couple questions I'd really appreciate it!

 

Thanks

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If you're only experimenting look for an inexpensive hosting service that already has MySql set up. There's tons of deals out there now where you can have pretty much a fully loaded service for less than $50 per year, some are even less.

 

Better you spend your time learning osC than spend lots of time trying to create an entire web set-up when they're already available dirt cheap.

Local: Mac OS X 10.5.8 - Apache 2.2/php 5.3.0/MySQL 5.4.10 • Web Servers: Linux

Tools: BBEdit, Coda, Versions (Subversion), Sequel Pro (db management)

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If you want to set up a local development system on a Windows box, try Phpdev. It sets up Apache (Webserver), PHP, and MySQL(database) all at once. Easy to get stated with. I believe that the site is firepages.com.au, but don't quote me on that (I've lost the bookmark.)

 

I recommend testing on your local computer first, since some of my early attempts locked up the server. Hosting services usually disapprove of you doing that to their servers. It gives you a safe environment to learn on, and a safe way to modify and test after your store is up and running.

See my profile for a list of my addons and ways to get support.

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Ok, I understand most of it now, and thanks for the link with the combined software.

 

My main prob here as a beginner, is, what exactly does Apache do for me? Its a web server software, ok, but how does that help a person with a webpage?

 

I have a lot of time and I really want to learn. Its amazing how many "tutorial" sites dont explain the basics and instead say something like "If you don't know what this is, you shouldn't be using it"! heh.. well I suppose I should buy a book :)

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From one "newbie" to another ;-)

 

Regards the Apache server stuff. Basics is all I really know so here 'tis...

 

Apache is a "web server" program that allows a computer on the net to "serve" web pages and stuff.

 

MySQL is the database backend that stores all them tables of info/data

 

PHP is the neat little scripting program that lets us write stuff to tell the system what to do with the data or clicks a user inputs... php also feeds this info direct into mysql and commnicates back and forth from the web pages / user to the actual info in the mysql database.

 

>Do I need all this stuff when all I want is to set up a simple shopping cart system?

 

Yup, sure enuff yes you do.

 

Good suggest up top about phpDev at http://www.firepages.com.au - that is the correct address and they provide a download ('bout 10MB I think) that sets up Apache, PHP and MySql on your home computer. I use it. Comes with a lot of stuff to get you into php and mysql.

 

In most cases you can use this system to test stuff, given that you have to point many config files to your localhost - the default name of your local system when it works as a server.

 

Also, correct again above. Most, if not all, so-called "Free" web space system do not give you MySQL or PHP. In fact they give you FA apart from ad banners.

 

You have to get a "real" server for that. And right, they come cheap as chips these days. Just use Google or Yahoo, enter "web hosting companies" and off you go.

 

You also need to go to http://wiki.oscommerce.com - there is a lot of documentation up there about OsCom - there is a link up top of forums named "collaborative document effort" but most folks seem to miss that.

 

A wiki is just a php based web system that lets users leave comments, advice, articles, news, etc...

 

Also use the search function in this forum to find specific info about a question you may have. Plenty answers up there and many kind folks to answer you own questions.

 

And don't sweat it - I am a "newbie" on OsCom too, we all were/are once, eh?

 

My advice is to read, read, read, read then when you are done read some more.

 

No magic buttons out there sadly. Least ways not for this stuff anyway :)

Kim Grant Carter - Koh Samui - Thailand

"This sentence is not true."

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I use hostdime.com for server and they have EVERYTHING setup already. Plus they have a thing called scripta which completely installs and setsup osCommerce for you with one mouseclick. I had the os cart setup and adding items in 15 minutes, believe it or not, and I have no idea what php really even is!! they offer os commerce cart as free add on. I'm tryhing to configure some of the contributions now and having trouble, but the cart is up and working anyway.

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Ok, I understand most of it now, and thanks for the link with the combined software.

 

My main prob here as a beginner, is, what exactly does Apache do for me? Its a web server software, ok, but how does that help a person with a webpage?

 

I have a lot of time and I really want to learn. Its amazing how many "tutorial" sites dont explain the basics and instead say something like "If you don't know what this is, you shouldn't be using it"! heh.. well I suppose I should buy a book :)

Three months ago I was a total newbie to MySQL, Apache, osCommerce and php - now I'm running three sites using osCommerce, and working on my fourth. So, it can be done!

 

The importance of Apache, as far as you're concerned, is that it mostly operates on Linux or Unix based web hosting systems. It can run on web hosting using Windows, but mostly this type of web hosting uses a Windows web server.

 

You can install what you need and test it on your own computer. I do this all of the time, and only upload when everything is ready.

 

The Apache server download can be quite large, so go for Xitami instead. It works fine with osCommerce, and the download is less than 1Mb. You also need to download phpMyAdmin, and the php dev kit, if it's not installe on your computer. Seacrh for php.ini, if it's not on your 'puter you need to download and install. Hope this helps - Vger

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Given the prices of hosting these days I see little benefit of testing on a "home computer".

 

You'll be limited to viewing your work on the one machine, no friends can remotely view your work, you'll be limited to whatever your local network is and you won't be on the web. What's the point?

 

Plus you'll have another (small) learning curve when you do decide to go www.

 

What's the point of an on-line shop if it's not on-line?

Local: Mac OS X 10.5.8 - Apache 2.2/php 5.3.0/MySQL 5.4.10 • Web Servers: Linux

Tools: BBEdit, Coda, Versions (Subversion), Sequel Pro (db management)

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Not meaning to be critical here, but the point of testing on a Home Computer is so that you can test the changes you have made to your scripts, and upload them when they are all ready to go.

 

This saves the trouble of uploading to your webspace with every change to test it. Also this saves on the number of extra backups you would have to make to your online materials with each change in case of coding problems and errors. Which we all know happen far more often than we would like.

 

In the simplest terms about what the following do:

 

Apache - Runs your site

 

MySQL - Stores Data Logically

 

PHP - Creates a user interface to view the data from the SQL Database, as well

as any additional coding you add.

 

I'm a total newb here too, so no worries. :D

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Not meaning to be critical here, but the point of testing on a Home Computer is so that you can test the changes you have made to your scripts, and upload them when they are all ready to go.

I have a test server account for exactly this purpose, with multiple domains. An entire site just for goofing up.

 

They're that cheap.

Local: Mac OS X 10.5.8 - Apache 2.2/php 5.3.0/MySQL 5.4.10 • Web Servers: Linux

Tools: BBEdit, Coda, Versions (Subversion), Sequel Pro (db management)

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Thanks guys for all the replies. I got some books on this stuff and Its a lot of fun building it!

 

This info helped a lot, great forum :)

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As one newbie to another, if you have a question search the forums, if you don't find the answer search them again. If that fails try the wiki documentation (a must read for everyone). If that fails post your question. I think there is also a book on OSC coming out. I find it easier to post a question but quicker to search. The search uses different syntax that you are probably use to (+newbie, +HELP!!!, +totally, +lost) or something like that. Learn the syntax for searching and you will find your answers.

 

Peter

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The manual for oscommerce is found here

http://wiki.oscommerce.com/helpDocuments

 

 

These are the downloads to create a test machine.

 

You can download Dolphin MySQL here

http://www.mysql.com/downloads/index.html

 

You can download php 4 here

http://us2.php.net/downloads.php

 

make sure you download the windows versions of MySQL and PHP 4

 

That will help you create a solid test machine.

 

If you need help beyond that let me know and I will help you as much as i can.

 

Good luck

 

Also make sure your hosting provider supports MySQL and PHP 4

 

I run an isp and we host for 15.95 per month. We use the oscommerce engine consistenly and it allways works well.

 

So if you need a hosting provider let me know as well either way I will help you as much as i can.

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