Those who've been on the web a while have heard of the program I am reviewing this month. G-T's Links has grown over the years as the "best-in-class" directory management program. If you are starting small, their flat-file Links v2.0 is the way to go, larger sites and directories would want to go with their more robust Links SQL package - a bit pricey, but worth the investment.Demo ::
http://www.ubbdev.com/members/links/
Features ::
Both Links and Links SQL are not inexpensive investments for your site, but in this case you get what you pay for. There are literally pages and pages of features contained within these 2 programs.
Basic key features of both include: powerful admin functions including full database control and maintenance, complete customization, link validation, and the ability to build static html pages to reduce server load. Full feature sets can be found here:
Links 2.0 : http://www.gossamer-threads.com/scripts/links/features.htm
Links SQL : http://www.gossamer-threads.com/scripts/links-sql/features.htm
Purchase ::
Handled straightforward from their own site. Pay by credt card and get immediate access to those scripts you have just purchased.
Installation ::
Again, simple basic installation takes less than an hour and you are up and running.
Performance ::
Performs well, it builds static pages, so server load isn't heavy at all. Links SQL can be set to either dynamic or static.
Cons ::
Could use a better interface to customize the header/footer for all pages - a way to include a header/footer/header_insert (ala UBB) would be a tremendous help. On larger links databases, the "build" function sometimes stalls, tho rebuilding will fix this. A way to integrate with UBB membership and built-in password protestion of the admin pages (especially) are needed as well.
Scoring ::
Overall, an A-. An excellent program in need of a few tweaks.
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