Almost certainly a stupid question

[Scottie]

...but I hope I'll get away with it because it's my first post. Did you all install Zencart yourselves? I had web developers do mine but I still need all the help I can get when it comes to maintaining the site. I've only been online about two weeks and -- although I am becoming familiar with the zencart admin -- I feel really nervous about going near anything with the word 'file' in it. I guess I'm just asking if it's ok for me to be here as I didn't do the website myself.

[ideasgirl]

The site is not only for developers but stores owners too, so you are very welcome here. Go though the FAQ's section and do searches before asking. When you don't find it or need more help/information, then post to the correspondient forum. If you want to hire someone for a job, then post on "Commercial Help Wanted".

Have fun!

[swguy]

By no means a stupid question.

Some storeowners do all their own support, some get a little help but reduce the help they need as their knowledge increases, and some hire out all their support. You'll have to figure out what makes sense for your own situation.

Good luck,
Scott

[Phid]

Scottie I would suggest you install a practice cart somewhere and look under the hood there....kick the tires, rev it up. That way you'll get some practice in how to use it without worrying about breaking anything.

[swguy]

Make frequent backups of code and data. This way you can easily roll back if you accidentally "improve" things. :)

Good luck,
Scott

[Ripper]

Make frequent backups of code and data. This way you can easily roll back if you accidentally "improve" things. :)

Good luck,
Scott

Oh yeah, that's great advice... Been there myself with my "improvements".....
Backups are your best friend.....
Also, a test cart with it's own database is another great suggestion above....
Do it, you'll be so much happier after you figure out things while breaking your test cart instead of the live one...

[BlindSide]

Ditto to all of the above. You're getting gold in terms of knowledgeable advice from them, as these are some of our best users.

To that I would add that, whatever utilities your host is providing for DB management, dump them if they are not phpMyAdmin. If your server does not have phpMyAdmin, download and install it yourself.

Customizing Zen Cart will definitely require you to know (or learn) some PHP, so you have to go into this with a healthy dose of courage initially. You can always undo what you have done as long as you remember the steps. Once you're over the initial hump of getting the basics, you'll be whirling along.