| Links
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A Brief Description
What the developer says:
‘A complete links directory system modelled after Yahoo and inspired by The CGI Resource Index. Keep track of new links, popular links, categories, sub-categories and more! An SQL version is also available for $450 for very large and high-traffic sites.’ What I say:
‘Links 2.0 is an extremely powerful system for managing link directories. As the developers say, ‘It is modelled after Yahoo and inspired by The CGI Resources’ so as you can imagine. It’s absolutely ideas for creating Yahoo like directories of your favourite links.’ Overview
I first came into contact with Links some time ago, it was when I first wanted to create a directory of CGI resources (now The CGI-Index.com) that I went looking for such a script but sadly I never actually got the program to work. Back then it never even crossed my mind that they may actually offer support for such a program. That was back in the days of version 1.1. I later decided to have another go with it once I’d developed my CGI knowledge and version 2.0 had been released and I got quite a shock. What was before me was this incredible system for managing all my links. I then learnt that installation wasn’t the hard part with Links, it was the customisation and management which took quite a while. Not because it was hard, just because to create a decent design and manage such a resource efficiently takes time. As the popularity of my site increased I went on to add various customised features. When I first began I was absolutely dreading it but I found it extremely easy. The Links web site contains a directory of over 200 modifications for Links to improve the general look and functionality of the scripts. Features
After a very brief look at the Gossamer-Threads web site you notice instantly, just how customisable Links 2.0 actually is. Not just design wise, but in functionality. Their are modifications for just about everything you could dream of. Apart from the general flexibility of Links, it offers a great number of facilities such as link owner mailing lists and general visitor mailing list management. It even offers a ‘Rate It’ feature so visitor may give each individual link a rating. Along with these very powerful tools theirs the basic ability of Links to hold an unlimited number of categorised links. Gossamer-Threads even offer a SQL power version of the script for when your directory reaches 4000+ links to speed up searching capabilities. The script also offers handy features such as the build facility. This simply generates all the link listings and category pages as HTML files for the simple reason that when popularity of the listings increase, the demand on the server increases so HTML is generally better than CGI for displaying content that doesn’t change regularly. Modification
As mentioned above, Links 2.0 is a very easy script to modify. With the directory of modifications it makes it very easy to make your site extremely powerful. The script also offers two methods of template creation (for setting how pages look). The original method of editing the CGI file which actually wasn’t too tricky. Or the HTML file version, where you simply need to edit HTML templates to suit your design needs. Both are very easy though the script modification allows for a lot more flexibility. Support
Gossamer-Threads, the developers of Links 2.0 offer very good online support via their discussion forum. Their email support is also very good, however, improved support is available when purchasing a commercial license of Links costing $150. Which is a pretty good price considering just how good the coding is. Conclusion
All in all Links 2.0 is a very good script and most definitely the best in it’s field. However, I do feel their is need for modification. Their are still a couple of features such as link commenting and category suggestion/validation which I feel should be added. Though modification are available for such features, they don’t offer all the abilities that I personally desire and are a little tricky to incorporate into a running system. Though in general, Links is an extremely good script and well worth the $150 license, though it remains free for non-profit, government, academic and personal use.
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| Homepage | http://www.gossamer-threads.com/ |
| CGI-Index.com Listing | http://www.CGI-Index.com/Detail/264.html |
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| Version Reviewed | 2.0 |
| Software Cost | Free ($150) |
| Software Author | Gossamer-Threads |
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| Review Rating (by visitors) | 
Rating: 9.00 Votes: 1 |
| Rate It |
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| Review Author | Neil Skirrow |
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| All reviews listed on CGI-Index.com are written by individuals who are not associated with the script developer, they are an independent view of the software from one individual's point of view. If you disagree, please submit your own review. |
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