An indispensable tool for aspiring web designers/developers

Months ago, I was reading some template tutorial for Joomla and came across this powerful tool called xampp by Apache Friends. It is a FREE software package, released under General Public License, that installs an Apache web server, MySQL, PHP, and Perl into your computer. It sets up a local server, accessible even when offline, that enables you to install content management systems such as Wordpress, and Joomla.

This tool is indispensable, at least for me, because it has provided me with a platform that simulates the working environment on the web. With this tool I can create customized templates for blogging platforms (through accessing the backend or editing the files). I can preview plug-ins before applying it to the actual website. Or I can start from scratch and learn to build a PHP-enabled website.

Is it easy to use you might ask. To run it, I simply open the xampp control panel and start Apache and MySQL. Then I open a browser window and type 'localhost/Joomla' on the address bar to view the index page for my Joomla website. Similarly, I type 'localhost/Wordpress' to view the index page for my Wordpress site. I log in on the admin page like I normally would on a website to access the backend. From there, I customize my templates. When I'm done, I stop Apache and MySQL from the control panel.

Interested? Get it from Apache friends. There are different versions available for download. Recommended system requirements for Windows are 64MB ram, 300MB disk space.

navigation bar is done

I finally fixed the horizontal menu. I used this sliding doors technique again from A List Apart to style the menu. I'm glad I found this. It was written by Douglas Bowman, who is also behind this css rounded corners technique (and who is actually younger than I thought). I'm starting to love this guy.

Pins!

I was searching for vector tutorials around the web and found this neat tutorial on making pins. Of course I had to try it using my old ShinRa logo vector. There was one problem though. The 'Make Object Mask' did not work like it should (could be because I'm using an older version of Illustrator). Instead I set the shine effect layer into 'Multiply' mode and reduced the opacity. It turned out just fine. The result.

It was so much fun that I made another one using this vector I made yesterday and added a drop shadow effect.

Try it :)

Horizontal menu in place

I found another css menu at a list apart and used it for this site. I figured this site doesn't need the suckerfish dropdown menu because I actually don't have a large site in the first place.

I didn't know that horizontal menus are that easy to do. Or I did but I forgot. I remember reading about how Blogger's designer created the horizontal menu at the Blogger home page... Somewhere.

I also made some minor color changes. And I have ads! I applied to Google Adsense last week and after two days got my application approved. So you'll be seeing ads from now on.

Finally, I've accomplished three out of four from my list. But I won't make a theme just yet. I need to tweak and clean up the code. And I'm still finding inspiration for my theme.

Major construction going on...

I've always liked Joomla's professional-looking templates. But I don't have my own webhost to install the free cms engine. So I decided to imitate it's templates instead here in Blogger. And do something about this blog that has been lying around like some empty lot.

As you can see, I've put up a to-do list at the right. So far I've accomplished the first one, that is to modify this template into a 3-column layout. The search box I found in Blogger in Draft which means that it is still in beta stage. I'm still searching for ways to install a horizontal (or vertical) menu. Well, I've found one at A list apart, but haven't tried it yet (it seems like a lot of code). The banner will come when I have the inspiration to make a decent one.

from Blogthings.com

You Are a Classic Beauty!

You have a timeless beauty that looks great in every decade Instead following trends, you stick to what works And this means you never skimp on your beauty routine Upside? Your classic looks tends to attract gentlemen - not boys.

What Type of Beauty Are You?

from Tarot.com

Your Hidden Passion Number is 9

Warm, generous and compassionate, you would do well and be quite happy in any undertaking that not only supplies you with a decent living but also is for the good of all. You are artistic, the nine is responsible for many of our creative geniuses, however these talents are often suppressed, sometimes coming to the surface at middle or old age. You have a strong desire for insight and universal knowledge. You are emotional, your feelings are not always sensible and they too are often suppressed. You can get caught up in dreams and ideals without being practical but with enough fire and enthusiasm to attract support. Your oratorical abilities save many a situation. You are driven to do your own thing and are quite independent.