General
What is DotNetNuke?
DotNetNuke is a development framework ideal for creating and deploying commercial websites, corporate intranets and extranets, and online publishing portals. DotNetNuke is available in two Editions: Professional and Community.
Where does the name DotNetNuke come from?
DotNetNuke evolved from a project called the IBuySpyWorkshop (IBSW.) It was renamed to 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 *nuke’s inherent, industry-recognized inclusion in several existing open source portal initiatives.)
What browsers work with DotNetNuke?
DotNetNuke is designed to work 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 DNN site, it is conceivable that a person with no programming skill could be piecing together their own unique website. They could be creating new pages of content using pre-built content types (modules) like announcements, discussions, events, FAQs, feedback forms, and images. They could be creating membership roles, sending bulk emails, and defining secure sections for registered site users only. They could even be setting up banner advertising, customizing the site’s appearance, and submitting the site to search engines.
What language is DotNetNuke built on?
DotNetNuke 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. DotNetNuke was originally designed for end-users -- everyday people, like those who maintain websites for minor sports associations, non-profits, and charitable groups. This focus on ease of use has been 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-specific hosting packages, which include the tools and support to make project set-up even easier.
Is DotNetNuke affordable?
Yes. DotNetNuke Community Edition is free, and is suitable for businesses with internal applications and test environments. 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 team of developers place great emphasis on identifying potential threats, tracking "bugs,” and improving validation and encryption.
Is DotNetNuke static, or can I extend its functionality?
DotNetNuke is both scalable and extensible. While websites 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 DotNetNuke, DotNetNuke Professional Edition, assures timely problem resolution and prioritized support responses. DotNetNuke Community Edition users rely on the greater 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?
DotNetNuke is designed to manage the type of online content that would be most frequently added or edited on a particular site. To handle these content types -- such as text, graphics, charts, and calendars -- DotNetNuke employs "modules." These are modular pieces of code that give some form of specific functionality to the user, and are grouped together in units to form complete web pages. DotNetNuke comes with over 25 standard modules, including Announcements, Discussions, FAQs, Events Listing/Calendar, Feedback, Search, Image, and Links.
What site settings can I alter?
You can alter all the basic aspects of your 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 around on a page, or transferred to other pages. DotNetNuke includes over 25 free modules: Account LogIn, Announcements, Banners, Contacts, Discussion, 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, Weblog Calendar, Weblog Recent List, Weblog Referrals List, Weblogs, and XML/XSL.
What are skins?
Skins are customized and interchangeable sets of graphics that allow administrators to easily change the look of their websites without having to reorganize content.
Can I easily upload a file to my site?
Yes. DotNetNuke 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?
DotNetNuke is available exclusively as a download from DotNetNuke.com. To perform the download, one must simply register on the site. A verification code is then sent to the email address provided, and used upon the first log-in to the DNN site. After logging in, the user is able to freely download DotNetNuke.
What kind of platform is recommended for DotNetNuke?
Most DotNetNuke sites run on a Windows platform using Access / SQL Server, although other options are available.
What software must I have prior to installation?
To install DotNetNuke, you must have the .NET Framework. To check if this is installed on your computer, visit CheckDotNet on the ASP.NET site.