Joomla 1.6 - The Entry Book (Fundamentals, Configuration, Application) by Hagen Graf Synopsis In this book Joomla expert Hagen Graf shows you how to create and maintain a website using Joomla 1.6. After installation and initial configuration, you will learn how to create content, how to create categories and how to work with users and user rights. Also, with extensions you can expand the functionality of your Joomla site or give it your own design templates. The chapters of the book include: the basics (all that you need to know before starting with Joomla); installation and configuration; creating content and special pages (such as contact forms); navigation (including creating breadcrumbs, statically and dynamically); users and permissions; extensions, modules and plugins; templates; and finally, upgrading from version 1.5 (learn about the new features of 1.6).

Review 1 Since I wanted to build a new website and I have never done this before, I decided to buy this book. The basics are well explained, but it takes off quickly and some additional investigation on the Internet is needed, since this book in part compares this version of Joomla with the previous versions and so some prior knowledge is required. On the whole, the book gets you familiar with the details as it continues, and it is possible from this reading to set up your own web page. You also understand why something should be done very carefully. Joomla 1.6 offers many design and applications and you can learn very well just by trying. There is too much to explain exactly everything but what you need most you will find in this one handy book. I think this book is recommended and it provides a solid ground on which to build further. (Posted by Donna)

Review 2 If you know nothing about Joomla, this book provides a useful opener. Personally, though, I much prefer to start by exploring the interface of any new software and only resort to a manual when all else fails. I think many people involved in web development do the same. Much of the info here can be obtained by online help. (Posted by Web Design Shrewsbury)

Review 3 This book is exactly what a CMS beginner needs. Compared with other books, you can advance here really fast thanks to the experience of the author and good structure. There is no need to wade through the material bit by bit. It's also fun to build with Joomla 1.6 because it is quick to provide useful results. I regret that more detail on certain points is not discussed till somewhat later in the book. Nevertheless, it provides a good basis to test the basics before using further plugins or settings. It points out possible and common problems and shows solutions succinctly. All in all, I think for a beginner there is no better reading because very many good points are taken and briefly, without confusion. Then if later you want more professional knowledge, it will be easy to handle a more profound book. Given the low price, you cannot go wrong! (Posted by Helga)

Review 4 This book by Hagen Graf is - as its title says - an absolute beginner’s book. Anyone who has worked at some point with a CMS - and be it ever so superficially - should save themselves the purchase. There is nothing here that anyone with common sense can’t develop themselves by clicking through the admin area. Trivia - added in an easy breezy style - round out the book. Therefore one should not expect a depth of information in its 200 pages, which include 18 chapters with numerous sub-points. There is no room for explaining examples of the relationships. I was not impressed to buy. (Posted by kindergeek)