Your complete guide to building and managing Web sites with Joomla!

With access to a Web host, a browser, and the Joomla! open source content management system, you can create your own robust Web site for free—complete with e-commerce, social networking, and RSS feeds—without knowing a line of code. But while Joomla! is a powerful tool rich in features and functions, there are lots of tricks and techniques that are not intuitive. Master Joomla! essentials and learn all of its secrets with this detailed, step-by-step guide.

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Obtain the code and configure your Joomla! 1.5 installation, with highlights of Joomla! 1.6
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Design the content and appearance of your home page
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Create menus, structure articles, and manage users
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Add forms and RSS news feeds, and run polls and surveys
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Master all templates, components, and advanced modules
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Move into Web 2.0 with JomSocial social networking
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Set up your site for e-commerce with VirtueMart
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Keep your site secure and search engine friendly