Setting up downloads?

[art72]

Can anyone give me a definitive answer as to whether the "Zen Cart Owners Manual" will assist me in setting up an eCommerce virtual download site?

I've read mixed reviews that conflict whether or not the book is really worth it. I am brand new to 'idea' of assembling an online store. Thus far, I have uploaded Zen Cart to my domain's public_html, and cahnged my template successfully from "Gawdy Green" to "A Pure Black" template.

However, it's quite intimidating at first look getting through my admin panel, as I am lost as to setting up a secure database (MySQL?) and encrypting expiring downloadable links in my (future) customers Thank-You email.

My main areas of concern are:

• Creating Product Database w/ Product #
  Setting up the encrypted download link after check-out in the email receipt
  And...protecting my digital products from hackers

Therefore, I didn't know if the book cover these types of applications in an easy to read set-up?

Thanks in advance,

Art

[Kim]

The book is worth every penny as it tells you step by step what all the stuff in the admin does and how to use it

[art72]

Appreciate your response, tho it does seem a bit vague as to the digital downloads and the security thereof, if that too is detailed in the book?

Obviously, I am assuming it does, but if anyone knows a more conclusive answer, i'd appreciate it. I mean I'm gonna by the book anyway, considering the fact the zen cart's open source features are awesome for a free product!

Thanks

[DrByte]

There are several tutorials on the topic of "downloads". I found this one about setting up downloadable products by searching that section for the word "download". Several other results were also listed.
https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/index.php?article=71

When you set up a product as a downloadable item, Zen Cart takes care of the managing of number of download attempts allowed and expiry dates. No download links are sent in emails; however, a link to the customer's My Account area where all the links are available, is provided. No special encryption needed and no special link management needed.

Best way to get answers to your questions is to set it up and try it for yourself. There are lots of tutorials/FAQs, as well as historical forum threads for help and discussion.

[art72]

Thanks Doc,

I generally research everything, and try to find the answers before posting. It has the tendency to leave me second guessing and can be quite overwhelming as several answers vary, and then complicates the answer I was looking for initially.

I do appreciate the fact zen cart provides the link, and i'm relatively sure my concern for securing my downloads should be the least of my worries, as few will likely know how to hack the digital downloads.

Ultimately, I'm hoping to nail the basic configuration(s) by next week, and have enough product in place to open for business. (That is a challenge in itself!)

Thanks,
-Art

[DrByte]

If you follow additional FAQ articles linked to the one I mentioned, you'll see that there are various additional ways to provide even greater obscurity and even impossibility for "hacking" any digital downloads, depending on your degree of (apologies for lack of a lesser harsh-sounding word?) paranoia.