Social Networking Technology Resources for Genealogical Societies

Purpose

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

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

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

Fundamental security issues

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

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

Allows you  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 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

Understanding and using the vi editor

Google Analytics

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

 www.w3schools.com 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 outstanding web site for more information about this useful tool.

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.net has a simple tutorial
• w3schools.com has a great reference and a PHP Tutorial

Content Management Software

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

• Joomla - See the Dallas Genealogical Society web site for one example of a web site created using this CMS.
  

Wiki's

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

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

Blogs

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

• 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

Blog Your Way to Genealogical Success

Facebook

Discussions about how to utilize FaceBook

Creating Effective Web-Based Presentations

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

Personal Digital Archiving

What it is and why it is important: Overview

'Back End'  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.

Neon

• 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

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