FAQ

• What is Joomla?

  Joomla is one of the most popular content management systems. It has a huge community, so there are endless free (and some pay) modules and components that extend Joomla's functionality. Joomla can do pretty much anything, and with its admin interface, even beginner computer users can edit the site. For more information, visit joomla.org

• What is a content management system (CMS)?

  Content management systems control content on a web server. Most are driven by a database, and all of the site data is stored in this database. This means that CMS's automatically generate pages based on data, instead of creating separate html files on the server. This is very powerful because it separates content from display--I can develop and template that will completely change the look of your site without ever touching the content. This leaves sites open to expansion and makes them very flexible. But the main advantage of content management systems is their administrator interface. Most allow complete beginners to add, edit, and delete pages through their browser, without ever touching the server.

• What content management systems do you convert to?

  Any. While I only have experience with Joomla (or Mambo), Exponent, osCommerce, phpBB, and Sitellite, most CMS have very similar approaches, so I'm certainly willing to try learning a new one. Just click on the link to the right of the form, or include it in your message and I'll let you know!

• How long will it take?

  I try to finish every job within a week, sometimes sooner. If you don't respond quickly to my emails, or I'm very busy, it might take a little longer, but I'll keep you informed.

• What if I'm not satisfied?

  You don't pay. But first let me try to make it better. If you don't like something, speak up and we'll improve on it.

• What are the accepted methods of payment?

  I accept Paypal (which will allow you to pay with a credit card, or from your bank) and checks. I'm based in the US, but Paypal will automatically exchange currencies if you are from another country.

• Is there a retainer?
  What if I need help after the project is over?

  There is no retainer. If you ever need help or want to ask a question, feel free to contact me. I answer most questions and make small changes for free. If it takes more than a half hour, I might bill you at my hourly rate of $50, but I will always tell you beforehand. You'll never get an unexpected invoice.

• What requirements does my hosting service need?

  PHP and MySQL. You can view complete system requirements here.

• Do you do graphic design?

  Yes. I do anything from banners and logos to complete site designs.

• Do you do xhtml coding?

  Yes. I create standards compliant, valid xHTML and CSS code. This code looks great in all browsers, is accessible, and is optimized for search engines. If you just want the code and not a Joomla template, <%= link_to "contact me.", :action => 'contact'%>

• Do you do custom Joomla coding (module development)?

  Yes. Some times I'll need to create a new module in order to create your site correctly. In this case, I'll let you know and include it in the quote.

• How do I use Joomla?

  Read all of the documentation at joomla.org, or ask in the Joomla forum. I'll give you basic instructions about how to get started and edit content on your site.