If HTML isn't your thing and you're planning a
website with lots of content, you might want
to consider using a "Content Management System,"
also known as CMS. With CMS, content is stored
in a database away from the site's templates,
which makes it impossible to destroy the design
structure of the site when editing.
CMS systems allow anyone to edit his or her
website, regardless of technical skill level.
Pages can be added or changed easily without
knowing any intricate coding. Many websites
that use CMS resemble a portal design. This
type of system also works well if multiple
people or departments will be making updates
to the website.
Most CMS systems must be installed on your
web server and require that PHP and usually
MySQL also to be installed. Once you decide
that CMS is for you, you'll need to decide on
which software you'll want to use. Many content
management systems are "open source," which means
there is no charge to use them and most come
with complete documentation for setup and use.
Most all of them also offer support forums if
you run into problems when installing or you
need to ask a specific question.
Let's take a look at some of the more popular
CMS options available:
Small open source program that's less then 50KB.
It's free to use but contains a link back to
CMSimple's website. If you're willing to pay
$40.00 to register the software, you can remove
it.
This program is written in PHP and runs on Linux
and Windows32. It does not need a database as the
entire site is stored in one simple HTML file.
Free again and open sourced software that comes
with a list of default plug ins such as calendars,
forums, guestbooks, polls and more. This software
is not for the faint of heart, as there are many
customization features along with a big learning
curve.
Requiring PHP & MySQL, on your server this open
source software consists of 9 small files
weighing in at under 12KB. Very simple to get
up and running. If you want more functionality,
there are extra add-ons that can be downloaded
as needed.
Free software written in Perl and runs on a
Unix server. WebApp creates a "portal type"
set of pages that includes forums, polls, news
and others. This system does not require SQL
on your web server, but does require Perl 5.
One drawback is the limited number of themes
that are supplied.
A free ASP CMS system with many expandable
modules. You'll first need to download and
install what's called the "base station" as
everything else is built on top of that. Add
ons include; polls,feedback forums, FAQ and
more. There are more extensive "Pro" modules
such as shopping carts and classified ads
and others that are available for a fee.
ASPBite is easy to use and comes highly rated.
This software runs on Linux and Windows servers
and does require SQL be installed. Very popular
and packed with features including; themes manager,
banner ad systems, polls, forums, search engines
and others. You'll find a lot of web support and
andd ons for this popular CMS system. Price $10.00.
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Unlike the others, CityDesk is downloadable
Windows based software you install on your PC.
A very simple layout that allows you to add
articles easily. You won't need any special
software installed on your web server to use
it. Two versions are available: one free, which
allows up to 50 files on any one website or the
Professional version, which will set you back
$299.00. You'll find City Desk as simple to use
as any word processor program.
This open source portal software is Perl based
and allows many user based customizations. Metadot
runs on Linux, Apache and requires MySQL. This
system would be a great choice for anyone plan-
ning a "community site." It comes standard with
calendar, polls, end-user personal websites and
more. Totally free.
CMS software made very easy. Features include a
built-in WYSIWYG text editor, multiple users and
access levels, customizable templates and more.
Your web server must have PHP and mySQL installed.
You can easily install DotWidget and begin building
your site's structure and adding content. No client-
side software is required and all editing is done
through your browser. Only $49.00.
As you can see there are many content management
systems to choose from, most of which won't cost
you a dime. Before deciding on which one is right
for you, you'll need to know what software is
installed on your host's server and you'll also
want to read over the support forums at each site
to get an idea of any known problems or issues
with each particular system.
A great site for reviewing and rating all types of
CMS software is http://www.CMSMatrix.org. You can
check boxes of the software packages you wish to
compare and you'll be shown a side by side compar-
ison of each along with a full description
If you're planning a community site or any type of
website that will require constant editing and
additions, a content management system might be
just what you've been looking for.
About the Author
Merle of WebSiteTrafficPlan.com offers a
F-r-e-e ebook and an e-course that will
teach you how to promote and market your
website. Grab your copy now at
http://WebSiteTrafficPlan.com
