I’m often asked where I go to get free PHP scripts. As a designer, rather than a programmer I don’t like spending much time scripting. Even though I am an adequate programmer, I generally look for free scripts and resources that I can tweak to suite my needs. There are several resources available on the internet and my favorite by far is the PHP Resource Index .

The index has been around since the early days of the internet. I first became aware of the index as the CGI Resource Index, and after making the switch to PHP in most of the code that I write, I decided to start using the PHP Resource index instead.

At the time of writing this there are 4,556 PHP scripts and bits of code listed in 285 categories at The PHP Resource Index. It is an invaluable resource and a great place to find free PHP scripts that you can tweak to meet your needs.

Okay, I lost my IP address and am in the process of setting up my home network. I need to configure the router and since I lost the IP address I am unable to connect. How do I resolve this problem? Well, the answer is pretty simple. Here are my options:

1. Try the standard defaults:
   • 192.168.1.1
   • 192.168.0.1
2. Reset the router to the factory defaults:
   • If you are starting from scratch this is easy. Simply press the “factory default” or “reset” button. You will probably need to go to the company’s website to find out what the default settings are. For Netgear the default router settings are usually admin/password. Once you are into your router it is highly recommended that you change your default passwords. You don’t want hackers getting into your system and changing your settings!
3. Go to the command prompt and enter the command “ipconfig”:
   I know, most people are scared of using the command prompt. But don’t worry it is easy.
   • Go to your Start Menu
   • Click on Run
   • Enter the command “cmd” — “cmd” opens a little window and you should be looking at something that looks like an old-shool DOS computer screen (black with white letters – remember way back in the day!).
   • Once you have this open, enter the command “ipconfig”
   • If you router is connected you should see some info.
     • IP address, is the IP address of your local computer.
     • Default Gateway, is the IP address or your router.

Once you have the default IP address all you need to do to connect to your router is:

1. Be sure you have you Ethernet cable (LAN connection) plugged into your computer and back into the router.
2. Entering the IP address from the information you gathered above. This should bring up a login screen — Enter your user name and password and you are in!