Using a CMS
One of the latest ways to build and maintain a website is to use a CMS, or a Content Management System. These are software programs that run on your web server, and allow you to create a site within a framework. Not sure if that even makes any sense. Basically, a CMS provides you with the bones of a site, and gives you an interface to add material and make changes without you having to actually learn any coding. Like a big template. I highly recommend using a CMS if you are going to launch your own site, especially one that is content-rich (with lots of articles and stuff like that).
There are several of them out there to choose from, such as:
- Drupal - my personal favorite
- Mambo and Joomla - these two seem interchangable
- CMSMS - stands for content management system made simple
- PHPwebsite
- Postnuke
- Typo3
- Xoops
These are just a few of the more popular ones, and by no means is a complete list of CMSs out there. Blog software like Wordpress is another way of managing content, but it’s usually not as full-featured as a program designed for content. This site uses Wordpress.
How to Install a CMS
I’m not a technical expert, and my knowledge of how to install software on a remote web server is non-existent. I suggest getting in touch with either your web host or the software makers for installation assistance. Another easier alternative is to use a web host that offers Fantastico. Fantastico is a bundle of pre-installed programs that many web hosts offer to their customers, even the fairly cheap places. You can just access the Fantastico system through your account and choose a program to install. It’s instant and requires no technical knowledge from you. As far as I know, all the programs listed above (except CMSMS) are available in Fastastico. Ask your web host about it.
How Do They Work?
Well, each one is different in the details, but the general functioning of a CMS is basically the same. You get a plain-vanilla site, with basic publishing functions built into an administrative interface. So instead of having to code and design each page, you can click on something like “create content” or “add article” and you are brought to a tool you can use to write your material. The software keeps things organized, and there is usually an automatic navigation or menu system. You can change the look and theme of your site either with pre-made design templates, or adjust the coding yourself. Most CMS systems have add-on modules that you can use to give your site more functions or different uses. Things like photo galleries, or message boards or even shopping carts.
I’m not sure these descriptions are helping. How about an example? Like I mentioned, this site is created using the Wordpress blogging software. I simply go into my administrative area, and click on “write”. I get a big box where I can write my latest masterpiece. I give it a category, and click “publish”. The article is published within the design of my site, with a new link created in the “recent posts” section on the right. A paragraph and link are posted to the main page, also automatically. Nice and simple.
Another example of a Drupal website, is Daring Destinations (my adventure travel site). Articles are created easily, and the navigation links on the left are also maintained automatically. Blocks are added in the margins to hold ads.
Are They Easy to Use?
Kind of. 
Like with any new software, you will have to take the time to learn how to use it. But a CMS is a wonderful alternative to trying to hand-code a bunch of HTML pages. They are very easy to use, but can take some time to learn in the first place. Expect some time for trial and error while you get the hang of it. Most of the above listed CMS programs have great technical support and user message boards where you can ask questions while you are getting it going.
This is just an intro to the idea of CMS programs. Future articles will follow with more details on how to use them, and reviews of the various options.
