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In the past, in order to make a website, you had to manually assemble all the files and develop a fair amount of technical expertise; however, an open source content management system (CMS) like Drupal can automate and significantly simplify many parts of the process. This book contains an easy-to-understand introduction to related concepts and a series of step-by-step examples that can help you learn how to use Drupal to create and maintain a website. The coverage also includes using a "quick-install" Web hosting account, which can greatly reduce the complexity of installing Drupal. You'll find that this book is written with beginners in mind; no prior expertise is required, except some familiarity with how to browse the Internet and use a PC. By the end of the book, you'll have a working knowledge of content management systems, installing and building a site in Drupal, and various Web promotion tactics that can help you share your new site with the world.
List of contents
Introduction. 1. Why CMS? 2. Learning about Content Management Systems - Starting with Google Sites. 3. Exploring CMS: Showcase Sites, Live Demos, and Other Resources. 4. CMS Concepts - Visual Tour of a CMS-Based Site. 5. Getting Started - One-Click Installation. 6. Easy Security - Taming the Monster. 7. Configuration. 8. Easy Content - Google Ajax Wizards. 9. Easy Information - Google Analytics. 10. Easy Administration - Ongoing Management. 11. Easy Expansion - Adding Content and Menus. 12. Modules to Simplify Content Creation. 13. Exploring Themes and Modules. 14. Promoting Your Site on Social Networks. 15. Promoting Your Drupal Site with Social Advertising. 16. Integrating Ecommerce: Google Checkout and Other Options. Index.
About the author
Todd Kelsey, Ph.D., is a Chicago-based tech professional, author, and educator. He has appeared on television as a featured expert and has authored books on topics such as social networking, Facebook advertising, and Google AdWords. He has taught at Chicago area institutions including National Louis University, Westwood College, College of DuPage, and Wheaton College, and he has worked at companies such as McDonald's Corporation and United Airlines, in addition to nonprofit organizations such as La Leche League and the Cradle Foundation. He is the author of Drupal 7 Primer and Getting Started with WordPress. Recently he gave a TEDx presentation on ideas for a stock exchange for non-profit organizations, which can be viewed at tinyurl.com/npoexvid. Learn more about Todd and his current projects at www.toddkelsey.com.
Summary
A practical guide that gives readers an introduction to creating traditional websites, and shows readers how CMS systems make it easier. It covers free CMS tools, the pros and cons of free versus open sources, and topics related to Drupal 7 such as 'one-click' installation and updating Drupal for security.
