Lesson 3: Adding Features Called Components

By Ralph Budelman

Researching choosing, installing and managing these scripts

In my opinion this is one of the most interesting lessons. Here we will learn how to add some very useful functions to the vortal. Functions that really add value to a site and exploit the power of the Web.

Most websites are static that is they do not allow interaction nor does the information change. Most sites are not much different than a brochure or newspaper. But all that can change by plugging in some third party components or scripts. These scripts will allow the visitor to chat, leave a message, count the visitors, and complete a poll or many other things.

To get an idea of what I am talking about, I suggest that you take a few minutes and go to two sites. These sites are directories of scripts that are available. You will be able to see over one thousand scripts organized by category.

www.cgi-resources.com
This site has scripts programmed using the Perl language. They will run on UNIX servers.

www.aspin.com
This site list scripts that are programmed in ASP. They will run on an NT server.

When deciding on these components, you first need to determine what you want to accomplish. Below you can find some example of what can be done with these components.

Once you have determine the function that you require, then you need to search and chose a script but first you need to know if the scripts will be used on a UNIX or NT server. This will determine if you want a Perl or ASP script. You can then go to one of the two sites mentioned above.

If you don't want to take the time to research these scripts, we have made it easy for you. Our team has spent many hours selecting some of the best scripts. You can find these on this site by clicking Best ASP Scripts or Best Perl Scripts.

If you don't like this selection you can choose your own. We have provided some questions for you to consider before choosing a script. A more complete guide to choosing scripts can be found here www.stylusinc.com/portal/best_web_scripts.htm

What is the support?
What is the documentation?
Will the script be upgraded?
Can the script be modified to fit the site?
Is the installation easy?
Does it operate on my server or on theirs?
Is the administration of the script easy and efficient?
Does the script allow you to demo?
What do other users say about the script?

Once you have selected the scripts they need to be installed and integrated into the vortal. We have some instructions on how to do this otherwise you have other options. You can hire a web developer or you can pay to have the script installed by the person or company who developed it.

In any case it is not difficult to get these scripts functioning on a vortal. Then it is a matter of keeping the functions active and alive. In the next lesson we will talk more about getting the site going and keeping people interested and returning. Lesson 4 is titled How To Get It Going.

Please email me and let me know what you think of this portal tutorial. You can reach me at stylusinc@aol.com

Thanks Ralph

Click here for Lesson 4.

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