Joomla!: Visual QuickStart Guide, 2nd Edition

Building on the first edition of Joomla!: Visual QuickStart Guide, this task-based guide is the perfect tool for those just starting with Joomla, as well as, seasoned professionals who want to know how to use the latest version of the software to its fullest. It shows how to create, customize, and maintain a dynamic Joomla 1.6 website starting with fundamental concepts for using Joomla and then walks the user through every function of the system. It details the requirements for operating a secure and efficient Joomla website, including server configuration and website planning. The reader learns not only the functions of Joomla, such as adding content and structure, creating menus, using components, modules, plug-ins, and templates, but also how each function integrates as a whole. Each chapter ends with increasingly advanced topics, such as installation and configuration of the administrative back end, using 3rd-party extensions to create a portfolio, a blog, an e-commerce site, magazine, or news portal, as well as, how to use content construction kits, create custom templates, and integrate social media.

New features covered in this edition include: how to use the redesigned admin interface; new menu systems, including advanced functions for developers; how to use the category-article structure of content; the ability for users to create their own groups and assign access control levels; and control and customization of templates.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Installing Joomla
Chapter 2 Getting Started
Chapter 3 Creating Categories
Chapter 4 Adding Articles
Chapter 5 Managing Menus
Chapter 6 Controlling Content Layouts
Chapter 7 Working with Templates
Chapter 8 Working with Modules
Chapter 9 Utilizing Components
Chapter 10 Managing User Access and Permissions
Chapter 11 Building Your Site Structure
Chapter 12 Creating Portfolios and Galleries
Chapter 13 Going Social
Chapter 14 Creating Joomla Templates

Appendix A: Updates and Maintenance
Appendix B: Joomla Resources
Appendix C: Manager Options Quick Reference