AgoraCart Free User Forums

:oops:

Hi,

I'm new to this e-commerce business & after 4 days of trying to gain an understanding of what's going on all I have is a headache.

So far I think I understand that a Database driven shopping cart, such as Agora, needs something called an SQL database. I think my copy of Microsoft Office Access XP will write SQL databases, but when I try to it wants to connect to some sort of SQL server. Since I don't know of any I can't really proceed & try to find out what the score is.

Does anyone know of a test SQL server open to the public that will allow me to see how it works?

Also, will Access actually gnenrate genuine SQL compatible files? I know Billy the Rich Kid sometimes comes out with supposedly compatible products that have his own twist thrown in (such as the kick up with Microsoft's implementation of Java) that then stops them working properly with the industry standard.

Finally is there anything else I should know? (probably lots I'd guess)

I'm hoping someone will take pity on me, I am trying very hard to get an understanding of this, but so far all my efforts have only lead me to sources that simply do not provide an easy lead in for people who don't know the basics. Yes, I've been to the library too.

Thanks.

Mike

A good place for you to get started would be a tuturial site I have set up for new users.
http://www.allisonsonline.com/training/agora.cgi

From there you will want to check out other resources, such as:
Official Web Site:
http://www.AgoraCart.com/
Installation Guide:
http://www.AgoraCart.com/installguide.htm
Official Download page:
http://www.AgoraCart.com/download.htm
Official Online Manual (submit a tutorial or idea):
http://www.AgoraCart.com/help/

As for the database issue, agora does not use SQL currently. It is a flat database file that is very easy to work with, and can be edited using any spreadsheet program. The following links will take you to the basic database information.
http://www.agoracart.com/help/database.html#store

http://www.agoracart.com/help/editing.html

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. Unfortuantely I've already been around the loop of sites & resources mentioned. Little of what I've read there makes sense to me, probably due to the fact that I can't make it work.

I've tried to follow the examples & procedures listed, but don't get anywhere. AgoraCart is definitely installed on my website, but when I follow the AgoraCart instructions to access it or any other procedure, I get "page not found" or some other error. I've tried deleting the installation & reinstalling, but nothing makes any difference.

I'm also confused by the so called "Editor" which I've downloaded & unzipped, but it just seems to be a load of text. I guess it needs to be put somewhere that can understand what it is supposed to do (much like HTML has to be read by a web browser for it to make sense) but there are no instructions I can find to tell me how to do this.

I suppose what I need is a "Dummies Guide to AgoraCart", but I haven't found one of those.

BTW, I've been writing web pages for years now so I know about HTML. It's not as if I've never seen the web or a PC before! I just can't seem to find a way in to this ArgoraCart thing.

Any help greatfully appreciated.

How did you install the store and how is it you are certain it is loaded on your site? Can you give us a URL of where you think it's supposed to be?

The editor file you mention is most likely a CGI script that will modify your files in a browser vs. a stand alone type product.

Do you have much CGI experience or mostly just HTML?


_________________
Carol aka SouperMom
http://www.soupermom.com

If you are in need of a basic turorial for getting the store set up check out the following site I put up.
http://www.allisonsonline.com/training/agora.cgi

Hi,
I've been cruising the boards for info, also a completely confused newbie, and am going through allisonsonline. I installed the cart thru cpanel on pixiehost and it's 4.0k-4b. Followed the instructions no problem.
"At this point you have the basic store set up and functional. It is a good time to open the store and get aquainted..." Where is it? I try to go to the /store/agora.cgi and it's Not Found.
I am so lost.
I'm using GoLive templates for my site.
Do I need to create new pages for the store?
Do I need to add a database to mySQL?
Thanks for any help[/url]

I'm not exactly sure what problems you are running into. but I'll take a shot at it..

Quote:

Where is it? I try to go to the /store/agora.cgi and it's Not Found

The url to your store should be
http://www.your_domain.com/store/agora.cgi
Url to the Store Manager should be
http://www.your_domain.com/store/protected/agora.cgi

Quote:

I'm using GoLive templates for my site

I'm not familiar with that line of templates. The first question here would be, have you tried to make changes to the store before testing it? If the template uses frames you won't want to use it, as frames are a problem with the cart. You will want to check out the following information on static pages if you choose to use the template.
http://www.agoraguide.com/faq/viewtopic.php?t=64
http://www.agoracart.com/help/designsetuptutorial2a.html
http://www.agoracart.com/help/owntemplate.html
http://www.agoracart.com/help/parsedhtml.html

Quote:

Do I need to create new pages for the store?

It is not necessary to create all new pages for the store. Most people find it easiest to edit the existing store pages to their needs to get started. The primary layout is handled by 3 files; in the html directory index.html, and in the html/html-templates directory store-header.inc and store-footer.inc. For the secure pages there are also secure_store_header.inc and secure_store_footer.inc. For an excellent tuturial on how to edit the headers, footers, and body check the following tutorial.
http://www.agorasupport.com/custom-headfoot.htm

Quote:

Do I need to add a database to mySQL?

No, MySQL is not currently used with the cart. You can edit the existing flat database either in Store Manager or by exporting the file, downloading it using FTP (Ascii mode) , editing the file, uploading and importing.
http://www.agoracart.com/help/database.html#store
http://www.agoracart.com/help/editing.html

Basically, you will need to review the information available on agoracart.com, the message archives of this forum and the agora2 forum on Yahoo, and other files and tutorials avaiable from various sources. Setting up and customizing the cart isn't difficult, just requires familiarity.

I hope this is of some help to you.