CMS Systems Compared: The Comparison

When building a website a designer may utilize a Content Management System that allows routine maintenance and updates to be performed by the client. Using a CMS a site may be produced that enables the client to catalog and update many items including personnel information, schedules, and maintain other content without needing to learn HTML.

There are many CMS systems for people to choose from. Several of these programs are free. Be sure to look at the authors’ websites to make sure you pick the content management system that is right for your needs.  Also, if you’re going to use the CMS for an e-commerce site then choose a package that is specifically designed with those needs in mind such as Zen Cart or osCommerce.

Joomla can be used for virtually any kind of website. This includes personal sites, business sites, online publications and e-commerce. Joomla is also easy to install and the setup process can be completely automated if your host has Fantastico installed.

Website Baker is a PHP based allowing users the ability to play around with the page to make it look how they want it to if they are fairly competent with PHP. There are also many add-ons that can be installed including photo albums, message boards, catalogs, and an online payment option.

Drupal requires special training in how to use it. Unless you are an expert in the system it’s best to avoid it and find something a little more beginner friendly.

Mambo offers a number of themes from which a good website can be created with only minor changes. It is also easy to use, versatile and popular.

phpWebSite offers users many things. Among the add-ons available are a document manager, calendar, form generators, polling system and photo album. However, it does require some PHP knowledge to do most of the customizing.

Before trying any software be aware that there may be a learning curve. Keep this in mind when choosing the right content management system for your website needs.

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