Social Networking Technology Resources for Genealogical Societies: Difference between revisions

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= Purpose<br> =
= Purpose<br> =


The purpose of this page is to serve as a focal point for technological resources that may be used by Genealogical Societies to create and enhance their virtual presence.  
As might be expected, a search of the FamilySearch Wiki using terms like Unix, shell, vi, htaccess, PHP and other 'technological' terms does not result in too many hits. However, there is a need for a genealogy focused presentation of technical materials for members of Genealogical Societies to use to create and enhance their on-line presence.  


= Existing Resources<br> =
This page&nbsp;will serve as a focal point for technological discussions and resources that may be used by Genealogical Societies to create, enhance and maintain their virtual presence.<br>


There are already some good resources available:<br>
= Working in&nbsp;the Unix environment<br> =


[https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/The_power_of_community The Power of Community and the Web 2.0]<br>
Most web hosting services are based on a Unix or Unix-like environment. Knowledge of the areas listed below is not a requirement for you to establish a web presence. However, understanding the underlying technologies will allow you to have much more control over your sites appearance and security.&nbsp;


[https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/Popular_Social_Networks_for_Genealogy Popular Social Networks for Genealogy]<br>
== Choosing a web hosting service  ==


[https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/Use_the_Internet_for_Family_History_Research Use the Internet for Family History Research] - This one needs some updating<br>
Not all services are the same... What else besides cost should you consider when selecting a web hosting service?


[https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/All_aTwitter_about_Wave All aTwitter about Wave: Ten Disruptive New Web Services]<br>
== Fundamental security issues  ==


= Areas To Be Developed<br> =
Specific security needs will be different for every site, but there are some basic suggestions that are universal:


As might be expected, a search of the FamilySearch Wiki using terms like Unix, shell, vi, htaccess, Perl, PHP and other 'technological' terms does not result in many hits. However, there is a need for a genealogy focused presentation of technical materials for members of genealogical societies to use to create and enhance their on-line presence. Some of the topics that could be useful are listed below. Many of the topics could/should become stand alone pages as the content is developed.<br>
*Perform regular backups
*Keep current copies of your backups somewhere else
*Change your passwords frequently
*Keep your application software up to date
*Restrict access to known hacker sites&nbsp;in an .htaccess file
*Restrict known PHP exploits by using PHP.ini
*Schedule and review the output of the 'find ctime -l' command (lists files that have been changed recently, which may be an indication of malicious activity) daily


== Operating a web site in a Unix environment<br> ==
== Backups  ==


*Things to think about in choosing a web hosting service  
For all too many people the first time they consider the question of how (or even if)&nbsp;their web hosting service backs up their data is the day after their data&nbsp;has been irretrieveably&nbsp;lost. Most service providers only keep very recent backups (1 or 2 days). Unfortunately, by the time most people realize that they have serious problems on their site the backups contain corrupted data.  
*Fundamental security issues
*How to schedule and perform backups
*Basic Shell Programming
*Understanding and using the [https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/Vi_-_The_Unix_Visual_Editor vi editor]
*Understanding and using [http://www.askapache.com/htaccess/htaccess.html .htaccess] to enhance your sites security
*The value of using [http://www.google.com/analytics/#utm_campaign=en_us&utm_source=en-ha-na Google Analytics] to measure the utilization of your web site
*CSS, XML or HTML information - [http://www.w3schools.com/ www.w3schools.com]&nbsp;is a must see site
*PuTTi is a free terminal emulation software package that allows you to establish telnet or ssh sessions from your PC. See this [http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/ outstanding web site] for more information about this useful tool.  
*RSS - Really Simple Syndication
*MySQL - Popular Relational Database


== PHP  ==
Good backups are your last and best line of defense.
 
==== cron  ====
 
Allows you &nbsp;to schedule events (such as backups...) on your server.
 
==== tar  ====
 
The software that allows you to create backup files.
 
== Basic Shell Programming  ==
 
The shell is Unix-speak for the interface with the operating system. If you connect to your web hosting service using a protocol like telnet or ssh (using a terminal emulation software package like PuTTy) you will be interacting with the shell.
 
This is not an area for the faint of heart... if your only experience with computers has been with Windows or a Mac you are going to find that blinking dollar sign to be very unhelpful. You can do very powerful things here, but it does require a basic understanding of the file structure, some of the basic shell commands and&nbsp;familiarity with&nbsp;an editor like vi.
 
Note that many hosting services do not allow access to the shell by default. You may need to contact them and request permission.
 
== Text Editors  ==
 
Understanding and using the [https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/Vi_-_The_Unix_Visual_Editor vi editor]
 
== Understanding and using [http://www.askapache.com/htaccess/htaccess.html .htaccess] to enhance your sites security  ==
 
== Google Analytics  ==
 
[http://www.google.com/analytics/#utm_campaign=en_us&utm_source=en-ha-na Google Analytics] is a powerful and free resource that allows you to track and analyze the utilization of your web site
 
== CSS, XML or HTML information  ==
 
&nbsp;[http://www.w3schools.com/ www.w3schools.com]&nbsp;is a must see site.
 
== Terminal Emulation  ==
 
=== Putty  ===
 
PuTTy is a free terminal emulation software package that allows you to establish telnet or ssh sessions from your PC. See this [http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/ outstanding web site] for more information about this useful tool.
 
== RSS - Really Simple Syndication  ==
 
== MySQL - Popular Relational Database  ==
 
= PHP  =


PHP is a powerful language that can be used to enhance your web pages. It is also commonly used to create many of the powerful applications (such as Blogs, Wiki's and entire Content Management System) that you may use on your web site so even a high level understanding of PHP can be very useful.  
PHP is a powerful language that can be used to enhance your web pages. It is also commonly used to create many of the powerful applications (such as Blogs, Wiki's and entire Content Management System) that you may use on your web site so even a high level understanding of PHP can be very useful.  
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*[http://www.w3schools.com/php/default.asp w3schools.com] has a great reference and a PHP&nbsp;Tutorial
*[http://www.w3schools.com/php/default.asp w3schools.com] has a great reference and a PHP&nbsp;Tutorial


== Content Management Software<br> ==
= Content Management Software<br> =


As the name implies, a Content Management Software (CMS) package&nbsp;provides a framework that is used to create the web site.&nbsp;Once the initial structure is created this allows users to focus on the content&nbsp;rather than on the mechanics&nbsp;of presenting the information. This has several advantages:  
As the name implies, a Content Management Software (CMS) package&nbsp;provides a framework that is used to create the web site.&nbsp;Once the initial structure is created this allows users to focus on the content&nbsp;rather than on the mechanics&nbsp;of presenting the information. This has several advantages:  
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*Since knowledge of HTML&nbsp;and CSS&nbsp;is not required, it 'lowers the barrier'&nbsp;for creating and managing content. This may&nbsp;make it possible&nbsp;for a society to have more people creating content.
*Since knowledge of HTML&nbsp;and CSS&nbsp;is not required, it 'lowers the barrier'&nbsp;for creating and managing content. This may&nbsp;make it possible&nbsp;for a society to have more people creating content.


=== Popular Freeware  ===
== Popular Freeware  ==


*[http://www.joomla.org/ Joomla]&nbsp;- See the [http://www.dallasgenealogy.org/ Dallas Genealogical Society] web site for one example of a web site created using this CMS.<br>
*[http://www.joomla.org/ Joomla]&nbsp;- See the [http://www.dallasgenealogy.org/ Dallas Genealogical Society] web site for one example of a web site created using this CMS.<br>


== Wiki's<br> ==
= Wiki's<br> =


A&nbsp;wiki is nothing more than a web page that can be modified by anybody who can view it. This page is a&nbsp;wiki:&nbsp;register with&nbsp;Family Search, click on the ''''Edit This Page'&nbsp;'''button at the top of your screen and you can change&nbsp;this page!&nbsp;<br>
A&nbsp;wiki is nothing more than a web page that can be modified by anybody who can view it. This page is a&nbsp;wiki:&nbsp;register with&nbsp;Family Search, click on the ''''Edit This Page'&nbsp;'''button at the top of your screen and you can change&nbsp;this page!&nbsp;<br>
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Obviously there is a lot more that that to know... one place to start is this&nbsp;[http://www.dallasgenealogy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=264&Itemid=204 Wiki Overview]&nbsp;page.<br>
Obviously there is a lot more that that to know... one place to start is this&nbsp;[http://www.dallasgenealogy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=264&Itemid=204 Wiki Overview]&nbsp;page.<br>


=== Popular Wiki's ===
== Popular Wiki's ==


*[http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/MediaWiki MediaWiki] - What Wikipedia uses...<br>
*[http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/MediaWiki MediaWiki] - What Wikipedia uses...<br>
*[http://docs.wikkawiki.org/HomePage WikkaWiki] - One attraction is the ability to create private/closed wiki's<br>
*[http://docs.wikkawiki.org/HomePage WikkaWiki] - One attraction is the ability to create private/closed wiki's<br>


== Blogs<br> ==
= Blogs<br> =


A Blog is&nbsp;just a specialized web&nbsp;page. The name 'Blog' is short for&nbsp;We'''B'''&nbsp;lo'''g'''.&nbsp;Characteristics include the following:  
A Blog is&nbsp;just a specialized web&nbsp;page. The name 'Blog' is short for&nbsp;We'''B'''&nbsp;lo'''g'''.&nbsp;Characteristics include the following:  
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For a more in-depth exlanation see this [http://www.dallasgenealogy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=239&Itemid=161 Blog Overview]&nbsp;page.  
For a more in-depth exlanation see this [http://www.dallasgenealogy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=239&Itemid=161 Blog Overview]&nbsp;page.  


=== Popular Blogging Software  ===
== Popular Blogging Software  ==


*[http://www.blogger.com/home eBlogger] - Free, provided (and hosted)&nbsp;by Google  
*[http://www.blogger.com/home eBlogger] - Free, provided (and hosted)&nbsp;by Google  
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For more information see [http://www.blogbasics.com/ BlogBasics]. They have more tutorials and discussions about hosting options.  
For more information see [http://www.blogbasics.com/ BlogBasics]. They have more tutorials and discussions about hosting options.  


=== Related pages on Family&nbsp;Search  ===
== Related pages on Family&nbsp;Search  ==


[https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/Blog_Your_Way_to_Genealogical_Success Blog Your Way to Genealogical Success]<br>
[https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/Blog_Your_Way_to_Genealogical_Success Blog Your Way to Genealogical Success]<br>


== Facebook  ==
= Facebook  =


Discussions about how to utilize [http://www.facebook.com/ FaceBook]  
Discussions about how to utilize [http://www.facebook.com/ FaceBook]  


== Creating Effective Web-Based Presentations  ==
= Creating Effective Web-Based Presentations  =


Creating Flash Presentations using PowerPoint and AuthorPoint (free software):&nbsp;[http://www.dallasgenealogy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=260&Itemid=202 Overview]  
Creating Flash Presentations using PowerPoint and AuthorPoint (free software):&nbsp;[http://www.dallasgenealogy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=260&Itemid=202 Overview]  


== Personal Digital Archiving  ==
= Personal Digital Archiving  =


What it is and why it is important:&nbsp;[http://www.dallasgenealogy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=263&Itemid=203 Overview]  
What it is and why it is important:&nbsp;[http://www.dallasgenealogy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=263&Itemid=203 Overview]  


== 'Back End'&nbsp; Services  ==
= 'Back End'&nbsp; Services  =


Some aspects of running a society may be too important or too complicated for home grown solutions... There are alternatives focused on the not for profit organization.  
Some aspects of running a society may be too important or too complicated for home grown solutions... There are alternatives focused on the not for profit organization.  


=== Neon  ===
== Neon  ==


*Stands for 'Nonprofit Enterprise Online Network'. A package of services offered by [http://www.z2systems.com/en-US/ Z2 Systems]. They charge for their services but you can choose the modules you want, and the fee is based on the size of your organization.
*Stands for 'Nonprofit Enterprise Online Network'. A package of services offered by [http://www.z2systems.com/en-US/ Z2 Systems]. They charge for their services but you can choose the modules you want, and the fee is based on the size of your organization.


&nbsp;
&nbsp;  
 
= Related Family Search Resources  =
 
There are already some good resources available:
 
<br>[https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/The_power_of_community The Power of Community and the Web 2.0]<br>[https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/Popular_Social_Networks_for_Genealogy Popular Social Networks for Genealogy]<br>[https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/Use_the_Internet_for_Family_History_Research Use the Internet for Family History Research] - This one needs some updating<br>[https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/All_aTwitter_about_Wave All aTwitter about Wave: Ten Disruptive New Web Services]
 
<br>

Revision as of 10:53, 29 January 2011

Template:Adoption Dallas Genealogical Society 

Purpose
[edit | edit source]

As might be expected, a search of the FamilySearch Wiki using terms like Unix, shell, vi, htaccess, PHP and other 'technological' terms does not result in too many hits. However, there is a need for a genealogy focused presentation of technical materials for members of Genealogical Societies to use to create and enhance their on-line presence.

This page will serve as a focal point for technological discussions and resources that may be used by Genealogical Societies to create, enhance and maintain their virtual presence.

Working in the Unix environment
[edit | edit source]

Most web hosting services are based on a Unix or Unix-like environment. Knowledge of the areas listed below is not a requirement for you to establish a web presence. However, understanding the underlying technologies will allow you to have much more control over your sites appearance and security. 

Choosing a web hosting service[edit | edit source]

Not all services are the same... What else besides cost should you consider when selecting a web hosting service?

Fundamental security issues[edit | edit source]

Specific security needs will be different for every site, but there are some basic suggestions that are universal:

  • Perform regular backups
  • Keep current copies of your backups somewhere else
  • Change your passwords frequently
  • Keep your application software up to date
  • Restrict access to known hacker sites in an .htaccess file
  • Restrict known PHP exploits by using PHP.ini
  • Schedule and review the output of the 'find ctime -l' command (lists files that have been changed recently, which may be an indication of malicious activity) daily

Backups[edit | edit source]

For all too many people the first time they consider the question of how (or even if) their web hosting service backs up their data is the day after their data has been irretrieveably lost. Most service providers only keep very recent backups (1 or 2 days). Unfortunately, by the time most people realize that they have serious problems on their site the backups contain corrupted data.

Good backups are your last and best line of defense.

cron[edit | edit source]

Allows you  to schedule events (such as backups...) on your server.

tar[edit | edit source]

The software that allows you to create backup files.

Basic Shell Programming[edit | edit source]

The shell is Unix-speak for the interface with the operating system. If you connect to your web hosting service using a protocol like telnet or ssh (using a terminal emulation software package like PuTTy) you will be interacting with the shell.

This is not an area for the faint of heart... if your only experience with computers has been with Windows or a Mac you are going to find that blinking dollar sign to be very unhelpful. You can do very powerful things here, but it does require a basic understanding of the file structure, some of the basic shell commands and familiarity with an editor like vi.

Note that many hosting services do not allow access to the shell by default. You may need to contact them and request permission.

Text Editors[edit | edit source]

Understanding and using the vi editor

Understanding and using .htaccess to enhance your sites security[edit | edit source]

Google Analytics[edit | edit source]

Google Analytics is a powerful and free resource that allows you to track and analyze the utilization of your web site

CSS, XML or HTML information[edit | edit source]

 www.w3schools.com is a must see site.

Terminal Emulation[edit | edit source]

Putty[edit | edit source]

PuTTy is a free terminal emulation software package that allows you to establish telnet or ssh sessions from your PC. See this outstanding web site for more information about this useful tool.

RSS - Really Simple Syndication[edit | edit source]

MySQL - Popular Relational Database[edit | edit source]

PHP[edit | edit source]

PHP is a powerful language that can be used to enhance your web pages. It is also commonly used to create many of the powerful applications (such as Blogs, Wiki's and entire Content Management System) that you may use on your web site so even a high level understanding of PHP can be very useful.

Content Management Software
[edit | edit source]

As the name implies, a Content Management Software (CMS) package provides a framework that is used to create the web site. Once the initial structure is created this allows users to focus on the content rather than on the mechanics of presenting the information. This has several advantages:

  • They provide a very consistent look and feel for the entire web site.
  • Web sites tend to be very standards compliant. This means that the content will be displayed 'correctly' on all browsers and all types of devices (including often overlooked smart phones).
  • Since knowledge of HTML and CSS is not required, it 'lowers the barrier' for creating and managing content. This may make it possible for a society to have more people creating content.

Popular Freeware[edit | edit source]

Wiki's
[edit | edit source]

A wiki is nothing more than a web page that can be modified by anybody who can view it. This page is a wiki: register with Family Search, click on the 'Edit This Page' button at the top of your screen and you can change this page! 

Obviously there is a lot more that that to know... one place to start is this Wiki Overview page.

Popular Wiki's[edit | edit source]

  • MediaWiki - What Wikipedia uses...
  • WikkaWiki - One attraction is the ability to create private/closed wiki's

Blogs
[edit | edit source]

A Blog is just a specialized web page. The name 'Blog' is short for WeB log. Characteristics include the following:

  • A Blog is usually focused on a specific topic
  • It consists of a series of posts that are usually brief
  • The most recent post is displayed first
  • Posts are organized by topics
  • Older posts are archived
  • Tags can be assigned to posts to facilitate searching
  • Readers may be allowed to post and/or comment on posts

For a more in-depth exlanation see this Blog Overview page.

Popular Blogging Software[edit | edit source]

  • eBlogger - Free, provided (and hosted) by Google
  • WordPress - Also free, although you must have your own server or a web hosting service to load it

For more information see BlogBasics. They have more tutorials and discussions about hosting options.

Related pages on Family Search[edit | edit source]

Blog Your Way to Genealogical Success

Facebook[edit | edit source]

Discussions about how to utilize FaceBook

Creating Effective Web-Based Presentations[edit | edit source]

Creating Flash Presentations using PowerPoint and AuthorPoint (free software): Overview

Personal Digital Archiving[edit | edit source]

What it is and why it is important: Overview

'Back End'  Services[edit | edit source]

Some aspects of running a society may be too important or too complicated for home grown solutions... There are alternatives focused on the not for profit organization.

Neon[edit | edit source]

  • Stands for 'Nonprofit Enterprise Online Network'. A package of services offered by Z2 Systems. They charge for their services but you can choose the modules you want, and the fee is based on the size of your organization.

 

Related Family Search Resources[edit | edit source]

There are already some good resources available:


The Power of Community and the Web 2.0
Popular Social Networks for Genealogy
Use the Internet for Family History Research - This one needs some updating
All aTwitter about Wave: Ten Disruptive New Web Services


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