I'd like to build a site like the link below. Is there a template that would help me do this?

r.

http://www.devshed.com/c/b/PHP/

This site looks like something XOOPS could easily copy. I would start by browsing the themes library to see something that looks like a good starting point.

You will probably be using the news module on the front page, left and right centre columns, advanced spotlight module to display stories and a few custom blocks.

Very possible, just plan your ideas carefully first.

BTW the site you posted as an example does not scale properly to 100% page width! Don't copy that bit

Thanks, just wanted to make sure it was possible.

One question: why would you use the spotline feature of news module, instead of the base news module function?

Oh, and those anyone have any tips on a particular theme?

R.

The Superspotlight module offers some intersting features to highlight several stories from your news etc.

How and if you use this is up to you, it's only an idea. Looking at the sample site you gave, you ned to maximise your use of center_right and center_left blocks in order to get the divide in the page content.

This will probably take some experimenting with in order to get sizing correct.

You also need to choose a theme that demonstrates how to use a tabbed header, if you want to persue that idea. Many themes use tabs, so have a good look in the library.

For certain you will need to adjust and build on any base theme to get just the right functions and look.