How to setup and install phpBMS web Invoice software

I am going to try and go through the software I have decided to go with my company. I find the software at first is a bit overwhelming. That being said I find that it is really nice to work with and love that I can access it from anywhere!

Things you will need:

1. Web Server (Apache)
2. PHP Installed on the Webserver
3. Database Software installed on the webserver
4. phpbms 0.98

You can install it on the web if you want to access it from anywhere. That being said there is nothing stopping you from installing XAMPP locally and running the software like it was a local app.

This blog post will go over most things. I am going to assume that you have at least some knowledge with installing web software like wordpress, joomla or drupal. I am also going to assume that you have some experience making databases. I’ve already setup the database on my web server. If you haven’t done it now I would suggest you go make one call phpbms and give it a password. I am going to assume the database and admin user will be called the same. If you want to do something different then be my guest.

1. First thing you will need to do is download the latest copy of phpbms. Here’s a good place to start. Download PHPBMS
2. Save the file and expand the zip file. If you want to have the program open in a different folder rename the phpbms folder right now. For this example I will rename the folder to: “invoice”.

In the root of the folder  make a copy of “defaultsettings.php” and name it “settings.php”.

In the settings.php file make the needed entries regarding your MySQL info. Unfortunately I can’t give out my info. The lines should be pretty self explanatory.

Upload the renamed file to the root of your web host. I typically do this by via a FTP program like FileZilla. Once uploaded we should lock down your settings file. In FileZilla right click on settings and make sure that these settings are configured.

Let’s start the install

First off let’s go to the install directory: http://domain.com/invoice/install/

You should see something similar:

Test the connection to make sure that everything was done properly. If it does not work it means that there is an error in your settings.php file. Did you remember to save it?

You will be given the username and password.

Go to http://domain.com/invoice/ and log in.

Go to “System” – “Configuration”

Go to “Sales”-“Tax Areas”

Go to “Product” – “Products”.

We’re going to remove shipping address from receipts and invoices. Click on “System” – “Reports”

Change “rightTopBox” to “noshow”

You should now remove admin user and create a new one. You can do that under “Account” – “Users”.

Voila!  You are done. There are a few other items that you can setup regarding the security of the website. I hope to make a post on those items soon as well.