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24

Configuring Contacts

One of the most important functions of any website is providing information for contacting the site's owner, either to get more information, ask questions, report something not working correctly, or to just provide encouragement and support. Joomla comes with a contact component, which includes a contact form that makes it quick and easy to set up a contact page.

A component is another type of extension, just as a module is an extension. However, a component fills the space where the articles normally appear on your website. There can only be one component on each page. Components are displayed by making a menu link to them.

A contact form is very useful functionality to include on the website, rather than displaying your e-mail address. First, by putting your e-mail address on the website, spammers may copy it and subscribe you to all kinds of mailing lists. By using a form, you don't have to display your e-mail address, thereby avoiding this problem. Second, many people are using online programs for their e-mail these days, such as Gmail, Yahoo's e-mail, and other kinds of web-based e-mail. Clickable e-mail links aren't compatible with these online e-mail programs, but forms work just fine for sending a message. Forms are also great if someone is accessing your website from a venue where they may not have e-mail access via Outlook, Eudora, or other e-mail programs.