Performing first steps
This topic provides links to learning topics and specific tasks to help you get started using the portal.
- Learn about the First Steps Launcher
- Learn about the default portal
- Administer the portal
- Add users
- Change the look of the portal
- Integrate your business
- Develop your own portlets
Step
1: Learn about the First Steps Launcher
What is the First Steps Launcher?
First Steps provides a place from which to launch the WebSphere Portal and to view the WebSphere Portal documentation. You can return to it anytime you like.
How do I find the First Steps Launcher?
The First Steps Launcher is available on Windows and Linux.
- Windows: From the Start menu, click Start > Programs > IBM WebSphere > Portal Server > First Steps
- Linux: Load the <wp_root>/firstStep/index.hta file in a browser.
Step
2: Learn about the default portal
What is the default portal?
After you install and configure WebSphere Portal, a default portal is set up and ready to use. This default portal provides a good example of the user interface design and functions that you can employ for your own portal.
How do I learn more about the default portal?
A good way to learn more about the default portal is to launch it and navigate the portal user interface. A tutorial topic is provided that steps you through launching and navigating the default portal.
What portlets come with the default portal?
WebSphere Portal comes with many ready to use portlets and samples. Review the list of installed portlets and samples for more information.
- Installed portlets
- Business portlets
- Collaborative portlets
- Cooperative portlets
- Struts Portlet Framework examples
- Install a portlet and adding it to a page
Step
3: Administer the portal
What is involved in administering the portal?
As an administrator, you have special permissions that allow you to edit and customize the portal to your specific needs.
How do I learn more about administering the portal?
Additional information is provided in the Administering section.
- Before you start administering your portal
- Managing pages, layout, and content
- People awareness
- Portal configuration
Step
4: Add users
What is involved in adding users?
As an administrator, you have special permissions that allow you to new users and assign them to groups.
How do I learn more about adding users?
Additional information is provided in the Security concepts section.
Step
5: Change the look of the portal
How can I change the look of the portal?
You can change the look of the portal by altering the theme and skin. You can change other visual elements of the portal, but have a basic understanding of JSPs, servlets, and CSSs.
Where do I find more information?
You can find more information in the Portal look and feel section and in the Layout of the portal page section.
- Create your own theme
- Create your own skin
- Supporting for new clients
- Supporting new markup languages
- Portal style classes
- Change company information
- Change the portal page help
- Working with portal navigation
Step
6: Integrate your business
What is involved in getting my business integrated?
Use the many templates, portlets, samples, and applications provided to get started integrating your business.
How do I learn more about integrating my business?
Additional information is provided in the Integrating your business section.
- Using portlet templates
- Importing content from other sites
- Integrating business processes
- Downloading third party portlets
Step
7: Develop your own portlets
What is involved in developing portlets?
As an administrator, you have the ability to create, compile, test, and deploy portlets.
How do I learn more about developing portlets?
Additional information is provided in the Developing portlets section.
WebSphere is a trademark of the IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.
IBM is a trademark of the IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.