Dumber question
As most of you know, I'm a total dork when it comes to PHP, but I do know some HTML and CSS, but nothing to brag about...I've been brushing up as much as time permits, but I still have a longing to learn about PHP...now here's my dumb question LOL...
1. Do I have to download some kind of software on my computer in order to deal with this?
Believe it or not, I have a board of my own, but I'm NOT the administrator...it all started waaaaaaaaay back on EzBoard LOL....then I had the gumption to go out on my own, but if it weren't for this one individual that helped me, I would've never gotten the Board up and running. Needless to say, I can't expect someone to be there for me forever, so that's why I need to learn simple little things like "backing up" my own board for security purposes...we were already hacked once! Nothing serious, but they changed the index pages...Not only to my main Board, but all my subdomains
Sooooooo, that being said, I DO NEED to learn. I've been bustin' my arse with all sorts of tutorials regarding HTML, XHTML, and CSS, but when it comes to PHP, I'm TOTALLY confused.
I guess my only question is right now is "what do I need to do to back up my Board?" Do I need to download certain software??
I know, I'm dreadfully ignorant, but I've got to ask.
Thanks in adance, you guys have been great to me here
andy206uk posted this at 10:32 — 3rd June 2004.
He has: 1,758 posts
Joined: Jul 2002
It depends on what system you use, but if you are using a MySQL backend for the database, then get PHPMyAdmin as that has database backup tools.
Busy posted this at 11:14 — 3rd June 2004.
He has: 6,151 posts
Joined: May 2001
If your backing up from your hosts server you don't need anything, you should be able to use what they offer, ie phpmyadmin as Andy206uk mentioned if they are running MYSQL.
Your host should have a backup version as well, 2 backups are better than 1.
I wouldn't rely on just one. I made the mistake of doing that once, relied on a zip disc backup, really gets to you when they decide to turn corrupt on you and you end up with nothing.
catarina posted this at 12:19 — 3rd June 2004.
She has: 24 posts
Joined: Mar 2004
andy206uk ~ yes, I'm using MYSQL but I don't know anything about that either LOL ~ but I'll take your advice and d/l the PHPMyAdmin software ~
Busy ~
Well, believe it or not, my host has been hosting us without support because he's not charging us ~ don't even ask me why...he knows my administrator, but since my administrators not around, I need to move that Board or I'm going to lose everything in time.
You mentioned a "zip disc backup" ~ I'm pretty sure my Board is G-Zip enabled (whatever that is)...LOL...can ya see, I've got lots to learn and quick :/
Suzanne posted this at 15:32 — 3rd June 2004.
She has: 5,507 posts
Joined: Feb 2000
Zip disc is a portable medium for data storage.
GZip is a compression algorithm.
So, you would GZip your files and download them to a Zip disc.
catarina posted this at 22:30 — 3rd June 2004.
She has: 24 posts
Joined: Mar 2004
Suzanne ~ you are so sweet, but you're taling to someone that has no idea what that means LOL...bless you for being so tolerant LOL...I pray you don't get too many of "me's" around here!
BTW ~ does that mean that GZip is even better than Zip disc? Had to ask, but it sounds like something that would compress the data a lot more....::CRINGES::...I know, I'm a complete dummy, but I swear ....one of these days.....LOL
Suzanne posted this at 22:40 — 3rd June 2004.
She has: 5,507 posts
Joined: Feb 2000
hmmm, lol. okay, here goes again in more sensible language!
gzip is the way the files are saved -- it takes all the files and makes them smaller.
zip discs are like cassettes or cds or dvds -- just the thing the files are recorded on.
So you can see that they aren't really related other than having "zip" in their names.
For your purposes, use PHPMyAdmin to backup the database. You can ask for help with that if you need it.
I'll take someone like you who knows what they don't know over someone who thinks they know more than they do ANY day.
You probably know more than you think you do!
Busy posted this at 23:49 — 3rd June 2004.
He has: 6,151 posts
Joined: May 2001
I think Suzanne explain pretty well, but just incase
a zip disc is a floppy disc that holds more on it. Think of two floppy discs on top of each other then turned into one. A floppy disc holds 1.44 megabytes where as a zip holds 100 megabytes
gzip is a zipping method, like winzip compresses the data and makes a .zip file extension. But there are also other types of zip (compression) formats .tar and .gzip to name a few which can be done by different means. Think of gzip as an internet winzip
On your web server do you have a control panel ? something like Cpanel or Ensim or something ? If you do and you can tell us what one you use we can tell you exactly where to go (kinda sounds rude doesnt it lol)
catarina posted this at 13:55 — 4th June 2004.
She has: 24 posts
Joined: Mar 2004
Suzanne ~ thanks again, but I think you give me a lot more credit than I should get LOL... I'll d/l the software and let you know when I get that done and hopefully proceed from there (with caution :EEKS:)
Busy ~ I do have a C-Panel (last time I looked) LMAO ~ hee
Busy posted this at 23:05 — 4th June 2004.
He has: 6,151 posts
Joined: May 2001
C-panel - doh, only used that once so I might be wrong on this, in C-panel somewhere there is a link to database adminstration, clicking on the link (think it asks for name and password) then directs you to your PHPMyAdmin page.
Depending on the version of it you have, look for a 'export' tab/link and you should see an option for 'structure only', 'data only' or 'structure and data'. select 'structure and data' and then choose the option to save as zip (think it was at the bottom of the page) you should then be prompted to save the .zip (or other format you choose) to your pc, which is your back up of everything.
Sorry the directions are a bit vague, hopefully someone with more C-panel knowledge can make my direction useable.
catarina posted this at 13:54 — 5th June 2004.
She has: 24 posts
Joined: Mar 2004
Thanks alot Busy ~ I'll go there now and see what's up with that. I've clicked on that link before, but I was so afraid to screw something up :eek: Do I have to close the Board down before I back it up?? *is soooooooo nervous*
catarina posted this at 14:39 — 5th June 2004.
She has: 24 posts
Joined: Mar 2004
Okay, I don't know if this helps, but I took a screen shot of what I saw, but I'm not sure what to do here ~
This is the first pic after I click on Export:
Then; after that I see this:
I'll also wait to see if someone could tell me if I have to close the Board down to back it up. Also, can I download the data onto a cd?
Busy posted this at 22:40 — 5th June 2004.
He has: 6,151 posts
Joined: May 2001
You don't have to close the board down first
In the 'export box', select the database name, then down the bottom in the 'save as file' box choose 'zipped' or 'gzipped' (zipped can be easier as you can extract its contents onto your pc, but depending on your operating system it may also have gzip support) and when you click 'go' you should get a prompt to save to your pc.
Once you have saved it to your pc you can save it to CD or wherever you want.
I don't trust CD's anymore, not after finding ou DVD's and CDRW's have a shelf life and the glue can come away at anytime - personal choice
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