DotNetNuke is a content management system, much of the content is maintained
in a database, the maintenance of the website is managed through a web browser.
To perform administration functions on a website requires a user account with
administration previleges.
Modules
The content applied to a DotNetNuke website uses modules. Modules are
designed for a specific function, for example: text/HTML; documents; links; nd
Skins and Containers
The presentation of a DotNetNuke website is defined by the use of skins and
containers.
For a web page the skin may be configured as:
- Website default skin
- Page specific skin
Containers are configured to adopt:
- Website default
- Page definition
- Module specific
Administration
To administer the website login using a username having administration
previleges. Once you are logged in you will notice: additional grid of options
at the top of the page; additional options associated with each module; content
areas are boxed; and an extra set of Admin pages have been added to the
menu.
Menu Options
A number of administration options are available through the
additional menu options. Proably the most commonly used are: Site log and File
Manager. Use the File Manager to upload new images to your website and to
maintain those already present.
- SiteSettings
Allows the configuration of hte website, including the
global skins and containers to be used. Also allows the selection of the time
zone nad default language. DO NOT configure a login page until you have placed a
login/user module on that page.
- Pages
This page allows the ordering of the pages added to the website.
- Security Roles
There are 3 default security roles, but you can add more.
To edit the content of the website you will need to have a user account with the
administrator role assigned to it. Security roles allow the restriction of the
viewing of pages and modules by visitors.
- User Accounts
Maintain the users registered with the website, setting
their passwords and user roles.
- Vendors
Create vendors to be shown using the banner module.
- Site Log
A review of hte visotrs to the website. A number of different
views are available.
- Newsletters
Select users from different security roles to send a
newsletter.
- File Manager
Maintain the files, typicaly images, available on the
website.
- Recycle Bin
Deleted modules and pages are transferred to the recycle bin.
From here restore items deleted in error.
- Log Viewer
Events, for example a user login in, are recorded and made
avaialble for viewing using the Log Viewer.
- Skins
Upload new skins and containers from this page. Allows global
assignment of the chosen skin or module.
- Languages
DotNetNuke supports the localisation of the website, for
example dates are formatted according to the browser language settings. The
languages page allows the addition of more locales, for example British English.
- Site Wizard
Common features of a website may be configured using the
wizard.
- Authentication
Configure the Windows auythentication to be
used.
Top of Page Functions
The functions at the top of a page are divided into 3 sections. On the left
are actions which relate to pages. The actions in the middle relate to the
addition of a module to the page. On the right are a number of common or
important actions.
Pages
A number of configurable options are available for a web page:
- Details
Provide the page with a name, keep this short, it will be used in
the menu. Set the parent page and decide whether the page is for content or to
be used as a reference to another page or a link to anotehr website.
- Meta Data
This covers the title, description and keywords which are
considered important for search engine referencing
- Access
Select which user roles are required to view the page. The page
may also set to be hidden (not shown in the menu) and disabled (the page titled
'Admin', heading the admin pages is set to disabled.
- Appearance
The appearance for the page maybe unique, defined by the
choice of container and skin (set these if you wish them to be different from
the default. An icon may also be set (this will be displayed as per those
assigned to admin menu items.
- Publishing
The start and end dates, defing when the page will be
published may also be defined.
Modules
DotNetNuke includes a number of modules which ensure the basic operation of
the website, these include:
- Announcements
- Banners
- Contacts
- Documents
- Events List/Calendar
- FAQs
- Image
- Links
- News Feed (RSS)
- Text/HTML
Common/Important Actions
These are items which are important for the operation of the website and
include the site settings, user roles and file management.
Further modules are commercially available. Inclusion will require access to
a host/superuser account. To add a module to the website select hte module name
from the drop down list, in the centre section, decide in which content area you
wish to locate it. The remaining options may be configured once the module is in
place. Modules may be configured to define how they are presented, by the choice
of container, and who is able to see the, using the security roles. Additionally
modules will often have configuration options specific to their operation. These
options are available either through links beneath the module or from a drop
down obtained by hovering over the down arrow, usually in the top left corner of
the module.
NAT February 2006