content management system

Apr 27 2009

Free Hosting Reloaded

We’ve got new offers and updated server software to feature this week as we revisit free hosting and the tools to get the most out of it.

First up, we’ll get set up with hosting. And even though it’s for a limited time, I have a great deal for you.

1and1 6 month Business Package Free Preview (available through the end of February 2005)

This free-for-six-months hosting package comes with generous web space and bandwidth as well as PHP, MySQL, site stats and full FTP and shell access.

1and1 Free Hosting Reloaded

I have tested the 1and1 preview package and found it as-promised. The only downside seems to be occasional downtime.

Now, what are you going to do with all that free space and bandwidth? First, I’d suggest you get your MySQL in order. This is best done using an open source application called phpMyAdmin.

phpmyadmin Free Hosting Reloaded

Once you get it unpacked and enter the server, username and password into the config file, you’ll be able to manage your MySQL database in your browser. Trust me, this is much easier than using the command line.

Now, for the fun part. With MySQL set up you can build your own blog. The free solution of choice is WordPress. This open source blog server has all the modern features you’ll need. It’s built with PHP and is fast and flexible.

WordPress Free Hosting Reloaded

WordPress supports theming and has its own plug-in api. For a great example of a WordPress blog in action, stop by my fellow ‘Merc’s blog at MacManX.com.

Now, if a full-fledged website is more your style, you can use the PHP/MySQL content management system Drupal. This very flexible system supports powerful category structure and traffic control features.

Drupal is an excellent pick for a community-based site, and is supported by a great community and a slew of module add-ons.

I’ll warn you that you may experience moments of frustration with config files and server errors. If you’re looking for more help or additional tricks, there’s a forum for tinkering with your 1and1 account here.

Another great bunch of free stuff. Meet me back here next week for more.

Brian

By admin • Articles, Freeloader Friday Download of the Week • Comments Off • Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Apr 27 2009

Twitter on your own Server and Teach your iPhone to back itself up

In its first year, Twitter has become one of Web 2.0′s most interesting communication tools. Its so popular it is almost impossible to use during events like the Macworld Keynote. Why not bring it home to your own server?


DIY Twitter

If you remember way back to the days of blogging, you’ll be familiar with WordPress. This flexible, Open Source content management system has just graduated to version 2.5 with some cool enhancements.

prologue Twitter on your own Server and Teach your iPhone to back itself up

We’ll use it to build our own twitter-like engine on our own server. With a recent version of WordPress, you’ll be able to install Prologue, a WordPress theme from the creators of WordPress that transforms your WP blog into a twitter-style stream. The theme kills your titles and adds a quick post box at the top but keeps comments and permalinks.

This is a perfect setup to run your own tiny twitter for your company or Lamaze group. But, part of the draw of Twitter is the network. So, after loading the Prologue theme, grab the Twitter Tools WordPress plugin.

twittertools.jpg Twitter on your own Server and Teach your iPhone to back itself up

With Twitter Tools, you can post to Twitter using WordPress, post to WordPress and have it simul-post to Twitter or even sync your Twitter tweets to WordPress as posts. Dizzy?

TimeCapsule (iPhone app)

timecapsule Twitter on your own Server and Teach your iPhone to back itself up

This iPhone app is a great idea. It backs up user data by application. That includes addresses, calendars, bookmarks and even installer.app sources. The free version has a couple nag screens, and only backs up a single instance of each app, but is still extremely useful. If you use it regularly, consider the $15 (about) to register it.

That should be plenty of tweet for you.

Brian

By admin • Articles, Freeloader Friday Download of the Week • Comments Off • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Oct 30 2004

Macromedia Contribute 3

Although this release is labeled 3, it is only the second iteration of the client-site website management application for the Mac. In this version, Contribute adds a streamlined, faster interface and adds a previously PC-only feature: FlashPaper.

Contribute is unique as a client side web page creation utility that, with the simplicity of a word processor, empowers end users to edit and create web pages. In a departure from the typical web-based content management system, Macromedia’s solution is the easiest to learn and administrate.

Packed with intuitive navigation and expanding features, version 3 includes simple web page creation and powerful management controls.

As we’ve said before, Contribute is best used as a solution for Mac-based web designers’ clients. Previously, it was possible to administer Contribute sites in Dreamweaver, but in order to use Contribute 3 and Dreamweaver 2004, you’ll need Contribute installed on the same machine as Dreamweaver.

Given this change, the Web Publishing System, which includes Studio MX 2004, Contribute 3 and Contribute online services may be your best bet. The last is a server-based application that facilitates integration with other server-side enterprise services like LDAP and Active Directory.

As a website administrator, you should probably have your own copy of Contribute for troubleshooting purposes anyway. Fortunately, up to installation time, you can chose to install the PC or Mac version.

So, what are the new perks? FlashPaper allows creation of PDF-like documents that can be viewed with the Flash plugin, which is smaller and enjoys a larger install base than Acrobat. Conversion is as easy as printing to a FlashPaper ‘distiller’ that shows up on your printer list. C3 also adds support for .Mac publishing, QuickTime and Safari.

In my user experience, there were a few bumps using Contribute 3 with a site created for Contribute 2 – though no data was lost. The application itself runs well, even on slower machines. As usual, it offers idiot-proof editing, with a tremendous amount of control behind the scenes.

Version 3 is a nice step up in both features and performance. When making a purchase decision, keep in mind the value to your clients. If you support mid-sized to larger companies, the whole Web Publishing System may better fit you and your clients needs..

Contribute 3 retails for $149, upgrades from $79

Buy it from Amazon for $139

Macromedia’s Web Publishing System retails for $2,499

By admin • Reviews • Comments Off • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,