Session 1: Today will we discuss your research so far and take a look at some examples of Open Source projects that are currently operational. Our focus for the implementation project is WordPress so most of our discussion will revolve around this popular, stable and flexible platform. Here’s a few of the other examples we will be examining.

aim.aiiresources.com
www.audiocookbook.org
www.opensourcecms.com
www.cmsmatrix.org
www.thegoldenmean.com
bmwmcq.org.au
www.jazzclube.com

Session 2: Today I’ll be demonstrating the installation process of WordPress. Some of the tools we will look at for this process are SSH (Secure Shell), FTP, Dreamweaver, and phpMyAdmin (Web based MySQL database manager). I will demonstrate how to set the permissions and troubleshoot error messages that arise during the installation process. Be prepared by downloading the latest version of WordPress, and make sure that your hosting environment supports the minimum requirements (the OLS will work).

Dynamic Web Applications – Open Source Implementation Project
Due: Session 2, Week 5

The purpose of this project is to learn the ins and outs of the installation, implementation and customization of dynamic, web-based, Open Source applications. We will be implementing WordPress, which uses the LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) architecture, on your own hosting environment or the OLS. After successfully implementing the software fully test the software and then customize it by changing the look and adding and removing features or functionality. Follow the outline below as a guideline for your procedure.

1. Evaluate The OS Project Requirements
   • Check and compare the version of the server software required (PHP, MySQL, etc.)
   • Make sure your hosting platform is compatible (XP vs Linux / Apache vs IIS, etc.)
2. Review the Installation Documentation (readme files, etc.)
3. Download and Decompress the Software
4. Upload the Software to the Server
5. Setup the Database if Required
6. Follow Installation Procedures
7. Test the Installation
   • User Areas
   • View Content
   • Check Functionality
   • Administrative Areas
   • Add Content
   • Edit Content
   • Delete Content
8. Add Live Content *
9. Change the Look/Feel (re-skin/theme)
10. Customize
• Add Features
• Change Features
• Remove Features

WordPress Specific Requirements:
1. Extend your implementation by installing 3-5 WordPress plugins that fit the topic of your project.
2. Create a custom theme (you may start by modifying an existing WordPress theme).
3. Use “Template Tags” to extend your theme.

* Decide on a topic for your content. You might invite others to contribute content, or write abstracts of relevant articles.

Download: PHP Problem Set 2
1. All PHP problems within a “set” are due by the beginning of class on the next day that the class meets.
2. Answers must be available via links on the OLS or comparable hosting and copied to the drop off drive.
3. Solutions to each problem set will be given during demonstrations on the day that they are due.
4. Grades will be collected during the solution demonstrations by an assigned classmate.