How to install and customize a Drupal CMS website // http://www.collectiveresolve.org

OVERVIEW // a general survey or summary

Drupal opensource Content Management System

View some websites that use the Drupal CMS.

Test out a demo installation of the Drupal CMS with administrator access.

CollectiveResolve utilizes the Drupal Content Management System (CMS). Drupal is an opensource, community developed, CMS web installation tool.

• Opensource: the principles and methodologies to promote open access to the production and design process for various goods, products, resources and technical conclusions or advice.
• Content Management System (CMS): a CMS facilitates the organization, control, and publication of a large body of documents and other content.
• Drupal: Drupal is a free software package that allows an individual or a community of users to easily publish, manage and organize a wide variety of content on a website.
• CollectiveResolve: CollectiveResolve is an online resource for team-based initiatives and provides a framework, space, and personalizable processes through online tools for effective local, regional, and global change.

PREREQUISITES ///

• Webhost provider (how to get this is described in Step 1)
• FTP/HTML EDITOR: you will need to use a tool like Dreamweaver ($400 or $200 for NPO/Student) or NVU (*free) to upload FTP and edit HTML files: >> Basic needs: to upload your files, install themes and modules, >> Advanced needs: to edit CSS style and design and to edit HTML or PHP files and content
• The Firefox web browser with the Web Developer plugin is always handy

Step 1: How to Get a Webhost // Drupal is an opensource Content Management System, but you need a Webhost

ACCESS // the right or means to use something

The right to use the Drupal CMS is open and free, due to the opensource basis of production and development. The means to use the Drupal CMS is limited to needing a website host (an online service for individuals and organizations to store and publish content to the internet), particularly one with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantastico_(web_hosting) Fantastico] opensource bundle (an automatic installation tool for web tools and services).

The CollectiveResolve site utilizes BlueHost with the Fantastico autoinstall. The Fantastico "one-button" installation is certainly quick and easy, but there are limitations. Drupal recommends NOT using the Fantastico autoinstall and should only be used with the awareness that there may be limitiations. That said, it is still a valid, quick and easy option for less experienced web designers and developers.

Get a webhost //

• http://www.bluehost.com or review other hosting providers here:
• Best Host Ratings: http://www.besthostratings.com/
• Top Ten Web Hosting: http://www.top-10-web-hosting.com/
• Fantastico details and potential hosting: http://www.xtime.net/

Comments

[sherifmayika]

http://themegenie.net Updated
Hi,
We have updated our support site for Dreamweaver extension for Drupal Themes.
http://themegenie.net

 
 

[munchman]

Do you know if I Can make a website that can have user generated content with Drupal, I have been looking for a CMS that will do this

[lifelong-newbie]

Yes you can, you just install Drupal then give your users the permission to Create Content

[munchman]

Thanks, I did decide to go ahead and try it ages ago... but thanks :)

[dutchjingles]

I love working with Drupal! Since we've installed it I don't have to bother my programm-partner anymore :). We have setup a service for people who would like to test the Drupal CMS before they install it on a server: http://freedrupal5hosting.com

Overhere you can setup a subdomain (or use your own domain) in a split second and use the CMS right away!

[sherifmayika]

sorry this is the link

http://dreamweaverdrupalthemeextension.blogspot.com/

[sherifmayika]

now creating drupal themes is much easier using our dreamweaver extension
<a href='http://dreamweaverdrupalthemeextension.blogspot.com">Dreamweaver Drupal</a>

[mzmaker]

Hello Everyone, I have a big problem to solve. I have a website where people submit information and pictures, I want to make another website that uses the same database but both comunicate to each other , lets say when u post on one its also shown in the other one, how can I do this?

[christefano]

Before using Fantastico to install Drupal, please read this:

http://drupal.org/forum/fantastico-de-luxe

[borivor]

A lot of Drupal themes (both drupal 4.7 themes and drupal 5 themes) can be seen "in action" (on live drupal) at Drupal Theme Garden

[inertia18]

Thanks for posting this. I'm trying to use drupal in our site. And this helps a lot. Post more info on this. :)