Hider by Dioscouri

Sunday, 23 August 2009 11:15

It comes up ALL THE TIME in the Joomla! forums. Site owners want to present different content to visitors based on user groups and/or Logged-In status.

We used to do it with "Moshide" plugin, but that isn't really supported anymore.

Many thanks to Dioscouri for replacing it with their clever and easy to use "HIDER" plugin for Joomla 1.5.

You will be required to register on the site prior to downloading, but once you have it installed, it could NOT be easier to use.

Here's a summary of the instructions for use:

• { reg}This text only displays to logged-in users{/reg}
• { pub}This text only displays to visitors who are NOT logged-in{/pub}
• { author}Authors only{/author}
• { editor}Editors only{/editor}
• { publisher}Publishers only{/publisher}
• { manager}Managers only{/manager}
• { admin}Administrators only{/admin}
• { super}Super Administrators only{/super}

(Be sure to remove the SPACE between the opening curly brace "{" and the first word. Had to put that in the disable the plugin.

ENJOY!, and thanks again, Dioscouri!

Fabrik Not Just a Forms Extension

Thursday, 16 July 2009 00:00

For quite some time, I built extensions reluctantly, if at all. People didn't like the idea of writing a blank check for my time to fuss with databases and php interfaces. Unfortunately, that's really pretty much the only way you can afford to do them, because you never quite know what you'll run into.

What makes it even worse is that the target almost never stands still. Each time you have a review meeting, some function appears on the radar that becomes a "must do". Forget the fact that neither I nor the customer ever thought about it when discussing the project or estimating its cost.

Well, happily, those days are over for me, because I have now discovered Fabrik - "The Joomla! Application Builder". I am soooo impressed with this extension, and my clients love it too.

I recommend anyone strugging with a small application download the free version and play with it. I'll wager you will subscribe, just to get the additional field types and forms that are for subscribers only.

ArtCats

Tuesday, 14 July 2009 00:00

How many times would it have been useful to you to have an "automatic menu"?

ArtCats is that and more...

See it here in the left column labeled "Favorite Extensions".

Thank You, Omar, a great extension.

JoomlaPack

Monday, 13 July 2009 00:00

I am often asked what extensions I install "from the start" of a new Joomla! project, and what people are really asking is, "What extensions should I install to make my site great?"

I use Joomla's core features and functions wherever possible before reaching for an extension. This is now more practical than ever before, since alterations to core code can be protected against Joomla upgrades by using template over rides. The fewer the number of extenions, the fewer the vulnerabilities and the fewer extensions I have to watch for upgrades.

There are a few exceptions, and one of them is JoomlaPack.

I now install JoomlaPack on every website I build, and any website I am asked to work on.

The smartest thing you can do before "fixing" a website is to be certain that you can revert to the precise set of files and database settings that existed before you fixed anything.

Sometimes, no matter how much experience you have, something entirely unexpected occurs... ask me how I know that.

JoomlaPack is like fastening your seat belt. You don't really need it, until the day it saves your life.