Installing OsCommerce

Installing osCommerce, a free, open source software developed specifically for online shop owners, is reported by many users to be a fairly easy event. In addition to the printed directions accompanying the packaged program, detailed, animated tutorials are available both at the main osCommerce site, subsidiary sites, and on hundreds of user forums across the Web. Many users find that these tutorials and other sources of free advice provide ample help, if needed, during typical osCommerce installation.

However, for a fee, most e-commerce solution consultants that deal with osCommerce will offer assistance in osCommerce installation. Consultants like these can help not only with installation, but also with customization of a variety of osCommerce features. Graphics teams will work to match the osCommerce interface to the business image you desire, and their programmers can customize features to match your unique business needs.

Installation: Going it Alone vs Going for Help

For newbies who prefer to leave the technical demands to others, while they work on "minding the store," this second option is often preferable. osCommerce is easy to use, and considered highly reliable. But installation is a little more involved than just clicking a button that reads "install." There are a number of commands which, though simple in the eyes of professionals, might be a little intimidating to those that are unused to dealing with such things.

This is not to suggest that installation of osCommerce is difficult. If one can follow a recipe, or put together a bookshelf from Ikea, then chances are you can install osCommerce yourself quite easily. Most people find they can be up and running within a couple of hours. However, it can be comforting to know that if one runs into confusion, there are many sources of assistance available, both free and for a fee.