Portal/Design issues

[Fayz Nation]

On my SMF 2.0.2 forum
I am trying to set up a portal similar to how it is on my soon to be trashed mybb forum

located at
http://www.fearthefayz.com


I want to have a similar portal like the one on mybb but i have no idea how to do it.
I installed Simple Portal but i am not seeing a way to do anything. Like i said i just to have something
that shows simple stuff such as recent posts, etc. etc. etc.

my smf site is
http://www.enterthefayz.com


2. Also, how do i add custom links at the top of the page. If you look at my mybb forum, i am able to add custom links at the top of the page with the other links.

3. How do i remove the search bar at the top where it says Enter the fayz? I want to be able to extend my banner completely across the top where the links are. As of right now, i can only make the banner go as far as it currently is and i want it to go all the way over.

4) This is mainly a question....Do tiled backgrounds such as the one i have on my smf site look bad? Idk why but i just always thought tiled backgrounds like awful. Is there a way to not make it tile

I am a novice at this stuff!
thanks for your help and reading

 

[NBK*Twitch]

If you are using simple portal to add custom blocks you need to do this.

Go to Admin CP > Simple Portal > Blocks > Ad Blocks

From here you can choose from several pre made blocks such as newest posts. Or make your own custom blocks.

To order these blocks how you want go to

Admin CP > Simple Portal > Blocks > Block List

From there you move them.

2. See here for adding custom menu items - http://www.simplemachines.org/community ... c=261880.0

3. You would have to edit the index.template.php

4. Some works others don't.