| I already have hosting, but I'm not sure if my host meets the requirements. How can I find out? |
| Check your host's Knowledgebase or FAQs or other hosting-related info for PHP, MySQL, and server OS software. Most hosts will specify the version they use. Remember that Meteor Galleries requires at least PHP 4.3 and MySQL 3.23. It has been successfully tested on PHP 4.4.9 & 5.2.8 and MySQL 3.23, 4.1, and 5.0.51. If you are on a Linux host using CPanel, it is usually shown in your CPanel. If all else fails, ask your host directly what versions are on your particular server--older servers aren't always updated, so you may also have to ask to be moved to a newer server in this case. |
| I have hosting, but they do not allow me to use databases. What can I do? |
| Most hosts will allow you to have a database as an add-on to your account if you ask. You may want to opt for this method, though it isn't recommended. If you can, look for a new host that meets the requirements. |
| I don't have hosting and I've never created my own website before, but I really would like to use Meteor Galleries. What should I do? |
| Before you dive into the world of buying domain names and hosting accounts, try a free hosting account somewhere. This is a good way to get a feel for what running your own site is like. Learn some HTML. Get comfortable with the software first. When you're more experienced with running a web site, you'll be better prepared for giving Meteor Galleries a try. |
| How do I buy a domain name and get hosting? |
| If you're asking this question, I hope you have used free hosts in the past or currently and understand the concepts of domain names and hosting. If you are looking to purchase your first domain name and hosting account, the first thing you need to do is choose a name and find out if it has already been taken. You will need to choose a domain name registrar in order to do this. It is not recommended that you register your domain name through your hosting provider (though many will do it for free), as they may lock your domain or not allow you to transfer it later on. My recommendation for a registrar is Network Solutions. They are more expensive, but allow you full control of all domains that you own. |
| Who do you recommend for a host? |
| I truly dislike recommending hosts. The important things you need to check for with any host are availability and versions of PHP and MySQL. Please, do your homework! |
| I run my own website but I know nothing about PHP and MySQL - is Meteor Galleries really for me? |
| Sure! If you already run your own site, you know enough to get started. You won't be making any modifications to the code, so you really don't need to know PHP or MySQL. If you're really unsure, make a donation to get support in case you need it. |
| How long does it take to get Meteor Galleries installed and running? |
| Excellent question. The install process takes only minutes! Remember to read over the instructions first, though, because you MUST have your database created before you start the installation. See the support page for the PDF download of the Install Guide. |
| What is FTP? |
| FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol and is one of the oldest forms of transferring data from one computer to another over the Internet. Experienced webmasters should know what an FTP program is and how to use it. If you do not, you should consider not using Meteor Galleries. FTP programs allow you to connect to your web site's server and transfer files to and from it. I recommend WS_FTP LE from Ipswitch -- though they no longer make it, they should have a current basic version of their program that will work for you. Newer FTP software is bloated and confusing to many, so be careful about what program you select. |
| What is PHP? |
| PHP currently stands for HyperText Pre-Processor. It is an open-source web scripting language that is commonly used today, especially in conjunction with the open-source database application, MySQL. PHP is essentially (though not really) a self-compiling language, as it is compiled by the server just prior to execution. The output of PHP is HTML (and/or JavaScript or any other browser-interpretable code). It provides an excellent alternative to another popular CGI scripting language, Perl. Meteor Galleries is written entirely using PHP. |
| What is SQL? |
| SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is essentially the language of databases. MySQL is one flavor of SQL, and is one of the more popular choices for PHP users. |
| Is there any other way of getting my images to my site without using an FTP program? |
| Yes. Meteor Galleries, as of v2.5, allows you to upload images via your web browser both during the add-item process as well as through a tool I've unimaginatively called the File Uploader (quite ingenius, don't you think? =P). See the "More Info" page to read a bit more about it. |
| I really like the demo site, but it doesn't have some things I want - are you going to be making any additional options? |
| Yes! The current demo site is actually ahead of the download version. Look to it first for new add-ons. If you don't see what you're looking for, use the contact form to make a suggestion--I often incorporate user suggestions in future program versions, especially if I like your idea. |
| There's something I know I want for Meteor Galleries - will you create it for me? |
| Yes! Custom add-ons can be done. They are, of course, not free (unless they have already been created and are available on the downloads page), so if you are interested, please contact us to discuss the possibility. |
| I'm a programmer too and I've made some improvements to your software. May I distribute them? |
| Thank you! Improvements or add-ons for Meteor Galleries by others are always welcomed. As per the license agreement, you are not permitted to freely distribute your changes unless you obtain permission from us. However, if you supply us with your files for testing on our demo site, we would love to add them to the MG downloads area for distribution! |