Zenko Web Hosting and Design

Welcome to Summit Waterproofing, Inc.

2011-09-10T21:06:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Summit Waterproofing, Inc.

Summit Waterproofing, commercial roofing and waterproofing contractor, located in Birmingham, Al.

Having worked with Summit for nearly 15 years as a commercial real estate manager, I have come to know them as, not only, great business associates, but great friends. Now as a Zenko Designer, I am proud to have been given the opportunity to develop a new look for them online.

Team Sting Volleyball Club - The Premiere Volleyball Club in Alabama

2011-08-26T12:27:00.000-05:00

Team Sting Volleyball Club - The Premiere Volleyball Club in Alabama Another happy Zenko Web client! These folks are great. They truly believe in making a difference in the lives of their athletes. We are proud to have been selected as their web design and hosting provider. Thanks Team Sting VBC!

Adding a Google Custom Search Box in the menu (or header) in Artisteer / Joomla

2010-09-17T17:04:00.006-05:00

I thought I would put together a little article on how to add a Google Custom Search Box in the menu (or header) in an Artisteer Template / for Joomla CMS. Hope it helps. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. You can see an example of it in use on this site: http://www.zenkohost.com.

IMPORTANT! ALWAYS make a back up before making modifications to files. I will often times create copies of my files and rename them by adding .old at the end. For example, template. css.old. and a new copy called template.css. That way if something just REFUSES to work, I can always go back to where I was when I started.

Do this before starting. You’ve been warned. The steps below worked for me, but if they don’t for you, at least you can go back to where you were before you started, right?

So let’s get started.

Useful tools for this modification

Required for this modification

Google Adsense Account
Notepad or other text editor such as Notepad ++
Joomla
Artisteer

I. Modify Artisteer Template.

A. templateDetails.xml

Artisteer, by default, does not provide a module position that we can use for our search box. This step will create a new Module Position called “search”.

1. Using CPanel or your favorite FTP program, navigate to following file on your server.

/public_html/templates/YOURTEMPLATE/templateDetails.xml

2. Open this file in the editor of choice (Notepad) and add the following line to the <positions> section near the bottom

<position>search</position>

3. Save the file and close /upload.

B. template.css

Now that we have created a new module position, we need to add some information to the template style sheet to define the location of the module position.

1. Using CPanel or your favorite FTP program, (or from within the Joomla Template Editor) navigate to the following file on your server.

/public_html/templates/YOURTEMPLATE/css/template.css

2. Open this file in the editor of choice (Notepad or Joomla) and add the following at the bottom of the style sheet.

div.module_search

{

position: absolute;

top: 157px; /* position of your box in relation to the top edge of the page */

left: 785px; /* position of your box in relation to the left edge of the page */

z-index: 2; /*stack order of your element moves to front or back*/

}

C. index.php

Now that we have created a div, we need to add that div to our index so that it will be visible.

1. Using CPanel or your favorite FTP program, (or from within the Joomla Template Editor) navigate to the following file on your server.

/public_html/templates/YOURTEMPLATE/index.php

2. Open this file in the editor of choice (Notepad or Joomla) and find this code

<jdoc:include type="modules" name="user3" />

</div>

3. Add the following code after:

<div class="module_search"><jdoc:include type="modules" name="search" /></div>

II. Setup Google Search.

A. Google Custom Search

Setting up Google Custom Search is very easy. Follow the directions in Adsense setup for creating a “Adsense for Search” box. There are really only a few items to think about while going through this process. The top items, in relation to Google’s setup steps are:

1. Search Box Type

a) Do you want to display results from only your site or the entire web?

2. Choose Search Box Options

a) You may be dealing with limited space, depending on where your search box will be displayed. Modify “text box length”, if needed, to accommodate.

3. Search Results Style

a) Do you want Google to show results in a new page or on your site?

If you choose “Open results within my own site”, you will need to follow step 3B and 3C below. You will also need to enter the name of the page you would like to display results on. This will be the name of the menu item that is created in Step 3B. For example, www.YOURSITE.com/search-results. Also, keep in mind that you will want to style your search results so they fit the module you will display them in, so be aware of width and palette.

If you choose to “open in a new window” or “same window”, this is not necessary, and Steps 3B and 3C are not needed.

4. Agree to Google’s Terms, Name your search, and click “Submit and Get Code”.

5. Get Search Code

a) Depending on the options you selected, this page shows your “Search Box Code” and (if chosen) “Search results code”. I suggest leaving this page open and opening a new window or tab to perform the following steps.

III. Enable / Setup Joomla Modules.

A. Create / Enable Search Box Module

Now it’s time to finally SEE some of our work. These steps add a create and enable the Search Box Module in the position we chose earlier.

1. Login to your Joomla Admin area and go to

Extensions>Module Manager

2. Click “New”

3. Choose “Custom HTML” as your type.

4. Title your Search Box “Google Search Box”

5. Set “Show Title” to “No”

6. Set “Enabled” to “Yes”

7. Set “Position” to “search”

8. Under “Menu Assignment”, select the pages you wish your box to show.

9. Under “Custom Output” select the “edit code” button and paste the code from II.A.5.a. above (Search Box Code).

10. Apply / Save.

NOTES FOR TWEAKS. Visit your site now and see where the search box is showing. You will almost definitely need to refine your template.css to move the search box to where you want it to be. Edit the top and right px values until it lands where you want it. THIS IS WHERE FIREBUG ADD-ON FOR FIREFOX IS INVALUABLE! If the search box is to large or small, change its width in characters in Google setup (you can go back and edit anytime in Adsense setup).

If you chose for Google to open search results in a new page or same page, you are finished. If you chose to have search results display within your page then please continue.

B. Create / Enable Search Results Menu Item
These steps add a page that Google will look for to display our search results.

1. You need a menu that’s not visible to the public. If you already have one, go to step B.6.

2. Login to your Joomla Admin panel and navigate to

Menus>Menu Manager

3. Click New

4. Give your menu a unique name and title. Something like “Other Pages” “otherpages” will be fine.

5. Save

6. Navigate back to

Menus>MENU NAME YOU JUST CREATED or other not visible menu.

7. Click “New”

8. Choose Articles>Front Page Blog Layout

9. Give your page a title such as “search results”

10. Give your page an alias that matches what you named your page in Google (step II.3.a.). In our example, our alias would be “search-results”.

11. Choose your invisible menu in “Display in”

12. Set “Published” to “Yes”

13. Edit other parameters if needed.

14. Save/Apply/Close.

C. Create / Enable Search Results Module

ALMOST DONE! Now we are going to create a custom HTML Module and place it on our newly created page.

1. Login to your Joomla Admin area and go to

Extensions>Module Manager

2. Click “New”

3. Choose “Custom HTML” as your type.

4. Title your Search Box “Google Search Results”

5. Set “Show Title” to your preference.

6. Set “Enabled” to “Yes”

7. Set “Position” to your preference.

8. Under “Menu Assignment”, select the pages you created above. i.e.” Search Results”.

9. Under “Custom Output” select the “edit code” button and paste the code from II.A.5.a. above (Search Results Code).

10. Apply / Save.

Now go to your search box (III.A.), enter a search query, and hit enter or click submit. You should be directed to the page you created (III.B.) and your results shown in the module position you defined (III.C.)

Be careful NOT to click your own ads. This is against Google’s TOS and your account WILL be disabled for doing so! Happy Searching!

Trussville Construction & Roofing

2010-09-10T21:33:00.000-05:00

Zenko Web Hosting is happy to introduce one of our newest clients, Trussville Construction and Roofing. Trussville Construction and Roofing is owned by Don Scott, a Florida native, who now lives and operates in the suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama. Mr. Scott has been in the construction and roofing business for over 25 years and has completed hundreds of residential, commercial, and government projects.

Over the past few months, we have had the wonderful opportunity to observe, first hand, a few examples of the work performed by Don Scott and his team. After all this, we can honestly say, that the quality and craftsmanship Trussville Construction and Roofing provides is top-notch.

We are truly thrilled that Trussville Construction and Roofing has chosen Zenko for their web design and hosting needs, and look forward to serving them well into the future.

To visit Trussville Construction and Roofing, click here or to see examples of their roofing and construction projects, visit here.

Shall we play a game?

2010-08-11T20:48:00.000-05:00

At Zenko, it's not always work, work, work. We also have a fun side. That's why we've partnered with Big Fish Games to bring our friends some really awesome free online games - Zenko Games!

When we say games, we don't mean just a few games, we're talking 100's of games...and the list is growing everyday! Just take a look at these sweet game categories:

With so many games in so many categories, Zenko Games has something for everyone.

Visit Zenko Games today!

AQRCODE.com Press Release

2010-08-02T20:14:00.002-05:00

On Monday, August 2, 2010, AQRCODE.com - A site developed to advance the technology known as Quick Response or "QR" Codes, was launched. The mission of its founder, is to educate and inform those who may not otherwise have been exposed to this technology.

Developed by Denso Wave and released in 1994, QR Codes have taken hold in Japanese markets. It has only been in the last few years, with the advent of technologies such as the i-phone, that the 2-D barcode technology has gained any presence in Europe and North America.

For more information on QR codes, what they are, how they work, and how to use them, visit this great new site online at www.aqrcode.com.

Free Banner Rotator

2010-07-24T18:13:00.003-05:00

Looking for a free banner rotator? Zenko recommends OpenX. OpenX offers two different versions to choose from, a download-able version that operates on your own server, or a hosted version, operating on their server. Both versions include the same features, i.e. the ability to setup your own advertisers, campaigns, and banners. OpenX will also keep track of banner impressions and clicks, across all your zones.

Once you have created your ads, etc. adding your ads to your pages is as simple as copying a few pieces of code. We recommend OpenX, because it's free, easy to use, and robust. Using it in conjunction with other advertisers and or affiliate programs, will allow you to generate some substantial advertising revenue!

Build your advertising dollars with these fantastic affiliate /advertising partners:

Happy advertising!

Send Out Cards - A tool, A vision, An opportunity

2010-07-11T23:49:00.002-05:00

As we have mentioned in earlier articles, when we see a site, or a product, or even an idea that brings something of value to our readers, we will share it. Our articles are meant to benefit our readers in many different ways, be it mentally, financially, spiritually, or physically.

However, it's quite rare that a single article contain a link to a site that we believe encompasses all of those things. On the other hand, Send Out Cards is not your average business, either. Founded by Kody Bateman in 2005, Send Out Cards is an online greeting card company that provides its customers with a platform to build their existing personal and/or business relationships, all for a fraction of what you would expect to pay on retail cards.

Create a card online using their easy to use card editor, and your card is printed, stuffed, and placed in the mail, all for about $1.00.* Users can also add that extra personal touch by creating their own custom cards, using SOC's Picture Plus 2.0. These are just a few of the many awesome features users of Send Out Cards can expect.

So, what could be better than having all of these relationship and business building tools at your fingertips? How about making Send Out Cards your business? Thousands of people all over the world are doing just that. Sharing the art of making a living through giving. So, what are you waiting for? Head on over and try Send Out Cards for yourself. It's completely free to try, because we know that once you try it, you will love it and wonder how you ever lived without it. We sure did.

Visit our Send Out Cards page today and give it a try.
It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!

*Wholesale pricing.

Electronic Cigarette Reviews

2010-07-11T21:36:00.001-05:00

Just as Electronic Cigarettes (E-Cigs) are the ultimate alternative to traditional cigarette smoking, E-Cig Reviews is the ultimate review site. A Zenko affiliate partner, E-Cig Reviews, was developed as a one stop shop for all things vapor. Learn about the most popular electronic cigarette brands, how they work, how much they cost, and what other users have experienced. Look for updated reviews and content, daily!

CG Contracting - Remodeling and Improvements

2010-07-11T01:52:00.001-05:00

CG Contracting is quickly making a name for themselves, in and around, Birmingham, Alabama. For over 10 years, they have been providing their clients with high-quality, professional, home improvement services. Specializing in all forms of renovation and repair, CG Contracting aims to exceed their client's expectations each and every time. If you are looking for masonry repair, door and window repair, kitchens, baths, additions, and more, CG Contracting is there for you. No job is too big or small. Visit for a free estimate.

TEAM TATS Temporary Tattoos for Sports - Products

2010-07-11T00:47:00.001-05:00

TEAM TATS Temporary Tattoos for Sports - Products

One of our favorite clients, Team Tats, sells custom temporary tattoos to schools and athletic organizations. Team Tats unique way of packaging custom tattoos for their clients' retail resell has created an excellent avenue for schools to profit on what, in the past, was considered a "spirit-building" expense. A relatively new company, Team Tats is quickly building a following amongst the preparatory school community. Bands, Cheer Squads, Boosters, and Concessions are all raving about the profits they are realizing by selling their own branded tattoos. Head on over and see how you can Wet, Wear, Win!

About the Zenko Blog

2010-07-11T00:25:00.001-05:00

Hi, everyone, and thanks for visiting Zenko Web Hosting and Design's little blog spot here on blogger. We put this web log together so that we could share just a few of the wonderful people, places, and things we run into online. We'll be posting links to our client pages to help introduce you to them as well as some of the resources we find that are just plain helpful. We also plan on adding some helpful hints on items ranging from web design to personal growth.

We are very excited to get started and to hear what you all have to say. We are truly looking forward to meeting each and everyone of you and welcome your comments.

'Til we meet,

The Zenko Team
"Hosting for Good!"
www.zenkohost.com