Newbie Guide to Zencart?

Hello,

I know there are a lot of threads with this but I feel they are all spread out so it's hard to focus on what is needed first.

I basically want a list of steps for a zencart installation (apart from the actual installation) that everyone should do (with links on how to).

For example, after installing zencart on the server:

• how to keep it safe from being hacked
  -how to add products etc.
• what to delete upon installation

Not in that order, but what you think is necessary. I'm sure the pros will find this easy. Thanks in advance.

Tutorials/FAQ link, at the top of every page in the forum.

Rob

I have seen that but was thinking it would be better for the pros to point out which ones are most important and/or should be done first?

I agree. I have more than once thought aboout writing exactly such a guide. But it's not a trivial task and I haven't had the time to do it.

When I got started in ZC it was a pain figuring out how things were done. This forum was the best part of the whole process. Set aside some hours for reading and following leads throughout the forum. Read the Tuts/FAQ, explore the Free Add Ons, track down the free templates, ... .

Rob

Yea, I have been looking, hopefully it will be easier as the days go past. I just want to find a way to combine wordpress and phpbb (which can be done with wp-united) and zencart but I'm not sure that will be possible. If anyone has any suggestions please post.

> combine wordpress and phpbb (which can be done with wp-united) and zencart
There is zencart wordpress mod...
Free Software Addons....link top left of this page

Back to the Newbie guide - someone wrote a pretty good basic guide, but I can't find the thread. I'll keep looking. There is also, of course, The Book.

I also enjoy finding and figuring stuff out myself.

misty:

There is zencart wordpress mod...
Free Software Addons....link top left of this page

I am just wondering, I wonder if this will work with wp-united.

stevesh:

Back to the Newbie guide - someone wrote a pretty good basic guide, but I can't find the thread. I'll keep looking. There is also, of course, The Book.

I also enjoy finding and figuring stuff out myself.

Thannk you. I think after installation I was told the next step would be to rewrite admin login. So something like that, as in, what should I do after installing?

misty:

There is zencart wordpress mod...
Free Software Addons....link top left of this page

That shows wordpress on zencart, I'd want the opposite (zen on wordpress) as my wordpress blog has been designed and I want my zencart installation to fit on that.

zen on wordpress

Not a good idea - too many security concerns.

The only thing is I have my wordpress designed really well so it would be nice to fit my zen cart onto there, and keep my wordpress sidebar but add a shopping cart to it.

site:

Thannk you. I think after installation I was told the next step would be to rewrite admin login. So something like that, as in, what should I do after installing?

"rewrite admin login"? I don't think so.

"That shows wordpress on zencart, I'd want the opposite (zen on wordpress) as my wordpress blog has been designed and I want my zencart installation to fit on that. "

That is not going to happen. You can style your Zen Cart template to match your Wordpress template.

"rewrite admin login"

Maybe you are thinking of the "rename the admin folder" recommendation for security.

afo:

"rewrite admin login"? I don't think so.

What I meant is, instead of logging in from e.g. admin/login, change login to something random.

site:

What I meant is, instead of logging in from e.g. admin/login, change login to something random.

Yes, you should change the admin ID and password. As Glenn pointed out, you should also rename your admin folder. Don't forget to delete the zc_install folder as well.

afo:

Yes, you should change the admin ID and password. As Glenn pointed out, you should also rename your admin folder. Don't forget to delete the zc install folder as well.

These two points are exactly the kind of points that I'm looking for to be posted here. : )

Have you read any of the information in your Docs directory?

Kim:

Have you read any of the information in your Docs directory?

All I did eas a direct install from my account as the server has it, I didn't know there were any files in the doc directory. : $

That's why it is recommended to install Zen Cart manually; you have more chance to see important information and options that auto installers gloss over or don't offer.

The ZC installer walks you through every step, so it's not like you need more web savvy to install it yourself.