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Do You Need a Content Management System?
By Merle (http://WebSiteTrafficPlan.com)

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:

1) CMSimple:
http://www.CMSimple.dk

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.

2) Typo3:
http://www.Typo3.com

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.

3) Rodin:
http://rodin.lot23.com/

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.

4) WEbApp:
http://www.Web-App.org

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.

5) ASPBite:
http://www.ASPBite.com

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.

6) PHP-Nuke:
http://www.PHPNuke.com

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 add-ons for this popular CMS system. Price $10.00.

7) CityDesk:
http://www.fogcreek.com/CityDesk/index.html

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.

8) Metadot:
http://www.Metadot.com

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
planning a "community site." It comes standard with calendar,
polls, end-user personal websites and more. Totally free.

9) DotWidget CMS:
http://www.dotwidget.com/index.php/125

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
comparison 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.

================================================================
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
================================================================

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