We need a new website and I need help... please?

[elsiegee40]

I have no experience of web development whatsoever and work in a small school with a vanilla 2003 network and XP Pro machines.

I have been browsing the Wiki and threads for a total idiot's guide to getting started, but haven't found one... it all seems to assume a certain level of knowledge that I haven't got.

I'm in West Kent... is there someone around who'd be prepared to receive a visitor (or make a visit) to help me get me started please?

I'm a former programmer, so the coding side shouldn't cause me too many difficulties. It's understanding how to get the site set up in the first place that I'm struggling with.

EDIT

To clarify. We have an existing website host and that is fine. I have no idea how to get from the thing called the "edugeek joomla package" that I can download to testing a website and then putting it on the internet as a live site for our school.

[SYSMAN_MK]

I can't visit but I'm more than happy to help. Drop me a PM if you are intrested.

[EduTech]

PM Sent, i'm more then happy to help out also.

[Hacksawbob]

Hi in a similar boat myself, but I am seeing light at the end of the tunnel, give me a shout if you want a total idiots, school of hard knocks, quick and dirty guide!

[elsiegee40]

Hi in a similar boat myself, but I am seeing light at the end of the tunnel, give me a shout if you want a total idiots, school of hard knocks, quick and dirty guide!

A total idiots guide would be useful for the wiki - not just for me... if you put something together. Let FN-GM have it to post!

[rush_tech]

I'm sure you are in good hands already, but I can help out if you need it

[powdarrmonkey]

elsie: Where are you going to host this site?

[elsiegee40]

Our website is currenly hosted by oneandone - so am assuming that will continue.

[powdarrmonkey]

You'll need the following details from them, or you might already have them:

- FTP hostname, username and password
- Mysql database hostname, username and password

And an FTP client, probably Filezilla. When you've got them all shout.

[CSNM-Carl]

Your web hosting provider should be able to install the package for you if you ask nicely.

After the initial install AFAIK it's just like using a standard Joomla install, there are many quick start guides on-line for using Joomla:
http://help.joomla.org/ghop/feb2008/...quickstart.pdf