Content Management Systems (CMS) allow the client to manage routine updates once the website is complete. A site might be designed to allow the client, without any knowledge or experience in HTML, to update such things as contact information, event schedules and other content that changes frequently.

Content Management Systems (CMS) allow the client to manage routine updates once the website is complete. A site might be designed to allow the client, without any knowledge or experience in HTML, to update such things as contact information, event schedules and other content that changes frequently.

There are lots of CMS systems out there, and several of them don't cost anything. Choose which one to used based on the website you need. This does not list them all. There are a great number of very good Content Management Systems out there from which to choose. Look at the author's websites to make certain that the CMS you opt for is right for your requirements.

Joomla is incredibly versatile. You can use it for almost any kind of website. It doesn't matter whether you are talking about a personal website or a business site (whether large or small), online publications or even an E-commerce site (however, if you are dealing with an e-commerce site, you may fare better with a dedicated e-commerce package like Zen Cart or osCommerce). Joomla is not difficult to install and, if the web host offers Fantastico, the setup can be completely automated.

PHP-based Website Baker affords a lot of design simplicity. Since it is PHP based, you have the ability to play with the page to make it look like what you want if either you are fairly competent with PHP or if you want to pay a PHP programmer (which might turn out to be less expensive and easier than you might think -- check out guru.com). There are a lot of add-ons that can be installed on a Website Baker site including, for example, photo albums, a message board, a catalog, an online payment option, etc.

Drupal. Unless you have been specially trained for Drupal, you probably don't want to even consider it. They even tell you on their website that there is a big learning curve.

Mambo is extremely popular since it is easy to use and versatile. A variety of themes are offered and with slight changes, you can create a great website with little stress.

phpWebSite is great and can be used for many things. A document manager, calendar, form generator, polling system and photo album are all available as add-ons. As is the case with the acquisition of all new information, Content Management Systems involve a specific learning curve. Some PHP knowledge is required in order to do most customizing.

< Prev		Next >