| Joomla is an open source content management | | | | receive one back end template; however, back end |
| system. This means that anyone can write an | | | | themes are available all over the internet for either |
| extension of the core Joomla software program and | | | | free or for purchase. You could even write your own |
| the extension will work with it as if it was an original | | | | if you can find no other back end template that will suit |
| aspect of the software. With this being said, there are | | | | your needs. Back end themes are designed to help |
| a wide variety of extensions available on the market | | | | you and to help you be more organized. Finding a good |
| today that can take the basic Joomla programming | | | | back end template is just a personal preference, as |
| and extend it to unlimited possibilities. | | | | your needs may not be the same as someone else's. |
| Extensions include components, modules, plugins and | | | | Front end designs will give the feel to the website, the |
| templates. We will focus on the themes. Joomla | | | | side that your visitors will see. When searching the |
| designs are what will define the style and layout of | | | | web and visiting websites that is the front end of the |
| your website. There is a large variety of templates | | | | site that you are seeing. There are literally thousands |
| available on the market because of the open source | | | | of Joomla templates available for the front end. You |
| concept. You will just need to know about the different | | | | can choose literally anything that you want. If you can |
| types of templates that are available before you | | | | dream a design up in your head, it can be made and it |
| make your decision. | | | | probably already has. It may take you awhile to find |
| There are two different types of Joomla templates. | | | | the perfect one after you sift through the thousands |
| There are the back end templates and these | | | | that are available. If you still can't find it, you can either |
| templates define the style and layout of the website | | | | have one modified or one made specifically to meet |
| as the Administrator, editors, webmaster, and so on will | | | | your needs. |
| see whenever they log into their accounts. This is the | | | | The front end guides are uploaded and installed |
| "back side" of the website. Very few people will have | | | | through the back end of your website. You can install |
| access to the back end. Then there are the front end | | | | several different ones (2 actually come with the initial |
| templates. These templates will define the style and | | | | Joomla software) and keep them available. You can |
| layout of the front end side of the website. This is the | | | | assign a different guide to every page or you can use |
| side that the visitors will see whenever they either log | | | | just one. Guides can only be used for one website, so |
| on to the page or just stop by for a visit. | | | | if you own more than one website, you will have to |
| Back end designs will help you to arrange your | | | | download the templates more than once, if you want |
| information, access and controls to make your life | | | | to use the same one. The options are limitless, so have |
| much easier. With the initial Joomla download, you will | | | | fun! |