Hope this is OK to add a new category Tim? (and hope I’ve done it properly!) How is everyone going with their installation/development? Perhaps its just my temperament/learning style – but I’m finding it easier to get to understand it by deconstructing the sample data. Does that make any sense? I realise the sample data supplies all the info in it – but I’ve ordered the books and I think that info is available under HELP anyway and on the Joomla site. Anyway – main thing is I’m having fun and exercising the old gray matter (and that’s not just my hair!!!) 
Posted by: seacat66 | July 8, 2008
Website development
Posted in Progress
That’s what it is all about. And Sandra has hit the nail on the head. Fiddle about with the sample data and you can see where changes take place.
By: kjug on July 8, 2008
at 5:19 am
I think the sample data is very valuable in that context – of course, its valuable in the help context as well. However, playing with/replacing the samples helps me to see the linkages and understand the terms/definitions of modules, menus, categories, sections and articles etc. Lots of concepts to grasp here. And then of course, understanding how best to construct a website for reader’s easiest and best consumption will be an whole other ball-game!!!! Ah – to live in interesting times!!!
By: seacat66 on July 8, 2008
at 5:36 am
Yesss!
The first of my two Joomla books just arrived – ‘A Users Guide’ by Barrie M North. I’ve ordered the Beginners book as well. Although I already had a Joomla book – it was on the beta version and things seem to have changed in the program. I’ll have to document as I go – otherwise I’ll never be able to get my head around it. I don’t have the general understandings of computer/web site language that the rest of the group has – so will have to develop that body of knowledge as I progress. Do we still have a meeting on 26th?
By: seacat66 on July 17, 2008
at 3:04 am
Got my second Joomla instruction book today – Beginning Joomla by Dan Rahmel. No excuses left now – got to get cracking!
By: seacat66 on July 18, 2008
at 4:49 am
Glad to see the books have arrived. They are good to help explain what is going on, but there are some weaknesses as well. They are poor at backup and restore information and also menu assignments.
By: kjug on July 22, 2008
at 12:19 am
My problem generally with ‘manuals’ is that, whilst they are possibly set out very well for technical consumption, I can’t easily absorb the process. So I’m ‘documenting’ my own process from them and from my own perspective. I’m currently focusing on WHAT comprises a menu, section, category etc. So much readers knowledge/experience is taken for granted in these expert’s publications.
By: seacat66 on July 22, 2008
at 12:41 am
It’s taken me a while to explore all the CD goodies. Found within the CD plenty of documentation that I CAN understand – so not going to do my own – no need to re-invent wheels. Been working on relinking my site’s sample data. Interesting learning at Saturday’s meeting – ONLY disable – not necessary to delete unwanted items of sample data. Working slowly – seem to be getting little chunks of understanding at a time – but at least its some sort of progress
By: seacat66 on September 2, 2008
at 8:34 pm
I am pleased that Sandra is getting to understand the basics of Joomla. It does take some time to work on it. It is a complicated tool, but it is worth the time to learn. On ya Sandra.
By: kjug on September 2, 2008
at 9:11 pm
Thanks Tim. Its always difficult to get motivated on a complex item. But I’m going to have to put my money where my mouth is soon to get into those two community group’s web info. To be effective with that I need to be confident with Joomla!
By: seacat66 on September 2, 2008
at 9:53 pm
Just remembering your comments last meeting Tim – where to start – how to plan a Joomla learning agenda. Very difficult. I now have several resources – including the contents of the CD. All well written – couldn’t fault the content – BUT – I’ve come to the conclusion – the only way to really progress in Joomla is to actually DO IT! Because all the resources approach the understandings in a different way. I wonder whether this is typical of IT learning generally? It probably is come to think of it – I’ve had similar experiences trying to coach people in the use of Publisher. Very abstract body of knowledge to impart.
By: seacat66 on September 3, 2008
at 3:11 am