Things every New Zenner needs to know

[kuroi]

How do i remove the the message "This is the main define statement for the page for english when no template defined file exists.

You would create the template-defined file without that text.

[clydejones]

How do i remove the the message "This is the main define statement for the page for english when no template defined file exists. It is located in: /includes/languages/english/index.php" from my main page. I have located how to remove sales message goes here and you have successfully intsalled zen cart. My shop's url is http://www.onlineduka.com/shop

open /includes/languages/english/index.php

and delete the following as indicated by the highlighted portion:

define('TEXT_MAIN','This is the main define statement for the page for english when no template defined file exists. It is located in: <strong>/includes/languages/english/index.php</strong>');

be sure NOT to delete the single quote marks.
save the file and upload to your server

[AngelT]

PRE-EMPTIVE EDIT:

A lot of documentation has been added to the Knowledgebase:
https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/i...hp?category=16

Further, you will find great value in the eStart Your Web Store with Zen Cart users manual, which walks you through setting up your Zen Cart site from start to finish, along with many day-to-day tasks.
You can get your copy of the book here: http://www.lulu.com/content/466605


----------------------------------------------
Original discussion:
New Zen Cart users get easily frustrated. They often do not know how to find answers to their questions and if they stumble onto the right answer they don't realize it's the right answer. The recent 'reboot' for the forum so closely on the heels of the upgrade to 1.3 seems to have made things worse.

I am considering writing a "Getting Started" style document that focuses on templates, overrides, colors, text, images and the like. Perhaps a reasonable title will be "Top 10 Questions asked by New Zenners" or "10 things every New Zenner should know but doesn't know where to find."

I would like to hear from New Zenners about this project. What did you have the most trouble with? What documents did you feel were lacking? What were the top problems and questions you had? -- Things like that.

Part of the rationale for this project is that as users can perform more tasks without having to post a thread like "I am such a newb and have no idea what I am doing" it will free the Devs for more time in core upgrades. Hopefully, users that are more successful at the beginning will press on and have a viable online business and donate back to Zen Cart.

I will be away from the forum for a few days (niece's wedding) this weekend. Further, I don't plan to reply to every post. This is a place to collect feedback from new users.

If more experienced users post, perhaps you could list the mistakes you most often see.

The final location for the project is uncertain. In many ways, it will be a duplicate of material in the FAQ and Wiki. However, much of that material needs to be updated and New Zenners seem to not read it or not understand it. I will continue to try to coordinate this with the Devs so that it benefits the most in the community.

Please presume a successful install of ZenCart 1.3+. I would like to focus on customizations issues that every new users is likely to experience.

Feel free to PM with info you would rather not be in the forum.

==================================================
Hi Bruce,

I think you should divide that "Getting Start" Book in two separate one:
1) Technical: Where you explain to code writers how to do changes on the following:

a) New release update or install: Explain in detail what every one of the options on the installation/upgrates screens are all about. When doing upgrade how it should be run (one level at a time or all levels at once, etc).
b) Main page customizations: (Logo, page 2.....page 4, Information box, banner boxes, category and products boxes.... boxexs colors, background colors, images.... etc.). show up the path to get to every program needing change (At least the most common ones)

c) Others pages to customize: Detail about the pages and how to locate them in the host.


2) Functional: seetting up configuration data, testing the shopping cart with using all active paymenet modules, offer a deeper explanation of the meaning for avery database file and their fields (data elements).

This two guides in conjunction will be very helpful for every one (technical or non-technical) implementing Zen-Cart.

If I get more information that I consider should be included I'll be back to you.

Regards,

AngelT:

[Jake]

Post #1

I enter this forum knowing full well that I will eventually learn how to use Zencart. I infer from the opening sticky that each of you have a sincere desire to help new users. It is evident from the info displayed on the forum that people here are very knowledgeable, and yet you sense that new Zenners are having difficulties getting started.

I would like to hear from New Zenners about this project. What did you have the most trouble with? What documents did you feel were lacking? What were the top problems and questions you had? -- Things like that.

Background: I have been on the web since '88. I have written HTML for many years. I feel quite comfortable with WS FTP and HTML build 292. I do not use css style sheets but I did read about them before deciding not to use them.

Zen Progress I downloaded Zencart. I noticed it promised to be easy to install. That proved to be over-stated, imo. It was easy to download, easy to FTP, but the page did not work so I eventually gave up and had my server install it for me. There was a CAP used in one of my added folders. The change to a case-sensitive reality is new to me. I will adapt.

I configured the files through CHMOD as directed, but my files do not read 777, or 644, or any of the other designation I see offered in explanations. Instead, mine simply say read, write, execute for "owner, group and other". It seems to be an oversight that the 777 designation is mentioned but the other system is not.

After configuring admin in php I attempted to load my zen page. There was another server error that needed to be corrected. That took a day. Currently I can view the page.

The next step is to try to change something. Intuitively I opened HTML editor and tried to find an HTML doc to alter. I am of course looking for an index.html page. It didn't take long to realize that it doesn't work that way. It is not yet apparent exactly how "it" works. There are many components to learn about. I think I understand that Php is a specialized HTML, that style sheets contain global controls, and somehow, all of the files work together to produce the front page. I do not understand how the page is made from a skin? Is that right? How does this happen? I do not know. Where is the tutorial? I cannot find it.

It strikes me as unusual to be offered a program for free and then be charged $44.95 for the manual. From my pov, I am not in a position to spend another $45 for a book that promises to be no less ambiguous than the FAQs page. (Consider that I just paid for more room on my server, purchased an SSL, negotiated for credit card use, etc.)

Alternatively, Zensai's might consider writing a tutorial that helps new Zenners learn how markup, save, and FTP one page. All of the basic mechanics could be included in this basic tutorial. All you want to do with this is show the new user how to change a document and post it to the web. Within this tutorial you could explain how the files interact and how each depends on the other to create the final product. (Zensai is a play on the word sensai, which is Japanese for 'teacher').

If you can do that effectively for a new user, the demonstration of your ability to help eliminate confusion will strengthen your argument to buy the manual. At the very least, publish the first chapter so users can see if it is well-written.

So that is where I am now. I would like to learn how to markup one page and post it to my site. If I can do it once, I can do it over and over again. What I read in the forum and the FAQs are specific answers to challenges that are encountered once the user gets up and running. What I do not see is Step #1 on how to get started. I have no idea which of these varied documents to change, how to change them, how to get my own photos into the document, etc.

My product supplier has given me an excel data sheet which contains fields of info, including links to thumbs and photos. He assured me that this data can be uploaded into my commerce cart. I am miles away from attempting to do that. I have not seen anything in print which helps me understand how to input that data, in excel form or even manually (which I sorely hope I will not have to do.)

Yes, I did read a few FAQs which teach how to change the 'Welcome' prompt, but before you send me a similar link, consider that some people (me) need to see and understand the whole map before working with specific tasks. Let's start with a glossary of terms which explains the function of each of the folders in the programs and how they work with other program functions. Perhaps a schematic which shows how each part of the program accesses the functions of others in order to create a final page. I need to be able to "see" how this puzzle fits together. Later I can learn to add a tweak here and see the result there. (Ex. Changing css and see change on all pages.)

Step #1 has to help me gain confidence in my ability to amend and run this program. I have had it for about a week and haven't a clue as to what to do. Now, I admit, I am not a programmer but Zen Mgt made the claim that this is an easy program to use. Well, if it is that easy, where is the primer tutorial that will help me create one page?

As a new user, I am also directed to make all kinds of changes in the program to avoid security risks. (I have read that advisory). Let me share with you that there isn't a chance in the world that I would be able to do the things listed on that advisory. It is too confusing. It isn't specific enough. But it does create a feeling of concern for me because I am not certain I will be able to manage this program if I have to be constantly tweaking it to fend off intruders.

Next, why aren't there photos available of the free templates? Certainly you do not mean to suggest that I should download each free template before I can review its appearance.

After the fact, I see that I must pay someone to create a unique template for my use. Ga-ching! That takes a little more money out of my pocket for this "free" software program which I cannot yet use. Eventually I will probably buy a great template -- but for now, a free basic (editable) one will do.

I downloaded a free template from another site. The directions to install the template stand as an example of the ambiguity I have found in most of what I have read so far. The directions read:

The best and easiest way to install templates is to use your ftp client, and drag/transfer the complete contents of the includes folder to your ZenCart install. As all of the files are structured like ZenCart and are contained in their own folders, you can determine where they belong and add them to the correct areas. If you want to rename the directory, you go right ahead. But be sure to adjust the template_info.php file accordingly.

Questions

1. What is a "ZenCart install"? Isn't that the 'install' folder I deleted after I installed the program? Of does that phrase reference to the whole program, and if so, where in the program do I transfer the contents of the includes?

2. You can determine where they belong and add them to the correct areas. Obviously not. I am not able to determine where the files belong. Why woudl the author think I would be able to do this? he had the chance to explain how and elected not to do so. Therein is the problem -- the author is not communicating effectively with his audience.

3. template_info.php file And where is this file located, and if I do not rename the directory do I still adjust the file?

My point here is to illustrate that the FAQs and other answers leave too much information out of the answer provided.

This usually occurs when highly intelligent people try to teach novices. This function is best assigned to teachers who know how to deliver educational material in an effective manner. (Tech writers?)

I really need this Zencart to work. I am not frustrated at all at this point, but I can only invest so much time and effort in getting it to work. The forum contains a lot of advanced information which I am certain to use in the future, but unless I get a grip on how to get started with this program, there isn't going to be a future for Zencart and me. Of course, if I thought that was a certain outcome I would not have written this letter.

I sense there are helpful and caring people on this forum who really want to help. Okay, I really want to learn. Let's do it...

Tks,
Jake

[jund]

Jake,
You have delivered a blistering commentary - but rest assured this is not meant to be a flaming kind of reply note - I am appalled at the rhetoric you have bestowed up this forum. Obviously you spent a lot of time to tell us all how bad a job we've done... but, never once (at least in my opinion) did you ever look inward... and realize that .PHP is a dynamic language, and .HTML is not. Today, the web is dynamic - whether it be .php., .asp, or .cfm, etc. it is a database driven world comprised of servers that manage dynamics.

You 'intuiveness' regarding index.html is part of the growth experience you must endure... home pages in dynamic worlds consist of index.php, index.asp, index.cfm and the like.

Obviously you are intelligent - otherwise you would not put your heart on your sleeve - so to say - as you did... but, to blast away at something you have not adequately researched is unfair to the ZEN-CART team. Please be compassionate as you have asked this community to be... reconsider what you have written from the viewpoint of current technology - and try to understand what has happened to the web since 1988. Go to the bookstore, the library, the web, and take a real hard and detailed look at what has happened to the world of open source - especially in regard to PHP.

Not to tout myself, but to share credentials - I started in this 'web' business in 1970 (have been in the communications industry since 1956) - I worked for a major computer company in the US and was a technology trainer (1970), specifically teaching the beginnings of the internet, "Teleprocessing Fundamentals." It has been a struggle for me to continue to grow in this "web stuff" but grow I must. You too must grow - it is painful - but fun. Resumes are not important to me anymore, but the SUCCESS of folks like you is paramount.

It is my passionate and sincere belief the ZEN-CART team has YOUR SUCCESS as the first item on their agenda. However, no one can guarantee YOUR success... all the ZEN-CART team can do is continue to support you - provided you are willing to support yourself.

Literally ten's of thousands before you have tread where you are headed... and they want to be successful just like you... however, they do not bite the hand that feeds them...

Respectfully,
jund

Post #1

I enter this forum knowing full well that I will eventually learn how to use Zencart. I infer from the opening sticky that each of you have a sincere desire to help new users. It is evident from the info displayed on the forum that people here are very knowledgeable, and yet you sense that new Zenners are having difficulties getting started.



Background: I have been on the web since '88. I have written HTML for many years. I feel quite comfortable with WS FTP and HTML build 292. I do not use css style sheets but I did read about them before deciding not to use them.

Much has happened in the way of the web since '88, considering it is less than 20 years ago... especially regarding HTML.

Zen Progress I downloaded Zencart. I noticed it promised to be easy to install. That proved to be over-stated, imo. It was easy to download, easy to FTP, but the page did not work so I eventually gave up and had my server install it for me. There was a CAP used in one of my added folders. The change to a case-sensitive reality is new to me. I will adapt.



I configured the files through CHMOD as directed, but my files do not read 777, or 644, or any of the other designation I see offered in explanations. Instead, mine simply say read, write, execute for "owner, group and other". It seems to be an oversight that the 777 designation is mentioned but the other system is not.

After configuring admin in php I attempted to load my zen page. There was another server error that needed to be corrected. That took a day. Currently I can view the page.

The next step is to try to change something. Intuitively I opened HTML editor and tried to find an HTML doc to alter. I am of course looking for an index.html page. It didn't take long to realize that it doesn't work that way. It is not yet apparent exactly how "it" works. There are many components to learn about. I think I understand that Php is a specialized HTML, that style sheets contain global controls, and somehow, all of the files work together to produce the front page. I do not understand how the page is made from a skin? Is that right? How does this happen? I do not know. Where is the tutorial? I cannot find it.

It strikes me as unusual to be offered a program for free and then be charged $44.95 for the manual. From my pov, I am not in a position to spend another $45 for a book that promises to be no less ambiguous than the FAQs page. (Consider that I just paid for more room on my server, purchased an SSL, negotiated for credit card use, etc.)

Alternatively, Zensai's might consider writing a tutorial that helps new Zenners learn how markup, save, and FTP one page. All of the basic mechanics could be included in this basic tutorial. All you want to do with this is show the new user how to change a document and post it to the web. Within this tutorial you could explain how the files interact and how each depends on the other to create the final product. (Zensai is a play on the word sensai, which is Japanese for 'teacher').

If you can do that effectively for a new user, the demonstration of your ability to help eliminate confusion will strengthen your argument to buy the manual. At the very least, publish the first chapter so users can see if it is well-written.

So that is where I am now. I would like to learn how to markup one page and post it to my site. If I can do it once, I can do it over and over again. What I read in the forum and the FAQs are specific answers to challenges that are encountered once the user gets up and running. What I do not see is Step #1 on how to get started. I have no idea which of these varied documents to change, how to change them, how to get my own photos into the document, etc.

My product supplier has given me an excel data sheet which contains fields of info, including links to thumbs and photos. He assured me that this data can be uploaded into my commerce cart. I am miles away from attempting to do that. I have not seen anything in print which helps me understand how to input that data, in excel form or even manually (which I sorely hope I will not have to do.)

Yes, I did read a few FAQs which teach how to change the 'Welcome' prompt, but before you send me a similar link, consider that some people (me) need to see and understand the whole map before working with specific tasks. Let's start with a glossary of terms which explains the function of each of the folders in the programs and how they work with other program functions. Perhaps a schematic which shows how each part of the program accesses the functions of others in order to create a final page. I need to be able to "see" how this puzzle fits together. Later I can learn to add a tweak here and see the result there. (Ex. Changing css and see change on all pages.)

Step #1 has to help me gain confidence in my ability to amend and run this program. I have had it for about a week and haven't a clue as to what to do. Now, I admit, I am not a programmer but Zen Mgt made the claim that this is an easy program to use. Well, if it is that easy, where is the primer tutorial that will help me create one page?

As a new user, I am also directed to make all kinds of changes in the program to avoid security risks. (I have read that advisory). Let me share with you that there isn't a chance in the world that I would be able to do the things listed on that advisory. It is too confusing. It isn't specific enough. But it does create a feeling of concern for me because I am not certain I will be able to manage this program if I have to be constantly tweaking it to fend off intruders.

Next, why aren't there photos available of the free templates? Certainly you do not mean to suggest that I should download each free template before I can review its appearance.

After the fact, I see that I must pay someone to create a unique template for my use. Ga-ching! That takes a little more money out of my pocket for this "free" software program which I cannot yet use. Eventually I will probably buy a great template -- but for now, a free basic (editable) one will do.

I downloaded a free template from another site. The directions to install the template stand as an example of the ambiguity I have found in most of what I have read so far. The directions read:



Questions

1. What is a "ZenCart install"? Isn't that the 'install' folder I deleted after I installed the program? Of does that phrase reference to the whole program, and if so, where in the program do I transfer the contents of the includes?

2. You can determine where they belong and add them to the correct areas. Obviously not. I am not able to determine where the files belong. Why woudl the author think I would be able to do this? he had the chance to explain how and elected not to do so. Therein is the problem -- the author is not communicating effectively with his audience.

3. template_info.php file And where is this file located, and if I do not rename the directory do I still adjust the file?

My point here is to illustrate that the FAQs and other answers leave too much information out of the answer provided.

This usually occurs when highly intelligent people try to teach novices. This function is best assigned to teachers who know how to deliver educational material in an effective manner. (Tech writers?)

I really need this Zencart to work. I am not frustrated at all at this point, but I can only invest so much time and effort in getting it to work. The forum contains a lot of advanced information which I am certain to use in the future, but unless I get a grip on how to get started with this program, there isn't going to be a future for Zencart and me. Of course, if I thought that was a certain outcome I would not have written this letter.

I sense there are helpful and caring people on this forum who really want to help. Okay, I really want to learn. Let's do it...

Tks,
Jake

[TShooters]

Jake,

You can get the program flow chart from the downloads section here:

http://www.zen-cart.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=378

This thread was started to get all the common newbie first questions in one place in
the FAQs/Tutorials here:

https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/i...hp?category=16

If you can't get the e-start book right now, then some reading in the FAQs/Tuts section, the wiki, and the forum will get you the answers. They are there.

The greatest majority of us have been where you are, and Oh! If we could only
just snap our fingers and it would magically happen.
The learning curve you'll go thru will be well worth it!

[TShooters]

And, Oh Yeah! You can see the majority of the contributed templates in action
here ( Thanks to kuroi ):

http://(sorry, site offline)/

[Jake]

Thank you for the responses. TShooters I will look at the links and read the material. Thank you in advance. I am certain the info will move me forward.

Now to Zund:

Currently:

My 16 yr. old daughter has informed me that she will help me learn the program. ("It's just like Xanga Dad! Don't worry...after a while it will be easy.") Good grief!

I was able to apply the security changes. As it turned out, it wasn't as difficult as I represented. I started at one of the FAQS and just followed the directions without knowing what I was doing. I setup a folder on my computer to save files extracted from my FTP. Then I would open them in my HTML editor, alter them, then reload them, then save them to a backup folder. After I did this to three pages, I discovered I could edit the pages in my admin program online. WOW. Very cool. (I am still backing up changed pages as directed.) I was able to write the privacy policy, conditions and terms, and a few other pages.

So, I think the admin function is a portal to all the files. I do not have to export them to HTML editor then reload them through FTP. Ok, I get it. So many files -- I wonder what they all do?

I tried to paste some text into the admin HTML editor and found that Firefox has a security limitation. I tried (unsuccessfuly) to fix that by creating a java script as directed by Mozilla. After a couple of attempts I sent a tech req. to my server for help. I moved onto something else.

I still can't figure out where the front page is so I can edit it. I will find it eventually.

Bottom line: I am having fun and making progress.

Old business:

Zund, I submitted my first post because the opening thread topic asked for feedback from new users. I was candid. I knew that I would one day look at "Post #1" and chuckle at how little I knew -- but my intention was to give you a passionate viewpoint of how I felt as a new user. Granted, there is learning curve and my viewpoint will change as I learn. Please consider that one day, after I am up and running, I will be able to relate to new users, and even reference that letter as a testament of my own initial frustrations.

Look, I am just asking for a link to an overview for new users. Something like "Welcome, read this first." In that doc someone could give a basic outline of what the learning curve is. It would have been nice to know that you can edit the pages from the admin page, for instance. That may seem like a simple thing that I should have already known, but in truth, I believe some new users do not know things like that.

Obviously you spent a lot of time to tell us all how bad a job we've done... but, never once (at least in my opinion) did you ever look inward... and realize that .PHP is a dynamic language, and .HTML is not. Today, the web is dynamic - whether it be .php., .asp, or .cfm, etc. it is a database driven world comprised of servers that manage dynamics.

I certainly do not want anyone to ever be appalled at what I write. Let me be quick to apologize for the impression my writing made with you. It was only my intent to be open and forthright about my thinking as a new user (which I understood to be the topic of this thread).

Let me clarify -- it was not my intent to give you a bad report. The program is marvelous. It is simply overwhelming. I could just as easily have written a letter which delivered mountains of praise for the accomplishments of the Zen team. That report however is not germane to my needs, nor to the thread.

And I did look inward -- I made a comment that I realized HTML was not the driving force. I am glad to hear about .asp and .cfm (I have no idea what they are, but I will learn...) -- but I can assure you that as a businessman, I am unschooled about the database driven world.

Zund, believe me when I say that I in awe about what is going on here. TShooters is on the mark when he says:

The greatest majority of us have been where you are, and Oh! If we could only
just snap our fingers and it would magically happen.
The learning curve you'll go thru will be well worth it!

Believe me, I look forward to learning. But how many of you could write an passionate letter about what your first impressions were like? Ah! We lose that perspective as we gain knowledge don't we? I was willing to let it all hang out, knowing that I would have to do some immediate back tracking, for the good of the cause. That was post #1. I am on #2 now -- look out world! Here I come!

but, to blast away at something you have not adequately researched is unfair to the ZEN-CART team.

I was giving you fair and honest feedback based on my present understanding of the program. New users do not conduct thorough research. New users get frustrated. Confusion leads to frustration, which leads to anger, which leads to lost customers. (The Zen team said the program was easy. They did not say it was it was easy if you do thorough research, learn .cfm, .asp. .php and gain an understanding of the insights of the dynamic world of databases. I'm not winning friends and influencing people with that statement, but I feel a need to defend the ignorance of new users against your perspective on this one point.)

I agree with you though, the eCommerce offering of the internet is going to explode in the near future. People from every walk of life are going to want to have an eCommerce solution. Programming is a science, but making that program user friendly is an artform. Consumers take the path of least resistance. I want to diffuse any alarm you may have over my comments and instead, prompt you to consider my suggestions -- although, I will quickly admit I currently lack the skill base to make practical suggestions -- but on the other hand, the thrust of my message stated that I would benefit from a primer introduction to the world of Zen. That suggestion stands. Please do not infer from my proposal that I am not in awe of the program or what it is apparently capable of doing.

the SUCCESS of folks like you is paramount.

I understand and appreciate your commitment. I am a tough customer but I am also a loyal ally. I'm not here to give anyone a hard time. I have 400 products that you will want to buy -- that is where my focus is -- helping others enjoy the benefits I provide through my business. We understand each other on this point. We are of the same temperament. You were wounded by my comments, and that detracts from focusing on my suggestions. That is my fault. I apologize.

they do not bite the hand that feeds them...

People who work hard often feel unappreciated -- and for good reason. Demands are high, the pace is quick, and the time for thanks seems to be the first item cut from a busy agenda.

I thank you and the team for the opportunity to further my business interests. I remain hopeful that my aforementioned suggestions and perceptions might be considered in future educational projects if they are deemed to be beneficial to a significant number of new users.

Respectfully submitted,
Jake

[BigFanny]

I'm pretty amazed that you guys have been working on the web since '88 and even earlier. You could have saved Tim Berners-Lee a lot of time when he invented it in the early '90s.

[jund]

I'm pretty amazed that you guys have been working on the web since '88 and even earlier. You could have saved Tim Berners-Lee a lot of time when he invented it in the early '90s.

Great comment - please first read the quote below,

"A graduate of Oxford University, England, Tim Berners-Lee holds the 3Com Founders chair and is a Senior Research Scientist at the Laboratory for Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (CSAIL) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He is co-Director of the new Web Science Research Initiative (WSRI) and is a Chair in the Computer Science Department at the University of Southampton, UK. He directs the World Wide Web Consortium, founded in 1994
In 1989 he invented the World Wide Web, an internet-based hypermedia initiative for global information sharing while at CERN, the European Particle Physics Laboratory. He wrote the first web client and server in 1990. His specifications of URIs, HTTP and HTML were refined as Web technology spread."

Of course Tim Berners-Lee invented the interent... no question. But, what many do not know is the original communication struggles that occurred (in an already mismanaged communications infrastructure) and it had to be flattened so that Tim could go forward with his concept. Tim's undaunted leadership is THE reason that YOU and I are able to succeed and grow.

My sincere thanks for pointing that out.

The other thing Tim has done - which is a mjor lesson to us all, is that he kept learning and growing - not for himself, but for the betterment of this unwieldly ship of fools - the Internet - he put it all together in a great consortium - the W3C... and believe me, there are many great ANSWERS there to our questions.

Again, BigFanny - thank you.
jund