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6      Administration Panel

6.1    Introduction

This Administration Panel is the heart of In-link. All of the administrative functions of In-Link are controlled from here. The purpose of having the Administration Panel is that the entire database maintenance services and all of the system settings can be performed and controlled though a secure centralized online administration utility. The administration panel is laid out in a most straightforward and intuitive way and provides advanced functionality for easy and effortless updates and maintenance tasks to any part of the In-link system. In the administration panel you can add, delete, or edit categories, links, users and reviews. You can use the Administration panel to validate pending data, filter out duplicate or inaccurate information, etc. Administration panel allows you to customize and configure your entire In-link site and you can also perform database backups and restorations along with data imports and exports directly from the Administration Panel.

6.2    Navigate & Modify

Allows the admin to navigate and modify the entire system as a standard user would through the similar front-end—however, many administrative options are available here.

Navigate

Functionality

In-link Navigate & Modify interface allows you to navigate the directories normally and add, delete, or edit any categories or links within them.

Sorting and Ordering

The Navigate & Modify interface allows you to change the view option for sorting and ordering of links and categories for administrative viewing purposes. You can choose to view links sorted by Name, Date, Description, User, URL, rating, Votes, Hits, Rating, Votes, Hits, Visibility Factor, Editor's pick and Image. You can sort categories by Name, Date, Description, User, Number of Subs, Permissions, Number of links, Visibility Factor, Editor's Pick and Image. You can also change the output order (Ascending or Descending) for both links and categories and the number of link results to display per page. The sorting and ordering administrative view option allows more efficient maintenance of multiple categories and links.

See also: Configuration | Output

Searching

The search box allows you to easily search for categories or links in the system for the ones matching the search query.

Advanced Searching

In order to perform advanced search, click on the “Advanced Search” link on the bottom of the main search box. Advanced Search allows you to perform field-specific and range searches (A date range, for example) on links and categories, as well as it allows you to specify the Boolean type of search and the number of results returned. Advanced search also allows you to search by the values of custom fields.

Add Link

Clicking on the “Add Link” button allows you to add a link to the category where you are currently located. Add link form has several important features that are worth noting:

Category Selection

Add Link has a powerful category selection tool that allows you to cross-reference links in more than one category. When you are adding a link the system gives you full list of the categories where you are submitting the link. The categories list can be modified by removing and adding additional categories. Additional categories available for selection are represented by a dropdown list that features all of the “root” categories where permissions allow the link to be cross-referenced. Selecting a category allows you to “peek” into the sub categories in that category that will also be represented by an updated dropdown list. Pressing “Add this category” button will add the selected category to the list of the categories where the link is being referenced.

See also: Configuration | Users & Permissions

Name, URL, Description

The name, URL and Description of the link represent the “functional” part of any link as such. Link name and URL are the only two required fields.

Rating, Votes, Hits

Every link has three fields introduced for statistical purposes. Rating specifies link’s average rating given to it by users. Votes stands for the number of votes placed by users on that link and hits signifies the number of clicks through the link by the users. As an Administrator, you can set the initial values to any of these fields. “POP” and “TOP” markers are dynamically calculated by the system and are based on the rating, hits and votes.

See also: Configuration | Output

Date Created

Please, note that the link’s date field affects the “NEW” link marker.

See also: Configuration | Output

Editor’s Pick

A link marked as an Editor’s Pick will be displayed before all other links, no matter what field the sorting is done by. Editor’s Picks links also have a separate template and can be modified to look different from the rest of the links.

See also: Configuration | Output

Link Owner

Link owner field specifies the user who is the owner of the particular link. If end users are allowed to modify their links, this field will specify which user is allowed to modify the link.

Visible

The visibility field allows the Administrator to temporarily disable selected links. The disabled links will not be shown to the end user; however, the Administrator will be still able to see them. The disabled links are marked as such. A new link is visible by default.

Link Graphic

This field allows storing a link-specific image that can be displayed together with each link record. This functionality allows displaying link-specific logos, icons, photographs etc.

Custom Fields

Any link record offers up to six custom fields that could be customized for any purposes. The name, as well as the usage for those fields can be controlled through the Configuration.

See also: Configuration | Output

Add Category

Name, Description

The name, and Description of the category represent the “functional” part of each category. Category name is a required field.

Date Created

Please, note that the category’s date field affects the “NEW” marker.

See also: Configuration | Output

Category Owner

Reserved for future usage.

Editor’s Pick

Any category marked as an Editor’s Pick has a special marker “PICK” displayed next to it.

Permissions To Add Links To Category

This is a powerful feature of In-link that allows the Administrator to set category-specific permissions in order to restrict submitting of links by end users to designated categories. The permissions are divided into two parts: Registered Users and Not Registered Visitors. For each user type, adding of a link to a category can be either: a) Allowed only upon the approval of the Administrator (the added link becomes pending) b) not allowed at all c) added directly into the database. Please, note that the permissions are category specific and by default they inherit the permissions of the parent category.

See also: Configuration | Users & Permissions

Visible

The visibility field allows the Administrator to temporarily disable selected categories. The disabled categories will not be shown to the end user; however, the Administrator will still be able to see them. All disabled categories are marked as such. A new category is visible by default.

Category Graphic

This field allows storing a category-specific image that can be displayed for each category. This functionality allows displaying category-specific logos, icons, photographs etc.

Meta Keywords

This field allows Administrator to set category-specific META keywords that can be used for indexing purposes by search engines.

Meta Description

This field allows Administrator to set category-specific META description that can be used for indexing purposes by search engines.

Custom Fields

Any category record offers up to six custom fields that could be customized for any purposes. The name, as well as the usage for those fields can be controlled through the Configuration | Data Structure.

Edit Link

Functionality

Edit Link is identical to the Add Link screen allowing the Administrator to modify link-related data.

Edit Category

Functionality

Edit Category screen is similar to the Add Category screen, allowing Administrator to modify link-related data, except for:

Apply Category Permissions to Subcategories

In the edit mode you can force to apply the currently selected category-specific permissions to all the subcategories below that category (Recursive Permissions). Checking the box next to “Apply Category Permissions to Subcategories” will force all of sub categories’ permissions to be overwritten.

Even though it is a useful feature it also can be dangerous. Please, use caution when utilizing this feature as all of the subcategories’ permissions will get overwritten and the process is irreversible.

Move Link or Category

Links and categories may be easily moved to other categories within In-link. Moving a Category with links inside would move all of the sub categories and sub links within that category. You can move categories and links by licking on “Move” next to categories’ and links’ records. The updated screen will show a listing of available categories for the move. Simply browse to the appropriate category to select a new category for completing the move action and press “Move to this category”.

Delete Link or Category

Links and categories may be deleted from the system. If a category is deleted, all sub categories and links within that category are deleted as well. In-link will prompt you as and additional safety feature when deleting a category.

Please, use caution when deleting links and categories. No data can be recovered once deleted.

Reviews

Functionality

A link may contain user-written reviews associated with it. When clicking “Review” next to a link, a link detailed record will be shown containing a list of link reviews.

Add or Edit Reviews

Administrator can add a new review by pressing the “Add Review” button in any link detailed review record. Administrator can also edit reviews by clicking the “Edit” link under the specific review. Administrator can change the actual review text, date of the review and the user who submitted the review.

Delete Review

Administrator can delete any reviews by clicking the “Delete” link under the specific review.

Please, use caution when deleting reviews. No data can be recovered once deleted.

6.3    Data Validation

The administrative Data Validation section allows the Administrator to approve or deny pending categories, links, reviews and users; search the database for duplicate links; and validate existing links.

Pending Data

Pending Categories

Pending Categories screen allows the Administrator to view, approve, and/or deny pending categories suggested by end users. The “Select All” and “Unselect All” buttons allow for mass approvals/denials of categories. Depending on the e-mail settings, In-link can automatically send out e-mails for individual category approvals and denials upon adding them to the live database. Depending on the e-mail settings in the configuration, approving a category could send a custom e-mail message to the person who suggested it; mass approving selected categories, by default, simply adds them to the live database without sending out any messages. Denying a category allows you to send a custom e-mail to the person who submitted it; mass deleting selected categories simply deletes them from the pending list. The search, advanced search and sorting and ordering view options will only display pending categories.


See also: Configuration | Users & Permissions

See also: Configuration | Email

Once a pending category is deleted or denied, it cannot be recovered.

Pending Links

This screen allows the Administrator to view, approve, and/or deny pending links in the system. Similar to pending categories, “Select All” and “Unselect All” buttons allow for mass approvals and denials for pending links. Depending on the settings, In-link can automatically send out e-mail notifications for individual link approvals and denials upon adding them to the live database. Also, depending on the e-mail settings in the configuration, approving a pending link could send a custom e-mail message to the person who submitted that link; mass approving selected links, by default, simply adds them to the live database without sending out any messages. Denying a pending link allows you to send a custom e-mail to the person who submitted it; mass deleting selected links simply deletes them from the pending list. The search, advanced search and sorting and ordering view options will only display pending links, similar to pending categories.

See also: Configuration | Users & Permissions

See also: Configuration | Email

Once a pending link is deleted or denied, it cannot be recovered.

Pending Reviews

Allows the Administrator to view a list of links containing pending reviews. The reviews can be approved or denied in each link’s detailed reviews record.


See also: Configuration | Users & Permissions

See also: Configuration | Email

Once a pending review is deleted or denied, it cannot be recovered.

Pending Users

This allows the Administrator to view, approve, and/or deny user registrations. Pending users list shows the users that were successfully registered with the system and who are pending administrative approval in order to be granted access to the member restricted services. Each pending user can be edited, approved or denied. Depending on the configuration settings, In-link can automatically send out e-mail notifications to individual users upon their approval or denial and before adding them to the live database. Pending users can be sorted by their username, full name, e-mail, user status and by the date when they were added to the system. You can also search and conduct advanced search within the pending users list.

E-mail functionality allows the Administrator to send custom messages to a designated group of users (including pending users). This functionality is discussed more under Users & Permissions.


See also: Configuration | Users & Permissions

See also: Configuration | Email

Once a pending user is deleted or denied, it cannot be recovered.

Data Validation

Duplicate Links Check

The duplicate link check scans the current database looking for duplicate links with or without the same name and displays them to the Administrator. Editing the duplicate link will display all entries in the database with that link. Links may be deleted as seen fit. You can perform administrative tasks of editing and deleting for any links in the list.

See also: Links Validation

Links Validation

Links validation checks that every link within the database points to a an existing URL and is not a broken link. Links validation can be a lengthy process that can take a significant time on a large database. You can perform any administrative tasks of editing and deleting for any links in the list.

See also: Duplicate Links Check

6.4    Users & Permissions

Allows the Administrator to work with users registered in the system and with their access permissions. This section also has an e-mail utility that allows sending out custom e-mail messages to a selected group of users.

User List

Users & Permissions displays a list of all current users registered in the system. Pending users are not shown here. If a list of pending users is needed, see Data Validation. The list of users can be sorted by any field (by their username, full name, e-mail, user status and the date when they were added to the system) by clicking on the field title. A user may be edited or deleted by clicking the buttons to the right of the user data entry. The Administrator may search for current (non-pending) users with the simple search field.

Adding / Editing User

Username and Password

Username and the password are the only two required fields for users. Both need to be at least three characters long. In order to preserve the password when editing a user, leave the password field blank. Entering a new password into the password field will update the user record with that new password.

Username passwords are encrypted in the database and cannot be retrieved once lost. You can reset a user password in the user record by supplying a new password. This does not apply to the root Administrator user.

Permissions

Every user has a level of permissions associated with him. Currently, there three levels of users: 1) User – just a regular user allowed to use member services at the front-end 2) Admin – administrative user who is allowed access to the Administration Panel. 3) Mailing List – a user that belongs to the mailing list. By default a newly created user has “User” permissions (regular user allowed to use member services at the front-end).

Setting permissions incorrectly to Admin would grant administrative access to a regular user. Use caution and check permissions for every user in order to prevent that.

Enabled

The field allows the Administrator to temporarily disable selected users. The disabled users can be still seen by the Administrator, however the system will not allow any access for the disabled user. The disabled users are marked as such. A new user is enabled by default.

When a user is disabled, he is denied any access to the system.

Custom Fields

Any user record offers up to six custom fields that could be customized for any purposes. The name, as well as the usage for those fields can be controlled through the Configuration | Data Structure.

Search

Regular Search

Regular Search allows you to perform search within users by their username, full name, e-mail, user status and the date when they were added to the system. “Show All” button resets the search parameters to the full list of users.

Advanced Search

In order to perform advanced search on users, click on the “Advanced Search” link on the bottom of the main search box. Advanced Search allows you to perform field-specific and range search, as well as it allows you to specify the Boolean type of search and the number of results returned. Advanced search also allows you to search by the values of custom fields.

E-mail

E-mail functionality allows the Administrator to send custom messages to a designated group of users (including pending users). There four type of users (user groups) that you can e-mail to: 1) All Users – all the users in the system, including pending users. 2) Pending Users – only those users who are pending Administrator’s approval. 3)Admin – System Administrators 4) Mailing List – only the users who are registered for the mailing list.

By default, From field in the e-mail will be the name of the Administrator currently logged in (it can be changed just by typing in a new value), the reply-to address will be the address of the same user. All the fields are required, including subject and body. After filling out the e-mail message, press “Preview” button. It will allow you to preview the message and to send it.

Sending out e-mails can be a lengthy process that can take a significant time for a large list of users and itcan put significant stress on your server.

Some hosting providers may consider e-mailings generated by In-link as spamming. Please, consult your provider’s policy before using this feature.

6.5    Logs & Statistics

Logs & Statistics tracks many aspects of the In-link system and presents them to the Administrator via customizable reports.

Statistics

Number of Records

This field shows the total number of records in the database. The number of records is the sum of the number of categories, links, users, and many more internal In-link system fields. This number is to be used only as a gauge in estimating the database size.

Number of Links

This field shows the total number of links in all categories in the system.

Number of Pending Links

This field shows the total number of pending links in all categories in the system.

Number of Categories

This field shows the total number of all categories in the root and in other categories in the system.

Number of Pending Categories

This field shows the total number of pending categories in all categories in the system.

Number of Reviews

This field shows the total number of reviews for all links in the system.

Number of NEW Links

This field shows the total number of links marked as “NEW” in all categories in the system.

Number of NEW Categories

This field shows the total number of links marked as “NEW” in the root and all categories in the system.

Number of PICK Links

This field shows the total number of links that are marked as “Editor Picks” in all categories in the system.

Number of PICK Categories

This field shows the total number of categories that are marked as “Editor Picks” in the root and all categories in the system.

Number of POP Links

This field shows the total number of links that are marked as “POP” in all categories in the system.

Number of TOP Links

This field shows the total number of links marked as “TOP” in all categories in the system.

Number of Hidden Links

This field shows the total number of disabled links disabled by the admin in all categories in the system.

Number of Hidden Categories

This field shows the total number of categories disabled by the admin in the root and all categories in the system.

Number of Users

This field shows the total number of users registered in the system.

Number of Visitors

This field shows the total number clicks through the links in the system.

Number of Searches

This field shows the total number of searches in the system since you last reset the counter.

Total Link Hits

This field shows the total number of times links have been clicked on in the system.

Total Votes

This field shows the total number of votes cast for all links within the system.

Average Vote

This field shows the average vote submitted in the system.

Search Log

Search Log allows the Administrator to view various logged searches conducted in the system by the front-end users. This feature can be allowed to track down popular search keywords. Administrator can look up logs on both Simple and Advanced searches; a dropdown box presents the selection. By default, both simple and advanced searches are shown to the Administrator in the reverse chronological order. Clicking on a “Reset” button would clear the selected log. Also, please note that none of the administrative searches get logged in the database.

Simple Search

This allows viewing simple searches performed by the users of the frond end. Every search record contains the search keyword, table type, date and time of the search, search type. The list can be sorted by any of the fields from above by clicking on the appropriate field in the title.

Advanced Search

Advanced search is similar to the simple search, except it includes the entire search query in the keyword field. Every search record contains the search keyword, table type, date and time of the search, search type. The list can also be sorted by any of the fields from above by clicking on the appropriate field in the title.

It is a good idea to clear the search logs once in a while as they can grow large and take up unnecessary space on the server.

Reports

This is an extremely powerful feature of In-link that can also be extremely dangerous. This utility allows the Administrator to execute a custom SQL query against the database. This includes displaying SELECT query results in dynamically generated table, however, this also includes any action queries that can modify structure and delete tables. Please, use this feature at your own risk.

USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN USING THIS FEATURE. ENTIRE RECORDS CAN BE DELETED AND TABLES CAN BE DROPPED IF A DESTRUCTIVE QUERY IS EXECUTED!! ONLY USE THIS FEATURE IF YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH SQL AND ITS SYNTAX!!

6.6    Customization

Customization section of the Administration Panel can be used to customize your copy of In-link. It allows you to modify the layouts for the front-end of the system through themes, change languages and date format through the regional settings and extend the system functionality by including additional modules.

Themes

Themes represent the front-end layout (look and feel of your system that the end users will see). Themes are one of the strongest features of In-link. The entire front end is completely template-based, meaning that the entire engine's look and its output can be modified, customized and integrated into any web site. Themes are sets of template files and a cascading style sheet file that can all be edited in any text editor or by using the In-link’s built-in editor. The themes are located in "themes\" directory in your In-link directory. You can download new themes from our web site or add and modify your own. Just place them in their own directory under "themes\" and use this screen to switch between them.

 

Changing the current theme

Choose the desired theme from the dropdown list and click the “Load” button next to the dropdown list.

 

Editing a template within a theme

The theme containing the template to modify must be in the currently selected theme. If you need to change the theme, see changing the theme.

  1. Select the template you want to modify.
  2. Click the “Edit” button.
  3. The text of the template file is loaded into the editing textbox.
  4. Make and desired changes to the file.
  5. Click the “Update” button to save the file and start using the file immediately for all visitors. Click the “Preview” button to preview what the page will look like with your modifications without actually saving the file. Click the “Cancel” button to close the file without saving changes.

 

See also: Working with Themes

 

Please, note that switching to a different theme for modification purposes will also switch the entire system output to that theme.

Also, any changes made to the template file will be instantaneously reflected in the front-end layout of the system.

The preview button is designed only to preview the currently selected template and might not work correctly for some of the templates with advanced functionality or nested templates. Also, browsing while viewing a template preview within that preview is very likely to cause errors.

Regional

The regional customization page allows In-link to switch between different language sets, change the date format, and modify language files. Language sets are contained in the "languages\" directory. The entire system output is located in centralized language files that can be easily edited in any simple text editor or in built-in In-link’s editor. You can easily modify any system messages in the sets or even create your own language sets. You can even change the browser language encoding and the date format for the entire system. Additional language sets are available for download on the In-link site.

 

Changing the language set

Select the desired language set from the dropdown list and click the “Load” button next to the dropdown list in order to update it.

 

Changing the date format

Specify the date format for the output purposes and click the “Change” button next to the field in order to change the date format. Two most commonly used formats are American: “m-d-Y” and European: “d-m-Y”.

 

Editing a language file

The language set containing the file to modify must be in the currently selected language pack. If you need to change the language pack, See Changing the Language Pack.

 

  1. Select the file you want to modify.
  2. Click the “Edit” button.
  3. The text of the file is loaded into the editing textbox.
  4. Make and desired changes to the file.
  5. Click the “Update” button to save the file and start using the file immediately for all visitors and Administrators. Click the “Cancel” button to close the file without saving changes.

 

See also: Working with Language Sets

Please, note that switching to a different language for modification purposes will also switch the entire system’s output to that language, including the administration panel.

Also, any changes made to the language files will be instantaneously reflected in the front-end layout of the system.

Use caution if you are switching to a language you don't speak. The entire administration utility will be translated and you might have a problem changing it back.

Modules

Modules allow for the easy addition of new functionality to In-link. Modules can extend the functionality of your entire In-link system by allowing you to use custom tags in the templates. Adding this extra feature that your web site needs can be now done without having to modify any of the existing code. Just upload a new module to the “modules\” directory in your In-link directory and it will be automatically configured for the use with the system.

View the source of currently installed modules

Select the module from the dropdown list and click the “View” button next to the module.

 

Viewing module usage data

Once the module is selected it will give you instructions on the module usage.

See also: Working with modules

USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN USING MODULES AND PLEASE USE THEM AT YOUR WN RISK. MODULES HAVE ACCESS TO THE ENITRE IN-LINK SYSTME VARIABLES AND ROUTINES AND THE MUST BE WRITTEN IN A COMPATIBLE AND COMPLIANT FORMAT IN ORDER TO WORK PROPERLY WITH YOUR IN-LINK SYSTEM. DO NOT DOWNLOAD AND ISNTALL MODULES FROM AN UNTRUSTED SOURCE AS THEY CAN POTENTIALLY REPRESENT A HAZARDOUS SECURITY RISK FOR YOUR SITE. ALL THE MODULES DISTRIBUTED BY INTECHNIC CORPORATION WILL UNDERGO TESTS AND SECURITY CHECKS.

6.7    Configuration

Configuration section of the Administration Panel allows you to modify and configure many of the In-link’s system variables and settings.

Output

This part of the configuration section allows you to modify and specify the patterns and the settings used for determining how various system elements such as categories, links or reviews will be displayed to the front-end user. Upon the data update the changes will be reflected instantaneously throughout the system.

Categories

This section allows you to modify the settings for the output of categories.

Order Output By

Here you can change the default sorting algorithm for categories. You can sort categories by Name, Date, Description, User, Number of Subs, Permissions, Number of links, Visibility Factor, Editor's pick and Image. Note: depending on the layout of your template the users can override this setting for their viewing purposes.

Sorting

You can also change the default output order for categories to ascending or descending. Note: depending on the layout of your template the users can override this setting for their viewing purposes.

Break Up the Output Into # of Columns

Here you can choose the number of columns you would like to break the output for categories into. Note: that the categories are output in a table and are sorted top-to-down, left-to-right. The minimum value for this field is 0.

The Number of Days to Consider a Category New

This field allows you to set a time frame for a cut off based on which categories will have “NEW” marker displayed. The minimum value for this field is 0.

META Keywords

This allows you to specify default meta keywords that can be used for indexing purposes by search engines if a category does not have specific meta keywords in its record. Note: Category specific META tags will overwrite the ones specified here.

META Description

This allows you to specify default meta description that can be used for indexing purposes by search engines if a category does not have specific meta description in its record. Note: Similar to category specific META tags, category-specific meta description will overwrite the ones specified here.

Links

This section allows you to modify the settings for the output of links. Upon the data update the changes will be reflected instantaneously throughout the system.

Order Output By

Here you can change the default sorting algorithm for links. You can sort links by Name, Date, Description, User, URL, rating, Votes, Hits, Rating, Votes, Hits, Visibility Factor, Editor's pick and Image Note: depending on the layout of your template the users can override this setting for their viewing purposes.

Sorting

You can also change the default sorting order for links to ascending or descending. Note: depending on the layout of your template the users can override this setting for their viewing purposes.

Number of Resulting Links Per Page

Here you can and the default number of link results to display per page. Note: depending on the layout of your template the users can override this setting for their viewing purposes. Also, this setting is used to break up other elements’ listings into pages (such as reviews). Administration Panel also uses this value as the default value for displaying links, reviews, etc., for administrative purposes. The minimum value for this field is 0.

The Top Percent of Links Rated By Hits to Be Considered Popular

This field allows you to set the top percent of links rated by hits to be considered popular. This value is used to determine the cut off value based on which links will have a “POP” marker displayed. The minimum value for this field is 0.

The Top Percent of Links Rated By Votes to Be Considered Top

This field allows you to set the top percent of links rated by votes to be considered the most visited links. This value is used to determine the cut off value based on which links will have a “TOP” marker displayed. The minimum value for this field is 0.

The Number of Days to Consider a Link New

This field allows you to set a time frame for a cut off based on which links will have a “NEW” marker displayed. The minimum value for this field is 0.

Display Editor Picks before regular links

A link marked as an Editor’s Pick will be displayed prior to all other links in the system, no matter what the sorting algorithm is. (Sorting within the Editor Pick’s will be done according to the general sorting algorithm).

Use a separate template for Editor Picks

Editor Picks can use a separate template that allows modifying their layout in order to make them look different from the rest of the links.

Reviews

This section allows you to modify the settings for the output of categories. Upon the data update the changes will be reflected instantaneously throughout the system.

Order Output By

Here you can change the default sorting algorithm for reviews. You can sort reviews by Date, Description or User.

Sorting

You can also change the default sorting order for reviews to ascending or descending.

E-mail

This part of the configuration section allows the Administrator to set up some of the e-mail options to be used by the system. It allows to setup automatic e-mail notices that can be triggered by various actions and that prove to be very useful for maintenance tasks. Upon the data update the changes will be reflected instantaneously throughout the system

Root E-mail Address

This allows you to specify the root e-mail address, which is used as the default e-mail address for all of mass emailing, unless specified otherwise.

Administrator Notices

This option allows setting up automatic e-mail notices sent to the Administrator (address specified in the Root E-mail Address) that can be triggered by various user actions.

A new user is registered

This setting sends out e-mail to the specified Administrator in the event when a new user registers with the system.

A new link is added

This setting sends out e-mail to the specified Administrator in the event when a new link (pending or direct) is added to the system by an end user.

An existing link is modified

This setting sends out e-mail to the specified Administrator in the event when an end user modifies an existing link. (Either pending or direct modification)

A new category is suggested

This setting sends out e-mail to the specified Administrator in the event when a new category (pending or direct) is suggested by an end user.

A new review is added

This setting sends out e-mail to the specified Administrator in the event when a new link review (pending or direct) is added to the system by an end user.

 

User Notices

This option allows setting up automatic e-mail notices sent to the end user (e-mail address specified in the user profile) that can be triggered by various user or Administrator actions.

A new user is registered

This setting sends out e-mail to the user (e-mail address specified in the user profile) in the event when that user registers with the system.

A new user is approved

This setting sends out e-mail to the user (e-mail address specified in the user profile) in the event when the Administrator approves that user.

A new user is denied

This setting sends out e-mail to the user (e-mail address specified in the user profile) in the event when the Administrator denies that user.

A new link is added

This setting sends out e-mail to the user (e-mail address specified in the user profile) in the event when that user adds a link (pending or direct) to the system.

A new link is approved

This setting sends out e-mail to the user (e-mail address specified in the user profile) in the event when the Administrator approves the link submitted by that user.

A new link is denied

This setting sends out e-mail to the user (e-mail address specified in the user profile) in the event when the Administrator denies the link submitted by that user.

An existing link is modified

This setting sends out e-mail to the user (e-mail address specified in the user profile) in the event when that user modifies his link in the system.

A modification is approved

This setting sends out e-mail to the user (e-mail address specified in the user profile) in the event when the Administrator approves the link modification submitted by that user.

A modification is denied

This setting sends out e-mail to the user (e-mail address specified in the user profile) in the event when the Administrator denies the link modification submitted by that user.

Data Structure

This section of the configuration section allows you to modify the names for custom fields for categories, links and users. If those names are left blank then the values for the field names get automatically inserted from the language file. Upon the data update the changes will be reflected instantaneously throughout the system

Categories Custom Fields

This part allows you to name up to six custom fields for the use with categories.

Links Custom Fields

This part allows you to name up to six custom fields for the use with links.

Users Custom Fields

This part allows you to name up to six custom fields for the use with users.

Permissions and Users

This section of the configuration section allows you to set permissions on how elements such as categories, links and reviews get added into the database when submitted by the front-end users. Upon the data update the changes will be reflected instantaneously throughout the system.

Users

New User Registration

This field specifies the permissions when a new front-end user registers with the system. The new user can be either: a) Allowed in only upon the approval of the Administrator (the added user becomes pending) b) not allowed at all c) or added directly into the database.

Adding links to root category

This section allows the Administrator to set permissions for the root category in order to restrict submitting of links by end users to the root category.

Registered Users

The permissions for all registered users to add links to the root category can be set to the following: a) Allowed only upon the approval of the Administrator (the added link becomes pending) b) not allowed at all c) or added directly into the database.

Not Registered Visitors

The permissions for the visitors who are not registered with the system to add links to the root category can be set to the following: a) Allowed only upon the approval of the Administrator (the added link becomes pending) b) not allowed at all c) or added directly into the database.

Apply these permissions to all categories

You can use this feature to apply the currently selected permissions for adding to the root category to all subcategories below the root category (Recursive permissions on the entire system). Checking the box next to “Apply these permissions to all categories” will set the specified permissions to the entire system.

Even though it is a useful feature it also can be dangerous. Please, use caution when utilizing this feature as all of the category permissions in the entire system will get overwritten and are irreversible.

Suggesting a new category

This section allows the Administrator to set permissions for the end users to suggest new categories.

Registered Users

The permissions for all registered users to add categories can be set to the following: a) Allowed only upon the approval of the Administrator (the added category becomes pending) b) not allowed at all c) or added directly into the database.

Not Registered Visitors

The permissions for the visitors who are not registered with the system to add categories can be set to the following: a) Allowed only upon the approval of the Administrator (the added category becomes pending) b) not allowed at all c) or added directly into the database.

 

Reviews

This section allows the Administrator to set permissions for the end users to add link reviews.

Registered Users

The permissions for all registered users to add link reviews can be set to the following: a) Allowed only upon the approval of the Administrator (the added review becomes pending) b) not allowed at all c) or added directly into the database.

Not Registered Visitors

The permissions for the visitors who are not registered with the system to add link reviews can be set to the following: a) Allowed only upon the approval of the Administrator (the added review becomes pending) b) not allowed at all c) or added directly into the database.

Not allow multiple reviews from the same user for number of days

This feature specifies the number of days that the system would not allow multiple reviews to be submitted from the same user for the same link. This is done by tracking down the user’s IP address and storing it in the database for the specified number of days.

Votes

This section allows the Administrator to set permissions for the end users to place their votes for links.

Registered Users

The permissions for all registered users to vote for links can be set to the following: a) Allowed only upon the approval of the Administrator (the user becomes pending) b) not allowed at all c) or added directly into the database.

Not Registered Visitors

The permissions for the visitors who are not registered with the system to vote for links can be set to the following: a) Allowed only upon the approval of the Administrator (the user becomes pending) b) not allowed at all c) or added directly into the database.

Not allow multiple votes from the same user for number of days

This feature specifies the number of days that the system would not allow multiple votes to be submitted from the same user for the same link. This is done by tracking down the user’s IP address and storing it in the database for the specified number of days.

Security

This is the part of the configuration section that allows the system Administrator to change the Root Administrator password. The Root user overrides all of the other Administrators and cannot be deleted (it is built into the system). Upon the data update the changes will be reflected instantaneously throughout the system.

You need to specify the existing Root Administrator password in order to change it.

Please, exercise caution when changing the Root password. Your data cannot be recovered if the password is lost.

System

This section allows the Administrator to modify vital system settings. Normally, these settings are configured by the installation program and do not need to be modified.

General

These settings allow you to modify your general In-link settings.

Site Name

This field allows you to specify the name of the server where In-link is installed.

Site Address

This field specifies the server where In-link is installed. This is the information that you specified when you purchased In-link. You cannot change this information and if you need to modify this field, please contact In-link's customer support to reissue your license.

 

Database

In order for In-link to operate at all, it needs access to a MySQL database already setup and running on the server. Normally, the installation script already configured this information so you don’t have to update it unless you would like In-link to operate on a different database. (It needs to be an exact copy of the running database to prevent the program from crashing)

Please, exercise extreme caution when modifying the database settings. Your copy of In-link may stop functioning if the values are modified incorrectly.

Paths

There are two paths that you need to know in order for In-link to function properly. Normally, the installation script already configured this information so you don’t have to update it unless you moved In-link to a different location and would like to update the system path information.

In-link Server Path

The Server path is the actual path to the files on your server. This is the path you would see when navigating to the In-link files on your server ( Ex.: “/home/user/public_html/inlink/” ). On Unix/Linux you can see what this path is by typing in the command "pwd" in your shell session window (Telnet) while located in the same directory where In-link is.

URL Path

The URL path is the path that you would see in your browser address field; it is usually the URL path following your domain. (Ex.: for http://www.yourserver.com/inlink the URL path would be “/inlink/”).

Please, exercise extreme caution when modifying the system paths. Your copy of In-link may stop functioning if the values are modified incorrectly.

6.8    Backup & Import

This section of the Administration Panel allows you to perform various database maintenance and administration tasks such as database backup, restoration and data imports from other programs.

Backup

This part of the Backup & Import section allows you to do a complete backup of the data in your database. In order to backup your database, proceed to Backup | Backup & Restore and click on the “Backup your In-link database“ link. This will dump the entire database into a “dump.txt” file located in the “backup/” directory in your In-link directory. Please, make sure that the permissions are set to allow writing to that file.

We recommend that you backup your In-link database on a regular basis and download the backup files onto a different computer. By doing this on a regular basis, you can prevent an accidental data loss in case of a server failure.

Restore

This section of the Backup & Import allows you to restore the database from the backup file located in a “dump.txt” file in the “backup/” directory.

 PLEASE NOTE THAT RESTORING YOUR DATABASE WILL COMPLETELY WIPE OUT THE EXISTING DATABASE. PLEASE USE THIS FEATURE AT YOUR OWN RISK AND USE IT ONLY IN THE CASE OF A COMPLETE DATA LOSS WHEN YOU NEED TO RECOVER THE DATABASE.

Import

This section allows you to perform a data import from the earlier version of In-link and third party software. In order to proceed with the import, select the type of import and follow the instructions on the screen.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY DATABASE IMPORT WILL MERGE WITH YOUR EXISTING DATA AND IN SOME CASE RESULT CAN BE UNPREDICTABLE. PLEASE, ALWAYS PERFORM A COMPLETED DATABASE BACKUP BEFORE DOING ANY DATA IMPORTS.

In-link 1.x

This import utility allows you to import data from an In-link 1.x database.

Gossamer Threads Links 2.x flat-file

This import utility allows you to import data from a Gossamer Threads Links 2.x flat-file database.

Gossamer Threads Links 2.x SQL

Coming in version 2.1

Sentraweb Indexu 2.x

This import utility allows you to import data from an Indexu 2.x database.

Custom CSV file

Coming in version 2.1

6.9    License & Support

License & Support displays the registered user’s name, the registered server’s URL, and the registration number. This information is needed if you wish to contact Intechnic Technical Support. You cannot change this data.

License

Please, refer to the license section in this document.

Support

In-link Site - in-link.net

In-link's official site contains a lot of tools to make your experience with In-link even more enjoyable. Check out our web site regularly for new releases and downloads! If you are a registered user of In-link and would like to change your personal information such as username or password, please proceed to the support area of the In-link's site:

Support - intechnic.net/forum

If you are experiencing a problem with installation or customization of In-link, please use our online support forum to request assistance. Our support forums allow In-link users to interact with each other regarding support issues and other topics. Our customer service representatives provide service though the online forums that proved to be more efficient than e-mail support.

We encourage you to use our forums for all support-related issues except billing and registration. Even though we proudly uphold an excellent response time for customer support, the users on the support form might come to your assistance even faster!

If you need alternative ways to contact our support team for such issues as billing or registrations, go to:

in-link.net/support.php

Feedback - in-link.net/feedback.php

We, at Intechnic Corporation, are working very hard to bring you this wonderful product and to provide you with the highest quality service. At this point we are striving to build up In-link user community and would like to ask you to assist us in this endeavor. Please, be so kind to place your vote and to write a review for In-link at Hotscripts.com and PHP Resource Index by pointing your browser to the address on the right.

We also ask you to help us spread the word. Tell you friends about In-Link, let us know about web sites where you think we should register In-link, tell us about some of the ideas that you have for promoting In-Link, etc....

We are hoping that with your help we can create a community of thousands of developers and webmasters contributing to the development and support of this product.

Error Reporting

To report errors please use our support forum and our feedback page.

6.10   Help

Contains the file you are reading now.