osCommerce: Is there a tutorial

[moosetique]

Does anyone know if there is a tutorial for osCommerce. Where do you do the download. Anything that someone can say to help me get started would be appreciated.:p

[stevel]

PowWeb will install OsCommerce for you and lead you through the configuration if you select the option in the OPS panel.

Having played with it some, I will comment that osCommerce is not at all geared to the novice, and documentation is sparse in the extreme. I know of no tutorials. There is SOME documentation at http://oscdox.com/ , but I have not found it very helpful. osCommerce is a very powerful package with many features, more if you attempt to integrate various user-added "contributions", but is not for the faint-hearted. It's also not for someone who simply wants to add a "shopping cart" to their existing web site - it is very much geared to being a self-contained "store".

Probably the best way to get started is to do the install (don't forget to set up a MySQL database and user first!) and then play with the sample store it defines for you. Then start poking around...

I see lots of possibilities here, but it's going to take me quite a while to get it where I want it, especially as the base package omits some features I need (a contribution has them, but installing this is daunting!)

[moosetique]

Thanks Steve. It sounds like it is way too time consuming for me at this time. I have been looking at a program called SCS(Shopping Cart System) and it is only $60 to buy. It may be the easier way to go for me. Thanks again for your help.

[SimCoWeb]

OSCommerce is difficult to modify and the support is subject to volunteers (afterall, it IS free).

We've had great luck with Powershop:

http://www.templatedepot.com/powershop.htm

Highly customizable, fully supported, loads of features, and easy to modify.

[Mystic]

Originally posted by SimCoWeb
OSCommerce is difficult to modify and the support is subject to volunteers (afterall, it IS free).

We've had great luck with Powershop:

http://www.templatedepot.com/powershop.htm

Highly customizable, fully supported, loads of features, and easy to modify.
Hey,

I agree that OSC is not an easy one to modify, but in one day I have done quite a bit and I am not a PHP person. I like the idea of free as I don't have the $99 to spend on a store front right now.

I would love some input on what I have done so far on the 2 stores I am working on right now.

http://www.mystic-auction.com/catalog/default.php
http://www.rosevalleysoaps.com/catalog/default.php

I know there is still lots to do, but for the time in so far, I am happy. ;)

[SimCoWeb]

Ohhhhhhh yes...Free is good! :)

I guess there's a couple of ways to look at it. The problem with the free shopping carts is the development normally doesn't keep up pace with the times. Let's say, hypothetically, you choose OSCommerce and use AuthorizeNet. AuthorizeNet is changing their system over to the SIM or AIM setup and Weblink will be a dinosaur. Unless the people at OSCommerce create the modifications for the cart in time, you could be out of business.

I'm not saying it will happen..but it could happen.

Also, I like to have the capabilities of designing the site to suit my own needs or my customer's needs. OSCommerce is an out-of-the-box cart and design that is not easy to modify unless you're well versed in PHP. All the OSCommerce sites look the same except for the 'skin'.

In contrast, the Powershop cart allows you to create a site any way you wish. Like these examples:

http://www.invotel.com
http://www.familymobility.com
http://www.kidsplaythings.cc

All of these designs are unique. The cart is in constant development to add new features. My biggest fear is to use one of the 'freebies' only to outgrow it but having to face a major site overhaul in order to switch. I've found that paying a modest amount for a solid piece of software that stays with or ahead of the curve is well worth it if you are serious about having an online storefront. :)