Currently doing project for my local client its an existing Content Management System (CMS) created using Joomla, they design this site base on their product marketing style and they just want to add a shopping cart functionality. This is a starting company with limited budget so I need to find a cost effective Open source or free extension for joomla since they don’t want to migrate to new system. There are tons of shopping cart extension for Joomla but I find more positive reviews about Virtuemart an Ecommerce Component for Joomla.

All about Joomla Extension
Before we proceed installing our VirtueMart Shopping cart let me discuss the types of extension Joomla uses

Type of Extensions

Component : Mini-application to render the main page body, usually the file name are with COM_componentName.zip

Modules : renders small html blocks on any page, usually the file name are with MOD_moduleName.zip

Plugin : Changes code behavior dynamically

Language : Provides language translation.

Since VirtueMart pass all the check list above. Now, I want to share how I setup and configure Virtuemart inside Joomla.

VirtueMart is a PHP-based Shopping Cart Application for selling goods over the internet. It’s a Component (= plugin) for a Content Management System called Joomla! (and Mambo) and can’t be used without Joomla!. Before I decide to use any component or plug-ins for my projects I always check this list first.

You can download the latest release of VirtueMart just click here :

Complete Package for Joomla 1.5

 Unpack that archive using WinRAR or a similar Archive Software (7-zip).

After you have download the package you need to unzip and you should now see some directories:

Installing VirtueMart 

After logging to the administration area go to the extensions tab and click “Install/Uninstall”.
 From this page you have three options; upload package file, install form directory, or install from URL.

Upload Package File: for this option all you have to do is browse for the extension on your computer then after selecting your file all you have to do is press the “Upload File & Install” button and you’re done.

Install from Directory: This option will find the file in a directory of your web server which you can place there using an FTP server or just placing it there if your sever is locally hosted.

Install from URL: This will install your extension from any URL as long as you give the full URL. (ex: http://domainname.com/your_extensionname.zip) The only problem with this option is depending on your connection speed and file size it can take quite a while to retrieve the file from an external site, which could cause installation issues.

Installing VirtueMart Component

Installing VirtueMart Plugins

Installing VirtueMart Modules

Adding Products

Conclusion

VirtueMart is packed full of features like unlimited catagory depth, custom attributes, user/group management, discount coupons, multiple shipping zones and rates, file download functionality (for selling MP3 etc), image management and payment modules built in. It’s quite powerful straight off the shelf. Distributed under the GPL license and has a good open support network.

Book for reference
E-Commerce with VirtueMart