General
What is DotNetNuke?
DotNetNuke is a web content management system (CMS) and application development platform which is ideal for creating and deploying commercial web sites, corporate intranets and extranets, and online publishing portals. The DotNetNuke web content management system and application development platform is available in two Editions: Professional and Community.
Where does the name DotNetNuke come from?
The DotNetNuke web content management system and application development platform evolved from a project called the IBuySpyWorkshop (IBSW.) It was renamed "DotNetNuke" to avoid confusion with Microsoft’s portal starter kit, known as IBuySpy Portal. The new name was chosen to reflect the applications .NET (DOTNET) framework, and coupled with the term “nuke” (due to the widespread use of "nuke" in several existing open source portal initiatives.)
What browsers work with DotNetNuke?
The DotNetNuke web content management system and application development platform works with all browsers.
Do I need to have programming skills to use DotNetNuke?
No. DotNetNuke's overall design and features allow those with only basic computer skills to create dynamic and fully interactive data-driven web or intranet sites. After simply logging in to a DotNetNuke web site, a person with no programming skill can piece together their own web site. They could create new pages of content using pre-built content types (modules) like announcements, discussions, events, FAQs, feedback forms, and images. They could create membership roles, send bulk emails, and define secure sections for registered site users only. They can even set up banner advertising, customize the site’s appearance, and submit the site to search engines.
What language is DotNetNuke built on?
The DotNetNuke web content management system and application development platform is built on a Microsoft ASP.NET platform. ASP.NET is the next generation of Microsoft's Active Server Page (ASP), a feature of their Internet Information Server (IIS). ASP.NET is different from ASP in two major ways: it supports code written in compiled languages like C++, Visual Basic, and Perl, and it features server controls that can separate the code from the content, allowing WYSIWYG editing of pages.
Benefits
Is DotNetNuke easy to use?
Yes. The DotNetNuke web content management system and application development platform was designed for end-users -- everyday people like those who maintain web sites for minor sports associations, non-profits, and charitable groups. This focus on ease of use has translated into a well-researched and intuitive interface, a site wizard, and help icons throughout.
Is DotNetNuke easy to install? To host?
Absolutely. The DotNetNuke software can be downloaded, installed, and running in short order. In addition, several hosting companies have established DotNetNuke hosting packages which include the tools and support to make project setup even easier.
Is DotNetNuke affordable?
Yes. The DotNetNuke Community Edition is free and is suitable for businesses with internal applications and test environments. The DotNetNuke Professional Edition includes additional security, stability, and support assurances for production or mission-critical applications and is available at a substantially lower cost than alternative proprietary solutions.
Is DotNetNuke secure?
Yes. The DotNetNuke community and core developer team place great emphasis on identifying potential threats, tracking "bugs,” and improving validation and encryption.
Is DotNetNuke static or can I extend its functionality?
The DotNetNuke web content management system and application development platform is scalable and extensible. While web sites can be developed entirely with built-in DotNetNuke features, they can be also be "supercharged" through third-party private assembly tools and private custom assemblies. These add-ons are readily available from DotNetNuke community members and developers, either to purchase or as free offerings.
Can I customize the appearance of my DotNetNuke site?
Absolutely. Changes can be made to sites at all levels – from basic stylesheet elements like font type, color, and bullet points, to overall site appearance. New skins and module containers can be easily applied to the site with no affect on content.
Can I translate DotNetNuke for my own language?
Yes. DotNetNuke has built-in multi-language localization features that allow administrators worldwide to easily use and adapt DotNetNuke software for their own use. In fact, many people have already created "language packs" -- such as Spanish, Dutch, and German -- for their DotNetNuke portals.
Does DotNetNuke offer support?
Yes. The certified version of the DotNetNuke web content management system and application development platform, the DotNetNuke Professional Edition, assures timely problem resolution and prioritized support responses. The DotNetNuke Community Edition users rely on the DotNetNuke community for support. One major source of support for DotNetNuke is the user forums where questions are asked and answered.
Content/Design
What kinds of content does DotNetNuke manage?
The DotNetNuke web content management system and application development platform manages the types of online content most frequently added or edited on web sites. To handle these content types -- such as text, graphics, charts, and calendars -- DotNetNuke employs "modules." These modular pieces of code give some specific functionality to users and are grouped together in units to form complete web pages. DotNetNuke comes with over 25 standard modules, including Announcements, Forums, FAQs, Events Listing/Calendar, Feedback, Search, and Links.
What site settings can I alter?
You can alter all the basic aspects of your web site through the "site settings" page. These settings include the title of the site, search engine description (keywords) and submission, user welcome messages, logos, site background, and "skins."
What are modules?
Modules are standalone pieces of code that provide some form of specific functionality to the user and are grouped together to form complete web pages. Modules can be easily added, edited, deleted, restored, moved on a page, or transferred to other pages. The DotNetNuke web content management system and application development platform includes over 25 free modules such as Announcements, Banners, Forums, Documents, Events List/Calendar, FAQs, Feedback, IFrame, Image, Links, News Feed (RSS), Search Input, Search Results, Service Directory, Survey, Text/HTML, User Accounts, User Defined Table, Users Online, Blogs and XML/XSL. For a complete list of modules, visit the DotNetNuke Forge.
What are skins?
Skins are customized and interchangeable sets of graphics that allow administrators to easily change the look of their web sites without having to reorganize content.
Can I easily upload a file to my site?
Yes. The DotNetNuke web content management system and application development platform has a powerful file management tool that allows administrators to upload files directly from their computers to their sites without having to use FTP. Any uploaded file becomes instantly available for use on the portal or listed in a module that handles documents or file downloads.
Installation
Where can I download DotNetNuke?
The DotNetNuke web content management system and application development platform is available as a download from DotNetNuke.com. To perform the download, simply register on the site. A verification code is sent to the email address you provide and used for the first log-in to the DotNetNuke web site. After logging in, you can freely download DotNetNuke.
What kind of platform is recommended for DotNetNuke?
Most DotNetNuke sites run on a Windows platform using SQL Server or SQL Express.
What software must I have prior to installation?
To install the DotNetNuke web content management system and application development platform, you must have a computer running Windows, IIS version 6.0 or newer, ASP.NET Framework version 2.0 or newer, and SQL Express or SQL Server 2005 or newer.