Because PHP is a server-side scripting language, your visitors will not need to install any new software, but
PHP must be set up on your server.
Below is a very simple script that will test your server to ensure PHP is installed. It is a standard PHP function
called phpinfo, which instructs the browser to print out information in regard to the set up of your server.
To use the script, simply copy the following three lines of code and paste them into a plain text editor, such
as NotePad.
<?
phpinfo();
?>
Save the file as phpinfo.php and upload it to your server where you store your HTML files.
To run the script, simply point your browser to the script address. It should look something like this:
http://www.yourdomain.com/phpinfo.php
If PHP is installed on your server, you will be presented with a page of information about the PHP installed on
your server.
If PHP isn't installed, you will be prompted to download the file. In this case, you'll need to contact your
webhost and ask them to install it, as it is free to download and install.
You can learn more about PHP and download it at PHP.net.
If you'd like to try some PHP scripts on your site, below are some great scripts to get you started:
PhpAdsNew - Rotating Ads
If you'd like to have a rotating ad system on your web site, this great script is an open-source ad server that
provides a professional ad management and tracking system. Not only can you rotate banner ads, but you can also
rotate buttons, pop-ups, text ads, DHTML banners and much more.
PHP Message/Quote of the Day
If you're looking for a simple way to display a "Quote of the Day," this script is for you. It consists of
a simple script that's easy to customize. You simply add any number of quotes, tips or whatever you'd like, into
the database and the script will display a new message each day.
BMachine - Blogging
Would you like to start your own blog? This script will enable you to do just that. It's loaded with features,
including calendar, file attachments, event display, unlimited categories, IP blocking, referrer tracking, search
and much more.
Clicks Counter Pro - Link Tracking
Testing and tracking your marketing strategies is an important part of doing business. Clicks Counter Pro is a
PHP script that will enable you to track your clicks, downloads and advertising campaigns with real time statistics.
Very reasonably priced.
Link Department - Link Indexing
If you've ever wanted an easy way to set up a link indexing system on your site, this script may be your answer. Link
Department will enable you to easily create and maintain a link directory. The system is fully manageable and
completely template driven, so it will easily blend in with your existing design.
PhpDig - Search Utility
If you would like to enable your visitors to search your site, PhpDig is a web spider and search engine utility
you can install on your web site. This powerful script indexes your pages and builds a glossary of keywords found
in the page.
PhpBB - Bulletin Board
PhpBB is a fast and efficient, highly customizable, open-source bulletin board system. This highly professional
looking system will enable you to create an interactive community on your web site and keep your visitors coming
back again and again.
To learn more about PHP, visit the following web sites:
http://www.alt-php-faq.org/
http://www.hotscripts.com/PHP/
To find more PHP scripts, visit the following web sites:
hotscripts.com
Php.ResourceIndex.com
PHP is a freely distributed open-source language, which means if you would like to learn the language, there is
a wealth of information available on the Internet to assist you. Why not give it a try? You may be surprised how
easy it really is to write your own scripts.
Copyright (c) Shelley Lowery
About The Author
Shelley Lowery is the author of the acclaimed web design course,
Web Design Mastery. An in-depth guide to professional web site design. Visit
Web-Source.net to sign up for a complimentary subscription to Etips and receive a
copy of the acclaimed ebook, "Killer Internet Marketing Strategies."
