ByOnthescreen

Whats Included:

• Setting up Your Server
• Where to Start
• Finding a Host/Uploading
• Forums

1. Setting up Your Server

First Steps:1. Download Xampp for your system:
Linux: http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp-linux.html
Windows: http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp-windows.html
Mac OS X: http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp-macosx.html
Solaris: http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp-solaris.html
2. Follow Directions on the appropriate page.
3. Test it! http://localhost/
4. You're Done!



I recommend you find a coding program such as Adobe/Macromedia Dreamweaver.

When you code your programs don't include directories(folders) under your primary folder.
Ex:


First we need a layout.

Depending on your type of website you may need different things.

Save your files in your server folder(Wherever you installed it) 99% of the time you want to put it in the "/www/(your project name here)/" folder.



Family Type Layout:
A simple type of page. Not much is really needed here. Languages Needed: HTML
1. Set up a simple TEXT layout. Pick what type of pages you want (Family Tree, Pictures, Events, etc.)
2. Start each page as a blank .html file.
3. Work on the home page, it should be saved as "index.html" if you don't it wont work!
Home Page Should Include:

• Links to all pages you wish to be visible.
• A title
• A header
• The most important info

Other pages can have:

• Pictures
• Links to other websites
• Tables

What pages SHOULDN'T have:

• Flash (Its a family Friendly site, flash will actually degrade the site)
• Counters (They are one of the most annoying things ever)
• Flashing (We don't want to give Uncle Bob a seizure...)
• Ads (It's a family site, your not going to get enough traffic to get any income)
• Marquee

Colors are OK!


Continue To Part 3 If you chose this layout, if not continue down.



Forum Type Layout:

This is somewhat more difficult than some people may think...

This can be put into any website.

Languages Needed: Some PHP, Some MySQL*, HTML

* 90% of forums require a MySQL database, or a similar database. Its good to know how to use one.

1. Set up a homepage.
2. Start each page as a blank .html file. This may be changed later.
3. Work on the home page, it should be saved as "index.html" if you don't it wont work!
Home Page Should Include:

• A link to the Forum
• A title
• A header
• Some Info

A list of Forums:

MercuryBoard

Ultimate PHP Board (UPB)

phpBB Forum (I use phpBB2, it works great and is semi-easy to customize.)

Zorum Community Forum Software

tForum Bulletin Board System

XMB Forum

Phorum Message Board

NOTE: I have not used/guarantee the availability of ANY of these forums. (Unless otherwise noted.)

4. Download a forum source code.

5. You are finished with this step, Do step 4.

Continue To Part 3 If you chose this layout, if not continue down.

More Detailed Layouts Coming Soon.




Currently you are on a host site if you don't like this package try http://www.110mb.com

If you plan to use PHP or MySQL make sure your host supports it. Freewebs does NOT support either!

If you use MySQL(or other) make sure you create your database first!


Good List of Hosts: http://www.freewebsiteproviders.com/free-domain-hosting.php


Uploading

If you have a PHP uploader you may use that, if not use your ftp connection you got with your site.
1. Upload all pages, folders, and files. If your website restricts .htaccess files they are NOT required. Put your Forums(if any) in separate folders.
2. Test it. Put your URL into your browser and check all links and pictures.
3. For those with forums continue. Everyone else is finished!



1. Somewhere in your forum folder there will be some kind of install.php file, run it on your host. NOT YOUR COMPUTER!
2. Follow the directions, you should have set up your database by now.
3. When your finished make sure you get rid of any install files, they could be dangerous to leave intact!
Note: Some forums require SMTP or the PHP mail function. Some Hosts dont offer those for free, you may need to make it to where you cant verify your forum accounts.



Current Versions:

• Version 1.0: The First Guide!

Coming Soon:

• RPG Layouts
• Screenshots
• Forum Details
• More To Do's and Not To Do's
• Bussiness Layouts

~This is NOT the finished product! More may be coming soon!~
Copyright © 2007 DXK Productions

Especially choosing main colors for your site is very important i've spent three days only for this problem
If you think you may earn money from your website i highly recommend to host yoru website at a paid hosting company because free offers never include some basic properties like PHP mail function