[solved] A couple nagging problems - files included

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angels_addiction

[solved] A couple nagging problems - files included

Post by angels_addiction »

Hi - I have a degree in computer programming. I am a network consultant. I am not a newbie... BUT, this is my first shot at CMS Made Simple. I suffered an injury that has forced me to do most of my work from home. The reason that I am interested in standard CMS software is simply because I need to get a site up and working quickly so I may earn a living and pay the damn bills... (I also have 20 years experience in Affilliate Marketing/ Sales and Management, which is what I aim to do online.) I do not have weeks or months to slice and dice code just to get a system up and running before I even begin to explore my niche and means of adding appropriate content (which is daunting in and of itself). I simply do not have the luxury of time... WHAT I LIKE ABOUT CMSMS is the  presentation and ease of navigation. What I certainly enjoy from a design edge is the *SEO optimization* and control of both templating and content placement. Quite excellent on first glance.
PROBLEM:
I have my test site up. It seems slow or sluggish to me - why? I am rather satisfied with the default template, (I will add a few more blocks here and there to meet my needs) it is extremely end-user friendly, but when I copied it to my editor and made my changes in plian basic form such as link color, text color, heading color and type - h1 h2 h3 h4 p block div span - most of my color and style remained but other details, such as menu color and highlight, News... reverted to the original color scheme - why?

I use apache 1334, php 442, mysql 3234c on my own windows server XP and 2000, 3 gig amd processor, 1 and a half gigs of ddram, 250 gig hd, and a dedicated 100mbps uplink. I included my php.ini settings, my config.php settings, and a pic of my installation page. Only the server software runs on each box and operating system. I have fudged around with my apache config files, php config files, cmsms config... again and again, without satisfaction. Please help specifically with matters of speed, and the problem encountered when trying to alter the default install template and main (screen) css. THANK YOU !!! (Also, if I do use this software... I shall gladly contribute to the community and developers when I am able.)

(I should have added that I did a new clean install to a temporary server...) Excuse my english.  :-\
Last edited by angels_addiction on Fri Sep 21, 2007 9:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Milhaus

Re: A couple nagging problems - files included

Post by Milhaus »

Hi,
I am by no means CMSMS expert, but I am working with it a little while, so I hope I can help you somewhat.

Your first problem is typical for many CMSMS installations (I think that speed improvements are in plans of CMSMS 2.0). There is collection of tags named Cache, that you can try. It basically adds compression, when sending your content to client and aloows to optionally set caching time limit (so pages are semi-static then).

About the second - please try to attach correct stylesheets to your template. It is possible, that default ones are cnonnected to template after your modified, so your changes are overwritten. In this case, make your copy of default stylesheet, make your changes here and attach it to your template.

I hope it helps somewhat,

Milhaus

P.S. Sorry for my terrible english
angels_addiction

Re: A couple nagging problems - files included

Post by angels_addiction »

Milhaus wrote: Your first problem is typical for many CMSMS installations (I think that speed improvements are in plans of CMSMS 2.0). There is collection of tags named Cache, that you can try. It basically adds compression, when sending your content to client and aloows to optionally set caching time limit (so pages are semi-static then).
About the second - please try to attach correct stylesheets to your template. It is possible, that default ones are cnonnected to template after your modified, so your changes are overwritten. In this case, make your copy of default stylesheet, make your changes here and attach it to your template.
  Thanks for the quick reply to my problem. I appreciate you taking the time... (Support is so important.)
My only concern with adapting a "cache module" is dynamic content. What is (or should be...) cached and what should be left alone?
Your second comment makes good sense. Instead of just haking the default template and css from within the admin page, I should have created a new template and css based on my changes and added the package under a different name simply, AS A NEW DESIGN regardless.

I realize that installing on a windows-based server is so much different from using UNIX variants, but windows is easier for me to setup and use fast/immediate, minus the hacking that follows a clean/operational/customized Linux install - that is why I included my various config files. Perhaps someone could take a look see at the files included earlier and suggest alternative setting?

ADDITIONAL SETTINGS ATTEMPT (with no appreciable change in performance...)
PHP.INI
-------
zlib.output_compression = On
-then-
zlib.output_compression = 5
-then-
output_buffering = On
output_handler = ob_gzhandler
-also-
[Zend]
zend_extension_manager.optimizer_ts="E:/ZendOptimizer/lib/Optimizer-3.3.0"
zend_extension_ts="E:/ZendOptimizer/lib/ZendExtensionManager.dll"
-------

CMSMS INDEX.PHP
-------
@ob_start('ob_gzhandler');
-then-
$config['persistent_db_conn']
-------

In the CMSMS config.php I also tried enabling persistent database connections, then not; then I tried enabling "smarty," then not; then I tried disabling ADO, then not... So my question other than the original posted would be versioning - apache, php, mysql... Please give me a hand here?  -Milhaus, my english is not so good also...  ;)

(An addition... I use apache 1334, php 442, mysql 3234c on my own windows server XP and 2000 - FAST. I included my php.ini settings, my config.php settings, and a pic of my (questionable recommended) section of the installation page. If someone takes a moment to review my php and config settings... is there any difference in my additions to what might be best recommended or used by others here?) Sorry for the loooonnnngggg posts, but I want to get this rolling.)
Last edited by angels_addiction on Sat Sep 08, 2007 4:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
calguy1000
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Re: A couple nagging problems - files included

Post by calguy1000 »

Well, you haven't explained much about:
1) Which modules you're using
2) How you're using them
etc.

Also, have you turned on debug mode and seen the number of SQL queries, etc.  Maybe it's the SQL connection that's slow, and not the web server?  Is the database on the same host?  if so, does your database hostname say 'localhost' ?

(so that it goes through the loopback adapter, versus having to be routed, even trivially).
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angels_addiction

Re: A couple nagging problems - files included

Post by angels_addiction »

calguy1000 wrote: Well, you haven't explained much about:
1) Which modules you're using
2) How you're using them
etc.
Also, have you turned on debug mode and seen the number of SQL queries, etc.  Maybe it's the SQL connection that's slow, and not the web server?  Is the database on the same host?  if so, does your database hostname say 'localhost' ?
(so that it goes through the loopback adapter, versus having to be routed, even trivially).
Now, I understand that YOU HATE WINDOWS - hey, good for you. I've been a sys admin for 27 years. I've worked on every system built since 1986... I have a damn degree in computer programming; give me a break, please. (Not hard to tell by your reply that you're a tad annoyed, eh? What because I dared to s-p-e-l-l w-i-n-d-o-w-s?) If you bothered to read my original post, I have a default install - clean. If you bothered to check my php file all errors are logged to text, and my servers are configured to do the same. I get paid to work with mysql, php, perl, python... and the list goes on. I have worked on open-source for the best part of my career. I have contributed to LINUX and variants when I was employed by IBM and HP... I was an original developer on the now defunct Mambo team. I could go on, and my creditials are easily accessible. IF there were errors to report I would have posted them... since, if you read above, I damn near gave you full access to my servers in order to resolve my issues. (And as I mentioned in my second post, my servers are very very fast - you must also assume that this is not the first CMS I have installed and tested... but this is the only one I have had problems with.) I was hoping beyond hope that this board would be NON bias and helpful - most are not. And I have an incredible amount of knowledge and work to eventually contribute to this project. I would have given up on this test if not for the GOOD reasons I pointed out earlier. THIS IS A GOOD CMS - very promising compared to most I have worked on and contributed to. And we both know that it (CMSMS) has legitimate problems by way of performance management. There's no way that you paid close attention to my earlier posts or you wouldn't ask such questions, especially in tone and inflection. This is not a good way to foster support for a promising piece of programming, is it?

[Addition: Only question worth responding to, of course mysql is accessed through "localhost."]
Last edited by angels_addiction on Sat Sep 08, 2007 6:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.
RonnyK
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Re: A couple nagging problems - files included

Post by RonnyK »

Are you sure that the changes you made in the stylesheet you made, are attached to the template your pages are connected to.
Did you change the default stylesheet, or did you make a copy and edit that one? If so, make sure that the stylesheets that are changed, are also attached to the stylesheet. Check this by clicking on the CSS-button behind the template, that you attach to your pages.

As far as the performance issue, and that was what Calguy was pointing at, is that performance is going down when more and more modules are installed, even if they aren't used. So if you installed a lot of modules for testing-purposes, that will decrease speed. That's as far as my knowledge on performance goes, as I'm no DB- or PHP-specialist.

Ronny
Last edited by RonnyK on Sat Sep 08, 2007 6:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.
angels_addiction

Re: A couple nagging problems - files included

Post by angels_addiction »

RonnyK wrote: Are you sure that the changes you made in the stylesheet you made, are attached to the template your pages are connected to.
Did you change the default stylesheet, or did you make a copy and edit that one? If so, make sure that the stylesheets that are changed, are also attached to the stylesheet. Check this by clicking on the CSS-button behind the template, that you attach to your pages. As far as the performance issue, and that was what Calguy was pointing at, is that performance is going down when more and more modules are installed, even if they aren't used. So if you installed a lot of modules for testing-purposes, that will decrease speed. That's as far as my knowledge on performance goes, as I'm no DB- or PHP-specialist.
Ronny
   Thank you for the immediate response. I really do appreciate the help. As Milhaus pointed out earlier, and now you too... I did jump in too fast with the editing without exploring the templating documentation. I hacked the original css from the admin page instead of copying the template and css and creating my own design and adding it new. Obviously hacking from the admin panel caused the original css to revert - in part - to the original design? I wanted to post a clean -bare bones - install, without touching a thing, so your group might test my install for performance issues before I continued to do any customization.

I also want to apologize here openly to Calguy... My response was harsh and out of line. I have a serious illness (suddenly, unexpected) and I want to setup something to generate a few additional streams of income for my family, that my family members can use and manipulate with ease (and a main reason for choosing CMSMS, plus the obvious benefits mentioned in earlier posts...) before I die. (I don't know how many months/years I have remaining. And as I mentioned earlier, I am now forced to do much of my work from home, which is a bummer... But the CMSMS seems so damn sweet!) When I get my site up and running smoothly, then I can relax some and hopefully contribute some to the fine work being done here.

   RonnyK, I didn't consider the possibility that modules installed but not used would effect performance - DAH! (One of the major failings of Mambo and Xoops, not to mention those Nuke-monsters.) Thank you all once again! I'm still bent on making this baby sing smooth and sweet.  :D

[Another addition... ANY tweaks, tips or hacks proven or experimental shared would be soooo appreciated - from those of you who have used this system successfully.]
Last edited by angels_addiction on Fri Jan 25, 2008 10:41 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: A couple nagging problems - files included

Post by Dr.CSS »

Actually your site is running fast from what I can see, as posted in the bottom of your pages in the source view...




If you need any default install templates or style sheets you can login to the demo site linked at the bottom of my post...

Hope it works out for you, we'll be glad to help any way we can...
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Re: A couple nagging problems - files included

Post by RonnyK »

Even from all over the Ocean, (NL, EUR), no performance-problem, the pages load quick:

The documentation menu on top (hor-menu) is a good start-point.

Basically I allways start with the default templates and then copy the one most usable for the needs. I then copy the template to a new one in "Layout -> Templates", and edit the copied one, that way I allways have the original one as reference in case I need to check what differs. The default templates also have several stylesheets attached that already have some hacks inside for different browser-issues. I act the same way with stylesheets. When a stylesheet has to be changed, mainly the "layout: ***" and "navigation: ****" ones, I copy them in "Layout -> Stylesheets" and modify the copied one. Then I go to the "Layout -> Templates" and push the CSS-button behind the copied template. I then delete the attachment to the original stylesheet, and attach the copied one, making the one I'm editiing active for that template.

Be aware that installing modules will create stylesheets belonging to those modules, but you have to attach them to the template you're using yourself.

Ronny
angels_addiction

Re: A couple nagging problems - files included

Post by angels_addiction »

mark wrote: Actually your site is running fast from what I can see, as posted in the bottom of your pages in the source view...


If you need any default install templates or style sheets you can login to the demo site linked at the bottom of my post...
Hope it works out for you, we'll be glad to help any way we can...

   Hey Mark, strangest thing... I just took all references to "@ob_start" in CMSMS and added "('ob_gzhandler')" instead of enabling it in php config - just as a hunch. Then I created an optimization routine to boost my database and then compressed the output. I enabled $config['persistent_db_conn'] and added another layer of compression through Zend in php config - boom. I still want to try the cache module mentioned earlier, as an accepted solution, tried and tested; my fix shouldn't work in theory, it's more like a band-aid. (I don't have enough experience here to be hacking this package, perhaps later.) My speed on 18 - 100 mbps is fast, and my speed on 36 - 56 kbps is a second slower. Opera opens the page and links fast regardless of connection rate. Firefox lags slightly behind as does a few additional flavors of Mozilla. Both Explorer 6.x and 7 lag further behind on a slower connection 36 - 56 kbps in fact, anything below 10 mbps! - NOT a shock, eh? I saw no appreciable difference using linux or windows - I don't have access to a mac, but I imagine the results would be similar. May I ask what operating system and browser(s) you opened the link to? I also disabled what I though were a few redundant tags and uninstaled a couple of default modules. So far so good? I'm old school... test, test, and then test it again And then test it once again... All of the suggestions here have been excellent. I appreciate you taking the time to watch my progress. I very much appreciate the offer of further assistance. Every little bit helps make this transition easier for me so I can get up and running sooner than later. Then I can rest and explore the mechanics (look under the hood) of this package. I was wondering if eAccelerator would work along side of Zend on a windows box - anyone know? I know it works fine on linux. Thanks again all! Keep it coming...  ;D
Last edited by angels_addiction on Fri Jan 25, 2008 10:45 am, edited 1 time in total.
angels_addiction

Re: A couple nagging problems - files included

Post by angels_addiction »



The documentation menu on top (hor-menu) is a good start-point.
Basically I allways start with the default templates and then copy the one most usable for the needs. I then copy the template to a new one in "Layout -> Templates", and edit the copied one, that way I allways have the original one as reference in case I need to check what differs. The default templates also have several stylesheets attached that already have some hacks inside for different browser-issues. I act the same way with stylesheets. When a stylesheet has to be changed, mainly the "layout: ***" and "navigation: ****" ones, I copy them in "Layout -> Stylesheets" and modify the copied one. Then I go to the "Layout -> Templates" and push the CSS-button behind the copied template. I then delete the attachment to the original stylesheet, and attach the copied one, making the one I'm editiing active for that template.
Be aware that installing modules will create stylesheets belonging to those modules, but you have to attach them to the template you're using yourself.
Ronny
  Ronny, I must have been replying to Mark as you were posting. Sorry I missed you! You are dead-bang-right-on when it comes to applying styles. I was rushing and neglecting the basics as pointed out here by you and other, but as you explained specifically. Something just occurred to me - let me run it by you. I am definitely achieving slower loading rates than you and others testing my site. This is probably due to a lag in the loop back through my router and networked computers, which I am testing my pages through? - I was so impressed and then excited by the possibilities of this software that I immediately put up a couple of sites and then hit the board here. I should check my site away from home to see how it loads... DAH! on me once again... This is the most responsive forum I have ever encountered. Thank you all again, and again. (GAWD my english sucks; and spell-check doesn't help when you're not sure... no what I mean.)

[Last addition for now: I want to thank Milhaus, Ronny, and Mark for your patience and help. I'm going to spend some time working the design some more and tweak a few modules as suggested. I'll contact you as my work progresses if I may. I take your experience, direction, and opinion very seriously. Thank you again. I'm marking this 'solved' for now. Feel free to contact me at any time...]
Last edited by angels_addiction on Mon Sep 10, 2007 2:24 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: [solved] A couple nagging problems - files included

Post by Dr.CSS »

Come on by any time... ;)
angels_addiction

Re: [solved] A couple nagging problems - files included

Post by angels_addiction »

mark wrote: Come on by any time... ;)
Hey Mark, and all. I just wanted to drop by and place an update. I am satisfied with my installation. Since my last post, I have constructed another server box, and upgraded my server software. (I also decided to experiment with Abyss Web Server on my original box.) I shall be uploading my *finished* site soon for all to see. http://www.devside.net/server/webdeveloper, Web.Developer Server Suite 2.0 - FREE. You should contact them regarding the addition of CMSMS. This is an excellent Apache suite which works like a charm with a default installation... Thanks once again.

Just thought to add...
http://www.opensourcecms.com/
Guide to Using open source CMS solutions to manage your website

Original article here, http://www.work.com/using-open-source-c ... site-2272/, by Byon Ong of Work.Com

http://www.packtpub.com/award
2007 Open Source CMS Award

1. Drupal
2. Joomla!
3. CMS Made Simple

Congratulations! Team CMS Made Simple, you must be proud! :)
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