I recently created a new eCommerce site for a client and chose the Open Source Magento framework. I have to say for the most part it was a slam dunk! I purchased a template from a site http://www.hellotemplates.com they gave me all the Photoshop files and I was able to completely customize the header. The magento framework has everything you could possibly need to get a professional eCommerce solution up and running quick and smooth.
They have everything from Tax tables, shipping options, payment options, inventory management, everything you need and every option you can think of is added for your use.
Although pretty much a turnkey solution it’s not easy to customize the code. Outside of a few basic layouts you’re locked in. Creating links to sidebar items is difficult to say the least. Unlike Dreamweaver or just regular html code it’s not that simple.
Customer service is another issue. I purchased items off of Magento and Hello themes and both took a substantial amount of time to acknowledge and receive my downloadable goods.
At the end of the day my client had a very nice site and we should be opening up to the public very soon.
Pros: The Magento framework is very easy to manage, and prep for use. It also has every tool you need to sell, inventory and ship your product. Magento also is a very clean looking well organized CMS eCommerce solution.
Cons: Very difficult to customize. Customer service is a bit untimely and needs improvement. Learning curve is a little rough the first time out, once you know the framework it’s easier.
Overall it’s a great system and one of the easiest to use. I’ll use it again in any future eCommerce projects I have.
If you like Windows XP you will love Windows 7, when all the other apps are finished for it… By Ed Martin
Windows 7 is great! I like the interface, I like how tight the kernel is running out of the box, I like that it’s picked up all my hardware! Really I believe I’ll be happy with this operating system for the next five years or so.
This interface on an HP DV1310 (1.6ghz. 1 gb ram 5400 rpm hdd) runs well. On my dual core desktop (mid range 2.6 ghz dual core. 2gb ram, 128mb ATI radion) it runs great!
Home networking worked great for basic sharing worked good! It found and installed a shared printers with no big issue, and found shares with no big issue.
I really like it!
Ok… The down side.
My experience I have a Logitech orb web cam, about two years old and still for sale today. Nice upper range web cam. Windows 7 drivers are loaded basically by Microsoft which is good. However loading the latest drivers (designed for 64 bit Vista) brought Windows 7 to a blue screen. Windows 7 warned me VERY strongly not to use this because it has proven incompatibility issues. Well I’m sorry I spent $100 on a WEB CAM! I want the features it was designed to do like pan, zoom and take nice pictures! The basic driver Microsoft provided are adequate for a $40 Web cam but not the $100 I paid for.
Another 3rd party issue altogether is Flash… Go figure, Microsoft put’s out Silverlight and all the sudden we’re having Flash issues… Hmmm Well I know one thing. MY FACEBOOK APPS DON’T WORK! If I where not a tech with XP, Ubuntu and windows server 2008 running in VM’s I’d sooooooo back this operating system out of my laptop.
(update) MS released an update Tuesday which seems to have fixed most of the Facebook issues.
Right now after the initial beta and now the RC Beta my vote is.
If your a novice, stick with your OS until it’s released and then MAKE SURE Windows 7 drivers are available for your devices / applications you like to run are released.
If your a techie and love OS’s like I do it’s great fun and will be a great OS by the time it’s released. Don’t throw away your XP CD you’ll need it for your Virtual PC to get into YoVille because flash 10 just don’t work right in Windows 7.
Enjoy the ride!
Ed
Http://www.edmondmartin.com
ed.martin@edmondmartin.com
This computer show covers Windows 7 and how to learn programming for free. First we will briefly discuss the new Windows 7 RC1 from Microsoft. This promising OS is showing great performance and features and we are excited for its full release. Next we cover the very basics of Visual Basic 2008 Express Edition. This is a great way to learn to program for free! The web site also includes great training for the absolute beginner. Start making your own applications today!
We will be at the Philadelphia Video Game Expo November 21, 22 and 23. Our booth will include a Team ArmoryTech Challenge. Challengers that beat team ArmoryTech will win a T-shirt to prove their
greatness! We will have Armories and “i teabag noobs.” Team ArmoryTech t-shirts. Come out and say hi!
What did we use?
Intel BOXD945GCLF Intel Atom processor 230 Intel 945GC Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo, APEX MI-100 Black Steel Mini-ITX Tower Computer Case 250W Power Supply, 1Gb Kingsten, 40 GB Segate, Sony DVD drive.
Well people here is my personal game controller racks. My rack is signed by Major Nelson, E, Trixe and Leo Leporte. The one on the left is the first prototype I got back from china. The one on the right is the very first rack from production. Just thought I would share. Here is how to make it http://www.instructables.com/id/AUDIO-TO-LIGHT-MODULATING-GAME-CONTROLLER-RACK/
The Black Spot is the game show from http://blog.armorytech.com
This week we have Steve519 from http://www.Platformnation.com
(Great site, fourms and podcasts)
