The first CMS systems were designed to be used to manage "code deployments" between web environments. For some, the name "Teamsite" may come to mind, as this is one of the commercial products built for this function. The web environments would typically be setup to allow content editors and programmers to use a single system to move their changes from a development environment, to a staging area, then to a live production area.
Today, the term Content Management System is evolving to include a new class of systems. These are the back-end software systems that allow a traditional website that may have been designed in Frontpage or Dreamweaver to move from a slew of static website page files into a dynamic website. This gives the user the ability to log into their website and click on a menu to perform tasks such as adding a new page, editing an existing one, add files to download, all using friendly word-like editors and web form fields.
These emerging CMS's also provide a vast library of modules, plugins and extensions so your website can do more while still allowing you to easily manage it. Such features may include adding slideshows, enhancing the SEO of your site, adding mp3 players and more.
We talk about several popular platforms:
- Drupal - Popular for online magazines
- Wordpress - Popular for blogs
- Joomla - popular for everyday websites
- Editme - A fully supported and hosted website solution
All these CMS systems can be used as blogs or websites and are open-source platforms, freely available to those that have the skill to install and configure them.
As promised, the link to how to distill alcohol using a CPU!!!


