Hi all, <background> Relative newbie to Linux/web systems administration. Running 3 Mac web servers and 2 LinuxPPC Mac Workgroup Servers for a small university. The newest LinuxPPC server I set up myself. Been looking for a possible solution to the updating of the university web site that would allow people to change their content without having to teach them all HTML issues. Like the idea of separating the presentation from the content with authorization. Like Open Source philosophy. Found Zope (and from it found Python). Python looks pretty cool and even understandable by mere mortals (at least 40 year old mere mortals who have only learned "structured programming" [on Turbo Pascal] within the last year). Last Friday I figured out how to update my Python 1.5.1 to 1.5.2 using RPM. Also, couldn't find a LinuxPPC RPM of Zope 2.1.2, so got some instructions on making one from the src. Did it and installed it (I think). </background> <tendencies> My problem is that my desire to do what's "right" often (usually) runs ahead of my ability to actually understand what I am getting into. (tendencies.examples.mod_perl: my Apache 1.3.9 is running mod_perl 1.21 but the complicated script I downloaded to run on it does funny things under Apache:Registry that I can only perceive through a heavy mist. But, I digress...) </tendencies> <question> How do you experienced Python/Zope sages recommend someone like me scale the foothill of the proverbial learning curve? Are you in favor of heaving me into deep end of the pool with no life preserver to thrash about until I sink or swim...or are there some nice Red Cross lessons given by leggy bronzed blonds to guide me along a progressive path of ever-increasing confidences? (Jeez, I musta forgot to take my afternoon Ritalin!) I've read the excellent HowTo: by anser on "Using Apache with ZServer (not Zope.cgi)" http://www.zope.org/Members/anser/apache_server and from what I've read, it sounds like the best of all worlds performance-wise. I think I even understand everything he is saying to do. (I don't think I have mod_proxy compiled in, but that's fixable). Problem is, I haven't even fired up Zope yet and wonder if I should try it some simpler way first, before getting into all of that. Is it necessary for me to delve into Python before learning Zope's ropes? Opinions/recommendations, anyone? </question> Please cc me when replying to the list...I'm on digest mode. Many thanks! Darren Addy University of Nebraska at Kearney