Fantastico oppinions please

[discoverytdi]

Hi all my web host has fantastico as part of my package and I've noticed that zen is listed as one of the installations they offer. So the obvious question is is it reliable.
Cheers
Peter zen virgin

[haredo]

first I wouldnt use fantastico to install,
you are better off getting a fresh copy and installing it manually the directions are in the docs folder inside the zip

[kobra]

Fantastico is a great tool so that one can have a look at several options

But if you are past that are are wanting a working install to present to the public, a manual install from a fresh distribution is the best option

[discoverytdi]

should have said i was just thinking of using it as I'm in lazzy mode am using wamp server to play with zen at the mo

[DrByte]

Don't use Fantastico to install, and NEVER use it to upgrade!

Plus, since you already know how to install it manually, it'll be simple.

[discoverytdi]

Hum sounds like it was a good idea that I asked before I used it then

[niccol]

@ Dr Byte & Kobra

I always do manual installs. I completely understand the point about not using it for updates. Out of interest is there a difference between a manual install and a fantastico install? Is there a difference in the file set on the server? I mean other than the fantastico files themselves which I know it writes to keep track of what version etc is current. Is there a difference in the actual files? Or is it just that you will definitely get the most up to date version with a manual install?

[RodG]

I'm another that has never had a problem using fantastico for new installations, and I've no qualms in recommending it to those just starting out and testing the waters.

It should never ever be used for an upgrade.

Cheers
Rod

[schoolboy]

While "one-click-installers" may be easy, and do actually install a program, our view is that people NEW to any software should NOT use these tools.

Our reasons (in the case of zencart):

1. It forces a "common" configuration - particularly on 1.3.9 - where is auto-names the admin folder, usually to zc_admin, making it a good target for hackers. Newbies do not generally understand the importance of a uniquely named admin folder.

2. It does not load the DEMO data, which in our view is very valuable for new users, because the demo data is a very useful set of tools for the initial learning process.

3. It gives novices the impression that the software is "simple" and "easy to manage/customise". Because they have not had the useful experience of a manual install, they do not understand the fundamental structure of their site, and how the file system integrates with a database. Many do not even know that a database is involved.

4. For LOCALISED installs - such as UK - we use additional installation patches (such as Kev Polley's UK template) to ensure that an installation is pre-configured for LOCALISED environments. Fantastico cannot natively apply these localisations, and the work involved after a fantastico install can be considerable, if the site needs "localisation".

5. Performing a MANUAL install is (for new users) a very valuable learning experience, because it forces the new user to understand how the software is structured, and gives them very important knoweldge of the fundamentals of setting up a database, using FTP, making file edits, etc. All this stands the new user in good stead for future management of the program. You just need to look at the vast number of posts for help on this forum for what are BASIC, STANDARD management issues, that would otherwise be obvious to people, had they done a manual install.

6. Novices do not know the importance of a custom template (over-rides) and immediately after using fantastico, they start tinkering with core files.

7. Many users do not know that a subsequent "one-click-upgrade" is a recipe for disaster, and often their first visit to this forum is AFTER they have tried this.


We sometimes use "one-click" installers (when we are very busy and in a hurry), but we are EXPERIENCED and KNOWLEDGEABLE users, so we know the risks and limitations - and in all cases, once the install is done, we do the essential manual alterations (new admin folder name, etc...), to ensure good security.

[dbltoe]

If I may, I'll add that fantastico does not use the zc_install and therefore leaves out the useful docs therein.