Client Administrative Login Capabilities...more questions...

[ChargerBill]

OK, so as per my last thread, I'm figuring that CSS is the way to go so that a client has less of a chance of screwing up a site that I will build and THEY want to maintain. Maybe now is a good time to mention I have always ONLY built sites in standard HTML format with some Java script...minimal Java script.

So, what I'm hoping for is some insight on the method for creating a site that the customer can log into administratively through the browser and add and change content and even add extra pages and link them to eachother. The clients will need a shopping cart system (I'm planning on using a merchant hosting package from EZPublishing.com) and the ability to add product, change product, add pages, etc... What type of backend or server software am I looking for? Also, how do I impliment the admin capabilities...is there a script that gets pasted into the body of the index page? Do I need special software? Should the server side system have an in depth tutorial?

I'm NOT looking for anyone to do this for me, or write a novel length explanation...I'm just hoping for some insight on how to get moving in the right direction and what resorces and books I will need and what type of lingo or skills I need to acquire. The more help the better guys...I'm a designer first and foremost, but have a fairly analytical mind and can problem solve pretty well. I just need to be pointed in the right direction AND make this as much of a no brainer for my clients as possible. Also, is there a tech lingo to laymens terms translation resource so I can grasp the concepts a little more easily? Thanks everyone...

BTW: I'm not dealing with a Trump sized budget here...more of a small hometown boutique sized budget.

[JPnyc]

That should be part of the e-commerce system. You shouldn't need to code those things yourself if you're using an off the shelf solution. Any off the shelf cart and commerce software should provide all the code script files you need, and the database.

[ecsyle]

Well, I wouldnt attempt to build this from scratch with your limited experience in the area. I highly suggest a CMS (content management system). Mambo is extremelly feature rich, but I am sure there are a lot more to choose from.

Edit: Wait, is this just an ecommerce site?

[EC]

^ I agree.

CSS will be your primary weapon, but the ability to read the raw code will help (of course that will depend on what language it's written in.)

[EC]

jinx ecsyle. Actually the ecommerce off the shelf stuff is usually set up as a CMS, yes? I mean you can usually add more pages and stuff.

[Big Perm-dizzle]

there are hundreds of content management systems out there - mambo is popular - depends on what servers you plan on running this on - I like php I find php nerds are alot more friendly and willing to share their knowledge

[EC]

the mambo group split in two is the rumor, this type of happening always worries me. Wordpress is built in PHP, simple, easy, and huge community.

[ecsyle]

What do I owe you a coke now ;)

Mambo and Joomla; Just a fork I believe, I wouldn't worry about it :)

Wordpress is really nice. For a shopping cart I highly recommend X-Cart.

[EC]

Seeing as how I know very little about the mambo side of the internets ... would it be safer to use/recommend Joomla? I love me some open source, but I also like to know that there will be on-going support and a community there to help if you ever need it.

B2Evolution I always thought was a LOVELY, simple CMS ... but the developers turned their attention to WordPress and ... no more B2. Same thing going on with pMachine pretty much, with Expression Engine becoming their flagship.

Anyway, sorry to digress, I was just wondering your thoughts.

[ecsyle]

Hmmm...

http://www.joomla.org/index.php?Itemid=44&option=com_faq&catid=7

Is Joomla! a fork of Mambo?

No, it is a rebranding effort that will continue to run largely on the existing codebase. Work is continuing on the project by the same team that had developed Mambo up to August 2005. Therefore, we see it as continuing development rather than a 'fork'.