Remind me what are they again??

Mambo and Joomla are both CMS systems, or Content Management systems. Basically they are complete customisable Websites. The owner/users can log on and edit, create content, pages, sections, polls, images etc. They can be set with different levels of access, users can register and then edit (Author level) content, owners can be Administrator or super Administrator. Once you have users it is easy to create content for only a certain level of Users or everyone and items such as mailing lists.

Aren’t they just for complex User based websites?

Not at all. Yes they have user registration, newsletter systems etc built in. But many people turn off the advanced functions, make it look pretty and use it as a basic website. Then you can log on and change the content at will and for free. No need to run to your web designer company when you need to pout some new news on or a new product, or even a happy Christmas message. On our websites we have a Christmas and new year’s message that appears at the right time and disappears after atomically.

Can I set it up myself? How much do I need to know to do it and what’s the cost?

Mambo, Joomla and most CMS systems are free open source software. If you have access to website hosting and a little knowledge then you can install use a CMS system. There are many others as well, Phpnuke etc.

OK I’ll do that so why do I need you then?

To make it safe something’s need to be done properly. Permissions for files and folders, to customise the design and templates a little more knowledge is needed. Many people are capable of installing and setting up. But for more advanced changes, add-ons and the security side becomes more complex and risky. Also for some CMS's systems you may need knowledge of Mysql. Some sites can be installed via Fantastico available on many hosting companies control panel but most will often need to have the database set up.

How is it risky?

Hackers in a simple word. They love to exploit insecure sites and CMS systems are easy for them if they are not secured correctly. Once they have access they won’t damage your site, in fact you may not even know you have been hacked. But they can then use your site for illegal activities like creating sites for Phishing and illegal downloads.

If I don’t notice it they why should I bother?

Because sooner or later (and often sooner) someone will notice. For example the bank that is being spoofed will, then they will contact your hosting company and you site will be taken offline. Sometimes it will be deleted and you account closed if you are not capable of securing it. In some cases it will be standards hackers and they will deface your site. If you do not have a proper backup system and knowledge of restoring to internet servers then you may lose your site.

OK so how is Mambo Different from Joomla?

Mambo was created many years ago. In 2005 the development team split into 2 and Joomla was born. Whilst today Joomla is probably more popular, easier for the novice to use, has more add-ons Mambo is still very popular. Many sites are running versions of Mambo for many years very successfully. Often it is personal choice which you prefer. Certainly mambo has developed at a slower pace recently however many security issues and bugs arise with newer versions. For this reason many users have the stable version of Mambo or the version 1.x of Joomla and prefer to wait some time before moving up the path chain.

What do you use?

We first used Mambo around 6 years ago. When we set up the Chicsystems.com site we used Joomla 1.1. We upgraded to the 1.5 path to see how that went and how easy it was. We like both. We are registered tfor news of security and big fixes and atomically update our clients as we have checked new releases.

How important is updating?

Very important. Sometimes a major change may occur. Generally it is assumed that you have kept up to date. We had a client who did not. When they wanted to update they were so far out of date patching became a serious and expensive issue. Also the security issue is vital. No matter how much testing you do there is always a weakness that will be found out. The CRM world is very good at responding to these problems and proving repairs and fixes. Also server systems also update and this can cause problems. We recently had such a problem that stopped some CRM systems working. IF you don’t update then you are at risk. The internet world always moves forward and if you do not update then sooner or later you will have problems.

How much do they cost?

Nothing! They are released as free open source software. You can download them form the respective websites, and many hosting services have auto install features via Fantastico etc.

I have hosting, I can install it what do I need to know?

You will need to know about FTP, Files and folders, Some Mysql as often you will need to create the database first. File permissions on your Server, CHMOD etc. This is crucial that the file permissions are set correct. Otherwise you will be liable to hacking and site loss. Some knowledge of Uploading, file management and perhaps PHP/HTML to use add ons and templates.

I take it you wrote this so you can get some money for doing this for me?

Yes and no. Yes we can do it, we charge and it will be set up properly and secured. Some items should be deleted and changed to harden the installation and we will do this. And No we don’t want money, we are happy to support the innovation of Open source software and help you to make the correct decision and therefore add to the wealth of sites and information available on the Internet.

OK. If I’m gonna do it myself then some free advice please?

Read the paragraph above about what you need to know. Any areas you feel weak on then do some reading on the internet first. Google say MYSQL, or FTP and read up on it. Check with Wikipedia there’s loads of info on there. Check the Mambo/Joomla websites, read the Documentation and forums. If you run into trouble then there are a lot of experts who will help for free.

When you feel ready download the version you want. Read the included setup and installation notes. Then have a go. But install to a sub folder and have a play first. When you are happy that all is well and you can manage and maintain it then do the real “live” install.

Can you help if I get stuck?

We support our clients of course. IF you have a problem with your own installation or site we cannot support for free. Try the mambo/Joomla forums for free help. If we have installed it then we support within your contract for free and we will maintain and update as part of our service to you. We can help your own site but there will be a fee for this, let us know the problem and we can provide some prices and advice.