Joomla 2.5 User Reviews
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"Read these reviews. They say it all."
Version: Joomla 1.7.3
Pros
I cannot comment on Joomla, since i was just about to download it, but these guys seem to know their stuff, so it helped me make my decision. Cheers dudes :0)
Cons
Cannot comment since I didn't download it.
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"The longest day - trying to mount a project on Joomla"
Version: Joomla 1.7.3
Pros
Free
Loads of templates and extensions
Extensions really have large functionality
On paper it looks to be a great system for larger sitesCons
All of the above does not really matter because it is confusing, takes a long, long time to understand and often just does not work.
It really is too much in the middle. Too simple for developers who could probably code a site themselves and too complex for entry level persons who just want a CMS site.Summary
I have to totally agreer with Megan313 above. In fact, this is the first time I have read someone else's review that mirrored my experience, so I just had to write my thoughts.
Joomla looks great on paper if you are looking to put together a project that is multi-pages and more than just a blog.
In fact, it seemed to be the only real solution for the projects I wanted to put together. Over 50 pages, multi-levels of hierarchy and ability to add some fancy extensions that would control advertising so I did not have to put those amateur looking Google adds on.
Wordpress looked to be for basic blogs and blogs with a few pages (wrong, it turns out) and Drupal looked to be too complicated. So Joomla seemed to be the answer.
3 websites, 50 or so frustrating hours later and I give up! Just too complicated.
I am not entry level. I spent a few years in a web design studio doing basic websites and active pages linked to database.
I had been away from coding for a few years, so I though best to start with a CMS system so I don't have to update my skills on htnml5 and CSS.
Wrong again. I should have jumped straight to Wordpress or spent my time learning html5, CMS, PHP and SQL and doing my own site from scratch on some of the many simple html website template pages out there. At least I would be able to track down bugs easily.
As it is, I have found that Wordpress has all the functionality I want and the extensions are amazing. And it is easy!!!!
So I am now stripping all the Joomla sites and going for Wordpress as I really need to get these projects finished and with Joomla it is a never ending round of frustration and incomplete projects.
In summary, Megan313 I think is correct in saying that Joomla is really best for those who know how to code and want to do multiple sites and really spend hours (I mean hours) learning the system.
For anything else hire a good coder or learn the basics yourself or go directly to Wordpress and spend about 5 - 10 hour and you will be an expert and get projects finished. -
"Few perks can't make up for utter confusion"
Version: Joomla 1.7.3
Pros
Many available plug ins and extensions
Clean look to finished site
FreeCons
No available help- only endless, confusing, and subjective forums
Many errors with no explanation or solution
Many basic functions have to be included as extensions
Confusing end site structure with menus, articles, categories, etc.
You still must have at least a moderate understanding of HTML and CSS
Non-user friendly, non-intuitive
Finished site does not work with Internet ExplorerSummary
Here is the most objective review I can give:
While Joomla does have many benefits (in theory), it is very non-intuitive, and so many errors occur throughout the process that it is simply not worth it.
There is one group of people that Joomla is ideal for: contract web designers that have an in-depth understanding of Joomla, and us it constantly, in order to stay "in practice" and to have the time and resources to learn what needs to be known to make a functioning site. The best use of Joomla is to have experts such as these create and design sites for clients, and allow them to simply fill in the content.
As others stated Joomla is complete un-intuitive. I did not choose Joomla for my project but the decision was made, and based on my previous experience with web design and Wordpress, and Joomla itself advertising easy, step by step setup, I figured that with a bit of figuring out and some Googling, I would be able to work my way through it. However, this was not the case, as I encountered errors from step 1.
The problem with all the errors that occur is that since Joomla is open source, there is no company to contact for support. The only thing to do is look on forums, or find tutorials. There are problems here also: tutorials often go step by step, making it look easy. However, they don't address any bumps in the road, and these aren't easily solved without intense Joomla experience. They are also made by Joomla Jane and Joe, so they cover simply whatever the tutorial creator wants, and may not be standard protocol, and often do not address basics, such as explaining that an "article" is really a page on your site. Forums are often found with simple Google searches, and again, are extremely specific to a particular error. If mine is slightly different, I'm stuck. These often also disregard different ability levels, having people edit native files in languages that many people don't have experience with; forums are also often outdated, or simple a string of comments saying, "I had this error, what do I do" "I had the same problem" "I also encountered this"...and no solution.
In order to work through our site development, I first scoured Google for the help and forums below. It was quite a struggle and also put us behind schedule. I finally got Joomla installed on my server, and found a template that worked (I also got template uploading errors and had to try several different template subscriptions before finding a company that was successful). Because of my web design background I was able to format the design and images.
However, to learn how to enter and organize template, I ended up purchasing a book. (Joomla! Explained. Great resource) This was helpful, and did a good job explaining the basics of Joomla and the theory behind why it works the way it does. However it only went so far, as it did not get into details, specific extensions, or errors. We ended up contacting a Joomla web design service to help us out (Savvy Panda - also highly recommended) In meeting with them, we worked through error after error, things that I would not have had a clue how to fix, let alone know they existed. I have been going back to them several times a week with bugs that need to be fixed, and questions on how to do things. Did I mention that Joomla is not intuitive? We still have a mile-long list of finishing touches that they will likely need to do for us- because I still cannot figure this out!
In the time it has taken us to get this far on our site, I had started learning HTML and CSS - from scratch - and had a simple site live.
I hope this review shed some light into the experience of working with Joomla. Although there are some good things once you get going, it has a long way to go before it is as "plug and play" as it claims to be, and to become WAY more user-friendly. Regardless, the experience was frustrating enough that I plan to never use Joomla again as long as I have the choice.
Bottom line- DON'T USE JOOMLA. Wordpress is a much more accessible and easier CMS. If you do use Joomla, be prepared to spend money on experts. Your site won't end up being free. -
"Joomla 1.7. "Falls Short and Can't Get Up""
Version: Joomla 1.7
Pros
The Administrative Console is Nice Eye Candy, and does appears to have some features that are better defined. But read the CONS FIRST.
Cons
There are many Reported Errors in the Administration Console when using Internet Explorer and the only workaround at the moment appears to be using FireFox or Google Chrome. I have confirmed this is to be TRUE.
Summary
Joomla is trying to take the product to a new level. However there major shortfall appears to they have set the timing bar too high for there own good.
With this latest release of 1.7 there are many issues with Internet Explorer. One of the Main issues is the inability to save settings in the control panel. Now having stated on the website that the End of Life for 1.6.X only weeks away the question now remains if they can get everything fixed to work in all browsers. FireFox and Google Chrome seem to have a lot less problems. Is Joomla doing this to phase the admin panels to not be able to use IE ? or is this just a simple mistake of poor testing and development. Only time will tell and see if they release a quick patch to fix this.
If Joomla doesn't take care of this matter at hand right off the bat, I can see alot of people turning away from Joomla Fast.
Joomla has released 1.6.6 as security release for those that cannot use 1.7 ? I guess that over 50% of the people that use Joomla use IE, After all IE is the default web browser to Windows.
One other major issue that I have noted is that Joomla has released 1.7 as a Latest Stable release. That puts it in the Instant Installer scripts you find on many hosting plans with only the 1.5.X or 1.7 releases as an option to install or upgrade.
Overall score to version 1.7 of Joomla is 1 Star. The difference between a 1 and a 5 is the abundant Internet Explorer Issues for adminitrating the website pages. If you can't save settings, you can't administrate the website. -
"Not Impressed"
Version: Joomla 1.5.11
Pros
Lots and lots of features.
Cons
Too many features to deal with at once. Not user-friendly. I shouldn't have to "Learn Joomla" to add a page and put it on the menu.
Summary
Bottom-line is that I had a bad experience with Joomla due to it's poorly designed interface(buttons seem to be unexpected places), strange and lengthy procedure for building, and so many features thrown at me at once.
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"Not impressed with this at all."
Version: Joomla 1.5.11
Pros
None that I can think of. Even if a program is free, if it isn't user friendly then why use it?
Cons
The website hasn't been updated in I would dare say years.
Summary
They should pay me for wasting my time to download it.
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"For excellent and secure CMS, Joomla is top notch."
Version: Joomla 1.5.11
Pros
Joomla is powerful, flexible, extensible, and tidy. It has extensive community support for add-ons, superb support forums, and frequent updates to ensure the best security and stability. By far one of the best CMS solutions out there.
Cons
Joomla is not for the faint of heart or the novice. While it rewards patient people with a flexible and future-friendly CMS solution, there is a learning curve involved. Joomla is not an out-of-the-box fix for any situation - some assembly required.
Summary
Joomla is definitely one of the best content management software packages out there. It sports a user friendly interface, tonnes of community supported plug-ins and modules, (both free and commercial), and frequent updates as well as great support forums.
The setup is straight-forward and is supported by most good hosting services. Many hosting packages even include Joomla as an installable option making installation and support a breeze. (Remember to update your Joomla package if you use a host's installer - sometimes it will be a few versions behind).
The main advantages to Joomla reside in the flexible way in which articles are posted and categorized. Not only are the WYSIWYG editors simple and easy to use, but assignment and scheduling of articles is seamless and simple.
Novices looking for web-design software will be disappointed. Joomla can be used in this way, however, it is NOT a replacement for Dreamweaver. On the surface it seems complex to people just trying to make a simple website, however, Joomla is first and foremost a content management solution - and this accommodates a whole range of needs, many of which require a more in-depth approach to website organization.
Can Joomla be used for single page websites? Yes. Is this where it's strength lies? Definitely not. Don't expect Joomla to replace the requirement for fundamental web development and coding skills. Using Joomla, you can do a surprising amount without knowing ANY HTML at all, however, this is NOT the reason why Joomla was created.
In short, I would recommend Joomla to anyone looking to replace their current CMS solution, or to anyone looking for a way to simplify and accommodate the growing complexity of a website without a CMS back-end. -
"An amazing piece of software"
Version: Joomla 1.5.11
Pros
Ease of use & Flexibility. 4000+ extensions allow a joomla site to become just about anything. A large range of companies also sell advanced, ready to go templates.
Cons
Flexibility has a tradeoff with simplicity. If sticking with an off-the-shelf template & basic structure, it's very easy, but to customise a template definitely requires coding skills, and a bit of RTFM to get familiar with basic concepts.
Summary
Joomla hits the sweet spot between ease of use, robustness and flexibility.
For those who find it hard to setup, just find a host who offers Fantastico & setup will take you about 2 minutes. (just follow the prompts, nothing complicated).
For a simple, idiot proof CMS > Wordpress
For a secure, scalable, robust, large scale CMS for techies > Drupal.
For the best mix of the two > Joomla, (by a country mile)
Joomla really isn't hard to learn the basics, but if you start trying to do stuff just by jumping straight into the admin area, you'll be lost. For anyone who bothers to watch a few quick tutorials on youtube, it's very easy to get a basic site up or even one with a fairly complex structure.
For coders, its a great foundation to deploy really complex sites really quickly, by adapting an amazing array of off-the-shelf options (extensions or templates) to achieve just about anything.
For non coders, most templates and extensions are designed for non-techies to use, and you'll still get a dazzling array of options, but don't expect to be able to easily customise a joomla template if you're someone who just "knows a bit of html".
Updated on Oct 11, 2009
For those who are are trying to setup their own web server on a windows computer and get Joomla running at home - you're probably entering a world of pain unless you've got a good understanding of joomla's server requirements, apache, php, mysql and a bunch of other things, but doing this is completely pointless unless you're trying to avoid paying hosting fees while you're building the site. -
"Frustrating, frustrating... Way too complex for me!"
Version: Joomla 1.5.11
Pros
It's free. Did not cost me a cent. I got what I paid for.
Cons
This is way too complicated. Someone needs to make this as easy as an IPhone. Make it as easy as Constant Contact, and I will be happy. Holy Cow, the mumbo jumbo these people use. Simple and intuitive it is NOT.
Summary
An expert installed this Joomla thing for me so I could edit my website. Well, I decided I was going to do it. I managed to load a picture. Then I tried to change a templates. Now my site is down. All I did is changed a HTML function which I thought was a pixel size from 11 to 15. Save the file. Applied it an Bam! Error message galore!
I use Constant Contact for my mass e-mails. I pay upward of $85 a month for that service. I am not against being charged if the stuff works. Constant Contact is great. Really easy to work with. I took their online tutorial, but it's so simple and intuitive you do not need a tutorial for Constant Contact.
It seems that expert like this thing. I do not know why.
I tell you what though. If some wiz-kid wants to make money programming, let him develop a website CSM that work as easily as Constant Contact. You can try Constant Contact for free for 30 days I think. No, I am not a Constant Contact reseller or anything like that. They just have achieved a level of easy rarely seen in other software. -
"Does not measure up to all the hype!"
Version: Joomla 1.5.11
Pros
it's free, but beyond that it is useless if you want to offer it as a content management system.
Cons
I don't like anything about Joomla. It's basically just wasting space on my computer.
Summary
I don't like anything about Joomla. Freeware is useless if you have to go to school to learn to use it or become a full time trainer to teach clients to use it. Very time consuming and difficult to install, then very complicated to actually use it. I don't see why the media is pushing that this is so easy because it's just the opposite. It will be a sad day if this becomes the norm for web design and development. You will have to spend more time training clients to use it than it takes to build a real website using real industry standard software. Much easier to teach clients to use Adobe Contribute as a CMS than to bother with this useless freeware.
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