It's finally here!

Joomla! 1.5 installation manual is now available online here: Joomla! 1.5 Installation Manual
A downloadable .pdf is also available here.

Development continues on Joomla! 1.5, the next highly anticipated release is not far away from being stable. Thanks for all your support in helping to make Joomla! one of the worlds most popular content management systems.

In other news, check on the new Joomla! Perfomance/Page cache website here: www.joomlaperformance.com

So, it's what everyone wants, a fast site, and one that looks good. Where do you start, there is just so much out there? Hopefully the following may be helpful:

First off, one component I have tested extensively is IRCMaxell's Page Cache. This component is a must to help speed up page loading on your Joomla site. I've tested it on smaller shared hosting sites and all the way up to large sites running on dedicated servers. So, for that fast site, head over to www.ircmaxell.com and download page_cache today.

 Of course there are plenty of other factors that contribute to website speed. Be sure to let me know if you think you'd be interested in more information and assistance on Joomla website optimization/speed by leaving a comment below.

Next, you want a site that looks good, so where do you start? I've got two suggestions to share today: 

Well, to start with you need a nice, smart and professional template. We use and recommend www.rockettheme.com - head over and take a look at their demo today.

Something else to consider, is a smart looking photo gallery. One I've recently been using is Expose. Actually, while over in the USA recently, I met the developer. Take a look at the demo here, it is in my opinion the smartest photo gallery available for Joomla. Download it from here on Joomlacode today. Some nifty modules that scroll images etc are also available.

Well, that is a few tips and suggestions from people and information I have come across in recent months. Until next time, have fun out in the Joomlasphere.