If you were to submit a blank form for example, on the first and last name, it says: This field is required. This field is required. How do I either get it to show one name box (as a full name) or to get it to say, First and Last name are required. Also, is there a way that instead of having the error messages next to that particular field, it has any errors in a box at the top of the page, eg: Errors: First name and Last name are required, Address is incomplete etc
Last is possible if you will disable javascript validation in signup.html template. (Remove $("#signup").validate() block. Other can be done with javascript code customizations.
I'm new with Php, could you possibly post a sample code that I could use on signup.html template that will put a block at the top with any errors?
Validation is done using jQuery validate plugin. That plugin allow to change error placement element and specify whatever you need. have a look: http://docs.jquery.com/Plugins/Validation/validate
Not sure I've understood. Plugin itself can be found in /application/default/views/public/js/jquery/jquery.validate.js