SharePoint Basics part 1
What is SharePoint?
If you’re anything like me when I first went into SharePoint training the first thing I asked, “What is SharePoint and how will it make what I already do easier?” I am all for new technology but we all ask the infamous what’s in it for me. So asked the trainer after their initial shpeal, and she patiently replied well it’s a content management system so you will not have to send emails back and forth with documents you can store it in a common place for all your team to work on. And of course if you look up SharePoint in Wikipedia it will basically give you that definition.
Wikipedia definition of SharePoint:
Microsoft SharePoint, also known as Microsoft SharePoint Products and Technologies, is a content management system with integrated search functionality developed by Microsoft that allows users to work in a web-based collaborative environment. Microsoft provides certain built-in functionality, and third-party developers can also develop custom modifications to extend functionality.
And I again like most of you thought if your company already has an internal storage space what are the benefits? After sitting through the training I ended up with more questions than answers. So I am going to creating some tutorials on some of the things I did not learn in the training but you will absolutely need to know.
Why does my IT department hate me?
If you have spent any time on SharePoint you have probably asked that question. I don’t care if you know how to code or you don’t know the difference between Java and Javascript, SharePoint will make you ask that question. And God knows I don’t want to make the unofficial ruler of the world Bill Gates upset, but it will. At least at first. If you have not had a chance to see the SharePoint frustration video from box.net watch it, it’s hilarious.
All that being said once you really have a good understanding of what SharePoint is and how it works it is easy to use and you can make really functional sites very quickly.
So what is SharePoint?
Let’s look at first at what it’s not. It is not Dreamweaver or any other WYSIWYG editor. It is not just a content management system. It is not a website designer that is so easy even someone who does not know what Ctrl+A is for, can use it with no problem. So let go of that fantasy. SharePoint is most likely the easiest means of producing a web 2.0 site in existence. Yes I said it, and know I am not nor have ever been an employee of Microsoft. But if you want to create a site that can have content, streamline collaboration within teams, set up blogs, wikis, or forums this is for you.
How can I say that? Keep in mind with traditional sites you usually have to know several computer languages, have a data base person, and good understanding of how to construct and manage a large site. With SharePoint you don’t. When you first create a team site SharePoint makes a forum site, image library, a calendar, and the ability to construct preformatted pages faster than you would believe. It’s like three clicks. And the base CSS is already done for you, granted the basic themes aren’t the prettiest, but hey if you are not a designer you won’t care.
Alright I know just as we are getting in to it I’m ending, but not really. I am over the next several weeks going to teach you some of the following:
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How to switch themes
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How to add a library and manage permissions, very important
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How to add Flash or any video to a site
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How to add a Google map to a site
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How to create navigation between pages
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Etc…
Don’t forget if you want to see more or ask question, drop me a line.
If you like what you are seeing tell your friends, don’t be a knowledge hog.
Remember the tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today
Tyus
ps if you dig it Digg it
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