Yesterday, while looking for free ASP.NET themes/skins for my karaoke web app, I discovered DotNetNuke (an open source ASP.NET CMS and application development platform).

http://www.dotnetnuke.com

I was hesitant at first to try it, since I don't have much time to set it up. Well, I'm so glad I did take the time, since it was so very easy to implement. In 20 minutes, I had a sample application running and was easily able to install free skins.

What I found the most helpful with DotNetNuke is the built in administration area. I always build my own and to have a framework already in place saved me so much time.

The CMS is awesome, too! It was so simple to add new pages to the site and even place a link to my new pages in existing menus.

The only downfall for me right now is the learning curve. For instance, when I do create a new page, I don't know where DotNetNuke physically places the file, so I cannot go in and customize the page. I even searched all files in the file system, and still could not find the new pages. I'm sure this is just due to my lack of understanding. I will definately be spending time on their forums.

http://www.dotnetnuke.com/tabid/795/default.aspx

So, here's what I did:

Downloaded the install package:

http://www.dotnetnuke.com/tabid/125/default.aspx

Opened the website in VS2008, compiled it, and ran it. The first page that was displayed prompted to install the application via a wizard. The install took less than one minute directly from the web browser, and it worked perfectly.

Next, I wanted to log into the admin area, so I download the Quick Admin Guide.

http://info.dotnetnuke.com/rs/dotnetnuke/images/DotNetNuke_Quick_Administration_Guide.pdf

The site's home page contained the default admin password. Once you log in, you can add/remove users and change the admin/host password.

All very easy to do.

I will be using DotNetNuke for my karaoke application. Actually, from this point forward with all sites I build.

Next step is to install a test site on my GoDaddy.com site to see if it works seamlessly there, too.

http://forums.asp.net/p/893977/958251.aspx
http://forums.asp.net/954625/ShowPost.aspx