In the Beginning there was B2/cafelog, an open source publishing platform developed by Michel Valdrighi. B2/cafelog offered the user an easier way to update their website.
Prior to B2/cafelog, to update their web page, the independent publisher would have to update the text and images code of his web page, his site map, and then cross his fingers. Because he knew an error in one line of code could fuck up the whole site. If there was an error in the line of code, then the publisher looked forward to a night of empty Jolt cans and sexual frustration.
b2/cafelog changed all that and created a division between code and content. B2/cafelog uses MySQL databases to store the content, while the code is kept secure in the b2/cafelog program. Ipso facto, it became easier to change the content on websites.
Because of it’s ease of use, b2/cafelog became quite popular with procrastinating webslingers and powered at least 2000 sites before the creation of Wordpress. Wordpress took off where B2/cafelog left off and, today, Wordpress is the most popular internet publishing platform of independent publishers.
Are you Powered by Wordpress?
The keystone of Wordpress’ popularity is the ease of use and community behind it. Wordpress has a tight knit community where a central open force of their publishing platform is used by many people to make a living or for a hobby. You could call it a communist structure but it is more of a socialist force.
Wordpress, like Google, seeks to become the application of the internet and for the world. Once their market share is large enough, they get to cash in on the marketing dollar.
Are you Powered by b2evolution
Into, b2evolution. While Michel Valdrighi helped shape and form Wordpress, he has deviated his devotion back to basic with the release of the updated free software project “b2evolution”. Now Wordpress has competition and competition is crucial. I don’t think there is any bad blood between the two platforms and there shouldn’t be. The freedom of option will secure the future of all open source projects.
Wordpress VS b2evoloution
The choice is a personal one. While there are many who may advocate one over the other, we use both. Here on American NonFiction, we use Wordpress and have never had a complaint with the product. In fact, any problems we have had are no more than a Google search away. And if Google doesn’t have the answer, then we have struck “Keyword gold”.
In our example, web page Screaming Binary, we use b2evolution to see what the program is all about. I can tell you, there are a couple of bells and whistle I enjoy far more in b2evolution. But take a look around for yourself. Compare both Wordpress and b2evoluton’s web pages, take them for a spin on Google. See what you think. In our guide, I will cover both applications to discover the universal truths and falsehoods.
Install the Platform
The simple part of this equation is the implementation of the core programs. Both Wordpress and b2evoloution have sprung from the same source of b2cafe, they both come with easy to install programs with simple instructions. I don’t have to delve into a big explanation of how to install the program you choose as they do the job far better than I. However, I will go over a couple programs and terms you will want to know as you start the process.
Get Member Information From Host
The first thing you will need to have on hand is the “New Account Information” e-mail from your Domain Host. Don’t have a Domain Host? Check out the last Scream Binary and meet back here.
The “New Account Information” e-mail should contain the information you need to log in and update your site. The e-mail may have a slightly different subject line than “New Account Information”, but should convey the same message like “Hey Domain information in here”.
If you are following along with us, then the 2 days, it takes for your domain name to make the switch, is in our past and your host has control over your domain. If you’re a rapid fire, post reading, Johnny come lately, as the majority of people who find this post, you have a two day wait for your domain. Which sucks because there is no one you can bribe.
From the “New Account Information” e-mail, the information you want to have on hand is the FTP server of your site, which is most likely your domain name, the user name, and password to log in. Write these down or keep the e-mail open on your screen.
What is FTP, or File Transfer Protocol?
The next thing you will need, and need to know about, is a FTP client or File Transfer Protocol. FTP marks the Internets perception of super nerdiness intelligence, when simple logic dictates the meaning. It might even mark the declination of text chatter as well.
FTP sounds impressive, while file transfer protocol sounds pretty basic. An FTP client is then a program that takes a file from one place and places it somewhere else. If E-mail is like the United States Postal Service, then FTP programs are bike messengers, but like bike Messengers on crack who could carry the state of Washington on their shoulders.
There are many free FTP clients on the web for any O.S. (Operating System, see what we were talking about with the declination. Now you know why it was, so important that the country knew who shot J.R… Wait who is J.R.?). Check out Google and Download.com to view your options. There are a number of free programs and, while we have stretched our coverage of FTP’s to over 2 paragraphs, its not worth the hype. They are crucial programs but simple as the day is born.
MySQL Electric Boogaloo.
When we looked for a host, one of the great boons was their ability to host Wordpress. Most free software projects, like Wordpress or b2evolution, rely on the host’s ability to create MySQL databases. MySQL databases (pronounced “My Sequel”) are management systems that store raw data to be used by free software projects.
Basically, you write a post through your WordPress application and that post is stored on your MySQL database, not in Wordpress. Think of MySQL as the soul of your site and whichever free software project you choose as the face. The division of face and soul gives you the ability to change both while it limits the risk of ruin to your whole site.
MySQL Database
Before you download a free software project, you will want to create a MySQL database, which is quite easy to do from your site’s control panel.
Type “www.YourDomainName.com/cpanel” into the address bar of your browser. Log into the Cpanel with your user name and password. Look for the MySQL databases.
Where you find the MySQL databases, you will find an option for creation of a Database. On my host, the option is titled “MySQL Database Wizard”.
Because the internet was founded by Fantasy loving, Ren-fair junkies, you will find most creation programs are dubbed “Wizards” as they take all the work out of creation process like magic. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing or not an apt title, but it’s damn lame. Can we really expect more? The depressing reality is what is.
You can name your database anything you want. I was going to name American NonFiction’s database “The Incredible Pool of National Unknowing” but opted for the acronym “IPONU”.
In the next step, you will want to create a user for the database. The user name could be anything you want. On the IPONU database, I created PDON to be admin with a school yard humored password to match. Remember when you are finished, keep a note of your database name, user name, and password. Then check to make sure the Wizard didn’t alter your name, as IPONU became “american_IPONU” in the creation process.
There you have it. Armed with a FTP client, the E-mail with your member information from your Domain Host, and a newly created MySQL database with the information you need to log into it, you are ready to install the free software program of your choice. Not matter if you choose Wordpress or b2evolution, you are well on your way to becoming a blogging super star.
Homework for next time:
Edit 5 of your 10 post
write 5 more
don’t post anything!
Bonus Binary
Politics of Words, learn grammar.
Css Intro, learn Code
WHAT TO DO NOW?