xTasks Manual

Demo: here (username: demo, password: demo)
Download: here (registration and subscription req'd)
Forum: here
Module Library Entry: here
FAQ: here

I. Introduction

xTasks is a project and task collaboration tool. The revolutionary interface allows rapid organization of processes into hierarchical associations. This frees up the Project Manager to spend more attention on the project than on the tool. The features and functionality are an order of magnitude more sophisticated than traditional web-based task managers.

xTasks takes the place of Microsoft Project and Project Server, providing near-enterprise class project management without the brand markup.

xTasks was written for sites that function at least partially as an intranet. As a company site is integrated into the tool set of employees, a centralized method of task tracking and assignment provides businesses the mobility they need in order to succeed. Never before has this level of project management capability been openly available for use in a collaborative online environment.

In order to use xTasks, it must be installed on a web server that is running PHP4 and mySQL. Admin access to the PostNuke (v.7.2.6+) website is required in order to complete the installation, activation, and configuration of xTasks.

Integration with the labCategories module is optional, but recommended for providing task categorization and dynamic date form fields.

II. Installation and Activation

Step 1: Unzip the xTasks module directory to your site's modules folder (./modules/xTasks/*.*).

[this is typically accomplished by unzipping the download on a local PC and uploading the files using an FTP program such as WS_FTP or Macromedia Dreamweaver. In this case it is good practice to delete the previous module version prior to uploading the new one. Changes made to remote files using programs such as HTML-Kit will also change the file dates, which can prevent files in new releases from overwriting them]

Step 2: Go to your site'smoduleadminarea(./index.php?module=Modules&type=admin) and click 'Regenerate'.

Step 3: Scroll down to the listing for xTasks and click 'Initialize'.

Step 4: Scroll down to the listing for xTasks and click 'Activate'.

III. Configuration

The configuration page for xTasks may be accessed through the xTasks link in the admin area, or via the Options link in the xTasks menu. This is where global settings for the module are set.

The maximum number of subtasks levels to cascade indicates how many levels are available in the subtask depth dropdown. If the module begins using a significant portion of CPU, notching back the maximum cascade can help.

The date format dropdown provides a number of presets for use within the module.

If the value to truncate brief task name lengths by is available, task names will be shortened to this length.

Since there is no parent for root level tasks, the default priority will be 1 unless a different default priority is specified in the config.

Task background colors can also be specified in the config, using standard color hex values. The task display background, and the background color for the first several subtask levels displayed may be explicitly specified in the module config.

xTasks utilizes the labCategories module to handle task types as categories. To make use of this feature, make sure that the labCategories module is installed properly and create a new root level category for xTasks with appropriate sub-categories. Then proceed to the xTasks config page, select the category, and update the settings. Afterwards, the category list specified will be available for selection in the task creation and modification forms. The categories are for use in organizing projects and tasks by phase, department, component, or any other schema that is desired. Task type sets that work with labCategories data loader will be available soon.

The date fields for each task use labCategories to provide an API connection to the JS Calendar. This will enable rapid and intuitive date selection where needed.

IV. Menu Options

The xTasks menu has several options available in it depending on what level of access you have.

View Base Panels - A list of all root level tasks with options to edit and organize each.

New Base Panel - Create a new root level project or task list.

Settings - Modify various aspects of the task, subtask, and gantt displays.

Config - This link allows access to the xTasks configuration page.

V. Creating Your First Project

A project is comprised of a project task that contains any number of subtasks that serve to break up the project into managable parts. Access the new root task form by selecting Add Base Task from the menu on the xTasks Admin page.

If this task is being created under an existing task, it will indicate which task serves as the parent.

Each task must have a name. This can be a descriptive title for the task or a categorical. There is a 255 character limit to the task name. All additional textual information can be stored in the task description field.

If labCategories is available and a task type list is specified, that list will be available in a dropdown. If a new category is needed for organization, create a task to serve as the ad hoc category. Due to this, task types are expected to serve as global reporting values for a company.

When a task list is displayed, and the verbose flag is set, the task description will display. HTML content may be used, but may interfere with layout.

The priority for tasks is between 1 and 9, with 1 being the higher priority. The priority value in the new task form will be the same as it's parent (or the configured root default). Move this value closer to 1 to move it to the top of the list, and move it closer to 9 to move it further down the list.

A new task may be created already closed. This is for creation of completed items, perhaps as subtasks of an assigned task that has been completed.

Tasks may be assigned to other registered site members. The list of available members to assign a task to is based on the group membership(s) of the current user. If the current user is not a member of a group other than the site default Users group, then their dropdown will be comprised of all registered site members. If the user is a member of ANY other groups, then that group (or groups) will be used to populate the assigned to dropdown.

The estimated hours indicate how long the task is expected to take to complete. If a task is being created closed, the hours planned should also be used for the hours spent.

The date that a task is due by will default to the parent task end-date unless otherwise specified. Almost any date format may be entered in (or a date may be selected from the jscalendar) and it will be translated to a standard format and stored.

Any additional information about the task can be stored in the description field.

Other task fields must be accessed from the task editing form.

VI. Sub-Task List Details

* view all accounts that the current user is the owner of

*

VII. Other Task Fields

* view all accounts that the current user is the owner of

* summary includes account name, type, id, number, balance, number of subaccounts, and options to edit or delete the account

Other task fields must be accessed from the task editing form.

VIII. xTasks Settings

* view all accounts that the current user is the owner of

Other task fields must be accessed from the task editing form.

Other task fields must be accessed from the task editing form.

IX. xTasks Blocks

Other task fields must be accessed from the task editing form.

xTasks is a Xaraya module.