For anyone looking to use a CMS (Content Managment System) to build their first site, Drupal could save your life?

I know it would mine, so I thought I’d lay it out for you -

What you need to set-up Drupal:

A Linux based Server
One MySQL Database

Get some Hosting Here (if you don’t have a good host already).

A tiny bit about Drupal - it’s a clean, powerful, Content Managment System a bit like Wordpress is. Well in fact, Drupal differs from Wordpress and the likes of PHP-Nuke because they are built around core functions where as Drupal is built on a modular. It’s very light on features and would actually suit a blogger or a news site. (Commonly used for news sites more than blogs)

You can add a host of features should you wish, it could quite easily run an eCommerce Store or Corporate Site.

Step One:
File Download -

Drupals installation is suprisingly easy, start by downloading Drupal to your machine. You will end up with a Gunzipped Tarball file. Windows will not handle the unzipping of this file so you will need a program like WinZip or 7Zip which will handle this for you.

With ethier WinZip or 7Zip right click on extract and rename the folder to “Drupal” - we now need to set-up a database with your host.

Step Two
Database Set-up -

I have a Reseller Account with HostGator so I will be using one of my domains for this guide along with a spare MySQL database (you get loads to use with a reseller account). Access you hosts admin panel and follow the guidelines supplied by most good hosts to add a database.

With the database ready, make sure to make a note of your Database name, Username, Password as we need this later.

Step Three
Upload Drupal Files -

Connect to your webspace via FTP, I use FireFTP Once connected drag and drop the Drupal folder with all files to the html folder provided on your webspace.

Step Four
Install Drupal -

Now you’ve uploaded Drupal to your webspace you’re ready to install and configure it. ON your web browser type in your web address followed by the install location like this - http://www.yourwebsite.com/drupal/install.php - now just follow the on screen set up wizard that will take you through the installation.

Drupal will ask you to add you database name, username, password. You kept this from before right? - then the rest has been made so easy just follow the on screen instructions and you should have a faultless Drupal install. I liked the fact you get to choose SEO friendly URLS in the set-up so you’re ready for Search Engine Optimisation, save manually doing this later using a mod_rewrite and your .htacess file.

That should be it all done. You can now customise Drupal as much as you want, you could get a custom design (skin) and start using it to build news Articles on a niche you might be working on. There are some themes that come ready to use within the Drupal install but nothing will actually beat a custom Bespoke design if you’re going to take your new business/website seriously.

I have to say I love the clean looks and with the power and customisation of Drupal you cannot go wrong with Open Source CMS like this.

Great Drupal Run sites -

The Onion
SpreadFireFox

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