Chances are you already have an idea of what a CMS is and the benefits of using one. The information that follows, should help you to better understand CMSs.
Basic Information
There are two types of websites: Static and Dynamic.
Static websites are usually smaller, or older, than dynamic websites. They are often built with HTML that has been either hand-coded or made with programs like Dreamweaver or FrontPage. Others are built with Adobe Flash. Every page in a static website must be completely built and maintained by hand making static websites difficult and expensive to maintain.
Dynamic websites are usually built on what is called a CMS - a Content Management System. A site built with a CMS allows you to update your pages in a simple way - with no special technical knowledge. Usually, a programmer will set up the CMS for you, after which point, you can insert your text. When someone visits your website the CMS automatically converts your text into the required HTML and Javascript. Additionally, a CMS contains common forms and functionality that you will probably need such as user login, events and calendars, blogs, news feeds, and much more. Again, no technical knowledge is needed to link to these items from your website.
There are many CMSs on the market to choose from, most of which are free. DESIGNforCMS support the three major players: Drupal, Joomla and WordPress. See the CMS Comparison for information on the differences between these three CMSs.
Common Misconceptions
Hard to use CMSs are built to be very easy to use. Many are similar to using Microsoft Word or other Word processor program. User Manuals are often also available.
They all look the same
In an effort to help folks "get online ASAP", CMSs usually come with prebuilt templates. However, any design can be built into a CMS as long as you have an experienced programmer to set that up for you.
They are ugly
All CMSs produce HTML, and HTML can be styled to look exactly the way you want. If a website is ugly, the CMS is not to blame - rather the designer.
What DESIGNforCMS does
- Choose the appropriate CMS for the site
- Design the website
- Build the design onto the CMS (called a template)
- Personalize the CMS with add-on modules
- Install the customized CMS on your hosting account
- Train you to use the CMS and update your website yourself
