Unit5Assignment5--Drupal module install

After reviewing available modules from Drupal, my experimental content management system, I decided to download the "Avatar Selection" module. I chose this module because, at first glance, it seemed relatively straightforward. It did not have any dependencies with other prerequisite modules. After I installed the module, I discovered otherwise during configuration in the Drupal interface.

I downloaded the module using the VMWare CLI to 1) download the tar file, 2) unpack the tar file, and 3) move the unpacked file to the /var/www/drupal/modules directory. This went well. Afterwards I went to the Drupal GUI and activated the module under Administer >> Site Building >> Modules and checked the "Avatar Selection" box under "Other". After enabling the module, I got a message in green text at the top notifying me that I had to enable the "Picture Support" setting at Administer >> User Management >> User Settings. So after I did that, I needed to create a directory in Ubuntu using VMWare to hold the pictures that users select for their avatars.

I had to look back at the instructions for the Image module installation to create a storage directory. The commands were as follows:

$ sudo mkdir /var/www/drupal/sites/default/files/avatar
$ sudo chmod o+w /var/www/drupal/sites/default/files/avatar

After creating the directory, I tested the avatar selection module by selecting the URL pathway to a default image for users. The image I chose was a JPEG of my Italian Greyhound, Coco. I copied and pasted the URL from the JPEG had posted earlier using the Image module into the "Default picture" box. I also increased the maximum file size and picture dimension settings, just in case. The module seems to have worked because when I click on "My Account" my user profile now has my dog Coco as the avatar image.

The Avatar Selection module does not necessarily enhance the search or retrieval capabilities of my digital collection, but it does add some style and user interaction to the interface. I consider this part of personalizing the collection building process and user interface, which is fitting because my digital collection is inherently personal as it is self-archiving of my own portfolio of graduate work.