Complete beginner - confused [Closed]

[Verummba]

Hello, I hope this post is OK for this forum.

My site host, who was just showing me how to use CMS Made Simple with my new layout that we created together, died this past week. There are still many things I do not know how to do user-wise, plus I need to back everything up and move it to new hosting by May 24, when his domain expires.

I have not yet purchased a hosting package - do I need a private server to install this? I will most likely go with Dreamhost, if that affects anything.

Also, is there a fast way to back everything up and transfer it over? Otherwise, what is the best way to transfer everything over?

Is there a way for me to back this up without having the new hosting in place yet, in the event I am unable to secure hosting in time, so that his work does not go to waste?

Thanks in advance - I will likely have more questions as I make progress on this, so please bear with me.

(Edit - sorry for the lack of version numbers and such - it appears to be CMS Made Simple 1.4.1, I don't know the specifics of the server.)

[Ziggywigged]

Use MysqlDump to back-up and restore: http://dev.cmsmadesimple.org/projects/mysqldump

[Verummba]

Use MysqlDump to back-up and restore: http://dev.cmsmadesimple.org/projects/mysqldump

Thank you. How do I use it, and do I need both files?

[Ziggywigged]

You can try and install via the Module Manage in your admin.
If that doesn't work (which it usually doesn't for me) you can download the zip, uncompress and upload to your modules folder.
You may have to then 'install' it via 'Modules' in admin and it will show under 'Site Admin'.
Make sure to read the 'help' after installation.

[Verummba]

You can try and install via the Module Manage in your admin.
If that doesn't work (which it usually doesn't for me) you can download the zip, uncompress and upload to your modules folder.
You may have to then 'install' it via 'Modules' in admin and it will show under 'Site Admin'.
Make sure to read the 'help' after installation.

Are you saying I should do this on my host's site, or that's what I should do when I get my own hosting together? Thanks..

[Ziggywigged]

Install mysqldump on your current host and your new host.
Use the sql file that mysqldump generates from old host to 'restore' your db on your new host.

[Verummba]

Okay. Thank you.

Do you know if I need a private server to install CMS Made Simple when I get the new hosting?

[Ziggywigged]

No, you don't need a private/dedicated server, but if you go with a shared hosting solution be sure to chose carefully.

[Verummba]

No, you don't need a private/dedicated server, but if you go with a shared hosting solution be sure to chose carefully.

Thanks. Could you please elaborate? Would Dreamhost's standard hosting be okay for this purpose, if you are familiar with their service?

[Ziggywigged]

Would Dreamhost's standard hosting be okay for this purpose, if you are familiar with their service?

I'm not. Some shared hosting services will limit the amount of resources you can use resulting in a slow loading site. Search the forum, I think some hosts have been recommended.

[spcherub]

I don't know about Dreamhost specifically but I would assume their standard package (shared) will have everything necessary to rnu CMSMS. Make sure they have the following available before you sign up:
- PHP5 (not necessary but better)
- MySQL database (only one is required by some provide multiple)
- SSH access (again not required, but useful if you need someone to make quick edits the config file etc.)
- FTP access - to be able to move the program files in (in the first place)
- htaccess configurable by folder (this is useful to be able to have finer control of your installation and URLs)

If you have a choice of hosting companies, I've used 1&1 with good success and they provide all of the above for the business package.

S

[Deak]

You can always hop over to Web Hosting Talk and let people know you requirements, I'm sure you'd get some good recommendations.

http://www.webhostingtalk.com/

You may want to consider a VPS (virtual private server), which would guarantee you enough RAM to run CMSMS properly. VPS are so cheap these days.

[tyman00]

You may want to consider looking at this page.  http://www.cmsmadesimple.org/support/cm ... le-hosting

[Verummba]

Hello, and thanks for all the help so far! I have my hosting and domain now, with CMS Made Simple installed, but there's one problem: when trying to restore the backup from the old site, it's not giving me the option to browse for a file. What do I need to do, is there a specific place on my FTP I need to put the backup file?

Also, how do I chmod config.php? I forget how...I use WS FTP.

[jmcgin51]

to chmod: right-click on config.php on the server, select "file attributes"