This powerful web application framework is used for developing interactive
websites for Intranet and Internet and can be used to develop multiple websites.
Creation of portals using DotNetNuke does not require any programming language
skills. Using this application, one can manage content, host sites, customize
security and design sites using simple browser based tools. DotNetNuke enables
content to be tailored depending on role. Modular design of this framework
enables addition of skins, modules and files required for customization of
portals. One more reason to use this solution is the extensive support provided
by the DotNetNuke core team of developers. DotNetNuke is developed using Windows
technologies and requires Windows Internet Information Services and SQL Server
for deployment.
Implementation
Let's deploy DotNetNuke on a machine with Windows Vista ultimate. Start with
downloading 'DotNetNu ke 04.09.01_Install.zip' file from www.dotnetnuke.com by
registering yourself. In this implementation, we used 'Install Package'. Now
create a database in SQL server. We have used SQL Server 2008 Express Edition
from this month's DVD. Simply start SQL Server Management Studio and connect to
database. Now in object explorer window, right click on 'Database' node and
create new database. DotNetNuke needs IIS server, so turn on IIS server on
yourVista machine. To do this, click on Start>Control Panel>Programs and
Features, and on the left hand side click on 'Turn Windows Feature on or off '
and from the tree, select 'Internet Information Services' and click on 'OK'.
Once IIS is turned on, you can configure it from 'Control Panel> Administrative
Tools>Internet Information Services(IIS) Manager'. Unzip downloaded package to
'C:\inetpub\www root\Dotnetnuke _sandeep' folder. Now right click on this folder
and go to Properties .Click on 'Security' tab and click on 'Edit' button under
'Group or user names' and add 'NETWORK SERVICE' giving it 'Full Control'. Final
step is to configure IIS. Go to IIS Manager as directed above and expand the
'Sites' node from tree on left hand side. Right click on 'Default Web Site' and
click on 'Add Application' and add 'Physical path' as 'C:\inetpu b\wwwroot\
Dotnetnuke_sandeep' with 'Application pool' as 'DefaultAppPool'. After doing all
the above configurations, it's time to install DotNetNuke.
Open IIS Manager from 'Control Panel>Administrative Tools' and right click on 'Default Web Site' and click on 'Add Applicatio and add path where DotNetNuke is extracted as shown. |
Visit 'localhost/Dotnetduke _sandeep' to start installation wizard that
involves seven simple steps. First step involves selection of installation type
plus installation language. We have used 'Typical' installation method and
English as installation language. DotNetNuke involves file upload for content,
modules and skins which in turn requires security settings for creation and
removal of files from web site. In the second step these file permission
settings are tested. Third step involves configuration of database connection
followed by its testing. Installation scripts are run in the fourth step of
installation wizard. Fifth and sixth step involve setting up of 'Host User' and
'Administrator' account along with 'Portal Properties'. Host User is a super
user that has access to all the portals created on the site. On the other hand,
administrator has access to all the functionalities of the portal.
To add pages to a website login using administrator settings, and for adding portals login using host settings created during installation of DotNetNuke. Click on the appropriate tabs as displayed. |
After configuration and installation visit 'localhost/Dotnet nuke_ sandeep'
to get the feel of the web site you have just created. Login using user name and
password created during installation and start creating content of the portal
using tabs provided on the top ('ADMIN' or 'HOST').
Click on 'Add' button under 'Page Functions' to add pages to porta. Middle window of control panel is for adding and placing 'Modules' on the page. |
Let's build a simple website using this framework. Login using administrator
credentials. On the top, there is the control panel that can be used for adding
content and customizing layout. Click on 'Add' button under 'Page Functions' to
add pages to portal. Middle window of control panel is for adding 'Modules' and
placing them on the page. Once you have decided on module and position, simply
click on 'Add' button. For example, we have added 'Account Login' module in 'RightPane'
and 'Text/ HTML' module in 'ContentPane' in 'PCQUEST' page. Besides page
creation, one can also customize number of settings like Security Roles, Site
Log etc by clicking on 'ADMIN' tab. One can also change setting of individual
modules by clicking on dropdown menu.
As mentioned in the beginning, one can create multiple portals using
DotNetNuke. This can be accomplished by logging in using host credentials. This
will bring up 'HOST' tab on the top. Click on this tab and click on 'Portals>Add
new portal'. One can add new portal as child of existing portal or as parent
portal. For parent portal, there is a need for adding new 'Portal Alias'. Fill
in the details along with security setting and click on 'Create Portal' at the
bottom. Once a portal is created, simply visit the address defined in alias and
you are done.