admin answers:

Well, there are several php/mysql based CMS (content management systems) that can be used to build a directory site. These are actually full programs. Since php by definition is an active code there has to be more than just a template (templates just affect the appearance of the site not how it works)

Have a look at any of these they are all opensource items
and made for linux.

Http://phpwebsite.appstate.edu

http://phpnuke.org

http://drupal.org

http://www.mamboserver.com/

Many web hosts include these are part of an auto instal package (Mine does and yes I host sites).

admin answers:

You can upload the files to public_html folder using three methods:
1. Get the Cpanel access from your hosting provider. Login to it and you will see a folder called ‘public_html’. Use the ‘Upload’ option in the Cpanel to upload files into that folder.
2. Get FTP access from your hosting provider if you do not have. Install filezilla and connect to your site. Then navigate to publci_html folder and upload your files there
3. Get SSH access from your hosting provider. You can use Putty tool to connect and upload the file to the folder.

admin answers:

You can use a CMS like Joomla to “ProtoType” your idea… It has built in TEXT search that lists the “articles” that match… And you could probably get fairly far with that….

Joomla is Open source, Runs on Apache WebServer, PHP, and MySQL.

Check out http://joomla.org also there is wordpress and Drupal… Each have their strengthes and weaknesses like everything but – Joomla – is pretty easy to get going with – and the built in Search capabilities work right out of the box…. You’ll have to experiment how to “set up your joomla website” so it best matches what you’re looking to do but… If it looks promising.. You might be on to something…

If it looks REALLY good – it might be worth “customizing” it or figuring out how to “automate” certain bits of it so you can automate adding articles (weblinks or whatever) how you need with less manual labor perhaps…

admin answers:

I recommend one of these: http://www.top3hosts.com

iPage has the best offer right now.
Their standard price is $84/year ($6.95) but they have
a 50% sale, one year of hosting for $42.00.

They include a free point & click online site builder so you can create a website without any programming (easily, just by drag and drop) or you could install WordPress (they include easy, one click install from their control panel), choose a theme that you like, and start adding content.

admin answers:

Well, a web directory site could be made with different methods. You could just use the HTML you know and create a bunch of links with each site. You could then update that site whenever you need to. If you really want to make it dynamic, I suggest learning the PHP/MySQL languages. PHP is great for adding a little flavor to a site and adds Database support since it works well with MySQL. But you probably don’t have to learn those to make the site you want. If I misunderstood your goal with the site, please let me know.

admin answers:

You should have made a Projects folder and mirror the directory structure EXACTLY as used on your web site. Then you could copy all folder/files to a USB drive and it will work from anywhere.

That’s what I use as a backup and to edit mine from another computer.

Ron