Dizkus

Hi,

I've been working long and hard on my website, Korsil.net, but one trouble I'm currently having is figuring out how to upgrade/configure the different blocks and such. I think this is the right forum, sorry if I'm being dumb.. didn't see anything that sounded closer.

A few things that I've been looking for.. I don't know PHP at all really yet, so I don't know what to look for, a lot of the descriptions of modules/blocks are really wordy and I havent' been able to figure out usually what is what. I'm going to say this in my terms.. again I apologize for it sounding a bit weird, but I'm admittedly a newbie.

-Some sort of "Webcomic of the day" spotlight would be really nice... basically something that autolinked to a set or randomized review on the site.

-Some way to link the message boards (phpBB) to the rest of the PHP in the site.

-Some sort of module/block/something that'd be good for personal profiles.


Umm.. to be quite honest, if anyone is in the Rhode Island- URI Kingston area and could contact me about figuring some things out in greater detail, I'd immensely appreciate it. I can't really afford to start paying out for help, especially when I'm running a nonprofit (no, I'm not even doing ads) site.. but maybe something. I don't know really... but there's a few things I don't even really know how to explain, and probably couldn't manage with a walkthrough even. I tried removing the top-right ad space, which was marked in the PHP code... and it screwed up the entire thing somehow. *shrugs* so I don't really trust myself messing with the code. But things like making that top-right banner link to something instead, and putting in something that'd answer my questions above too... I can't do it alone.

Thanks if possible...

--
"If life gives you lemons, shut up and eat your lemons."

Firstly, try reading this:
Modules
Modules are the things that add functionality to your site. It is PostNukes modular structure that is its strength. The PostNuke distribution comes with a number of core modules; these are developed by the PostNuke development team and provide the core functionality of a PostNuke site. The opening screen of a newly installed PostNuke site shows the News module. In the Main Menu on the left, you can see the other modules available  these include weblinks, downloads and a number of others. Modules are kept in the modules folder of your PostNuke distribution. For a description and instructions on using each of the core modules, see the Core Modules chapter, later in the manual.

The functionality of a PostNuke site can be easily extended using third party modules. These can be anything from picture galleries to forums. The PostNuke core functionality is designed to be as light as possible, to make it easy for each individual Webmaster to install only the functionality he/she requires. There are third party modules for almost everything, and it is not hard to find what you require. A good place to start is at http://mods.postnuke.com where many third party module developers post announcements on new module developments.
Different Types of Modules
There are three different types of modules; these are content, system and utility modules. Each has a different purpose, and examples of all can be found in a core PostNuke distribution.
Content Modules
The majority of modules are content modules. These modules involve the addition of content to your site in some way. Examples of content modules are the news module, the downloads module and the weblinks module.
Utility Modules
Utility modules perform an action on your site, or add functionality. The comments module is a utility module, as it attaches onto other modules to provide comments functionality. On its own, the comments module does nothing, therefore you cannot link to it from the main menu. Other examples of utility modules are the bb_code module, and the autolinks module.
System Modules
An example of a system module is the pnAnticracker. A system module provides extended functionality to a site, but not content. Xanthia and pnRender are both system modules, and in this case provide resources for developers, as well as more advanced configurations for webmasters. Xanthia is needed for Xanthia based themes, and pnRender for templated modules (this includes all the core modules in PostNuke .8).
Blocks
Blocks are the menus, polls and messages round the edge of the main content when you first view your site. There are many different blocks, and most modules have their own blocks provided in their distributions. There are three default block areas on most themes, left blocks, which show all the time, and right blocks and centre blocks, which only show, on the homepage. Certain themes may have different blocks positions through the Xanthia theme engine provided in the distribution.

To administer blocks, and see the different types available to you, click the administration link in the main menu and then choose blocks. There are many different types of blocks, and each has a different use. As you install third party modules, more blocks will appear in this menu for you to use, if you wish.
Themes
Finally, themes provide the look and feel of your site. If you would like the colour of your site to change, then all you must do is change the theme. Themes are kept in the themes folder of the PostNuke distribution.

A number of core themes are packaged with PostNuke, but if these are not what you are looking for there are literally hundreds of themes available from the http://themes.postnuke.com site. Theme developers are regularly posting their new designs. To install a new theme, upload the folder to your themes directory, and change the theme in the settings area of the administration panel.

Most problems with themes can be fixed by reverting to a default theme. A tool is provided to help with this and other problems, which can result in webmasters being locked out of their sites. The PostNuke Swiss Army Knife, which can be downloaded from http://downloads.postnuke.com can be used for this.

The Xanthia module, which is distributed with PostNuke .8, allows for increased customisation of themes. For more information on the Xanthia module, please read the Xanthia section, later in the manual.


Secondly, try searching http://mods.postnuke.com for the modules you require. PNphpBB would be a good module to search for in relation to the forums

--
Regards,
Simon

itbegins.co.uk - Zikula Consulting

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