Rob was gracious enough to provide some great information about CMS since there are a lot of questions about it. So I'm making this a sticky for a good reference point. Thanks Rob!

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So what is a CMS?

CMS is a content management system that is capable of powering and operating your site it's the 'all in one package' There's lots of different companies out there that provide there own software (mostly free) and all specialize in something whether it's a picture gallery or storing users information.

How does it work?

It operates on a single admin panel with all the buttons and features that you will ever need to control your sites working manor, you can in theory manipulate your content to make it look better, store your information better and more efficiently and incorporate new techniques after you have finished monetizing your written text.

Think it's for you or just want to see how it goes?

How to install a Content Management System (CMS)

First you are going to have to find out from your host or contact them directly via email if they include the following items:-

-PHP 4 + Support
-MySQL Databases Support (at least one)
-File Transfer Protocol (FTP) access

If you are sure your host includes these features for you to use and have full permission to use them you may begin on installing your Content Management System.

Once you have the details of these features write them down and take note.

The two I recommend and have had first hand experience on and had no problems with is,

-PHPNuke
-E107

http://phpnuke.org/modules.php?name=...download&cid=1

http://e107.org/edownload.php

I'm not saying these are the best nor the most efficient but these the two I personally like the most. If you want to look through a complete list of CMS's just click the link below J

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...gement_systems

Ok I have the software I want and have downloaded the correct and latest versions and are ready for installation sir what now?

Well first you are going to have to unpack your software using WinZip. If you don't have WinZip you can install free software for doing this via 7-Zip
http://www.7-zip.org/

Right you've unpacked everything into your documents; you should see a folder now with all the contents of your CMS. You should find an install.txt or something similar like some documentation files with instructions on how to install your specific CMS.

You can either follow the documentation which will give you a complete guide or you can carry on reading and absorb the general concept of installing it.

Note: There maybe slight variations this is only the general idea

Remember when I told you to note down the database information and ftp information this is the time to use it.

First you are going to need FTP software,

http://filezilla-project.org/

Filezilla is a free FTP software and does the job fine.

Enter your connection details into Filezilla such as the:

-Server IP
-Port Number
-Your account name
-Account Password

Read through the documentation to find out where the specified folder is that you need to upload, and then upload the complete folder and files, to your root directory from your local pc machine.

Note: This usually takes roughly around 10 mins on an average connection so if its doing it in 10 sec's or so recheck your upload.

After you have upload to your server you will have to run a PHP install script for example:

http://www.yourdomain.com/install/index.php

Obviously replacing 'your domain' with your domain that is registered.

Throughout the install script you will have to input your database information, account information and any other admin options that you may need to specify or describe.

Once you have finished the script it should give you with some final information such as login information (take note of this very important)

It should prompt you to delete your install folder on your FTP do what it says and if didn't say do it anyway, for security purposes this necessary.

What has just happened you ask, what has this script done?

Well the script that you have just run has created tables inside your MySQL databases, they will have been created automatically so don't worry about them.

It should once you have completed all its asked you to do take you to the admin page and your new url will be:

http://www.yourdomain.com/index.php

You have now installed your CMS and have complete access to all its insides.

I suggest you click every button, explore the material that you have in front of you and get a real taster of what it is like. Then you can truly master the art of managing your content successfully using someone else's software.

If you have any problems or want specific information on your chosen CMS feel free to email me, and I will help you out the best I can!

P.S.

Installing a Forum or a blog on your server is almost identical to this installation process so why not master the web and become the next Bill Gates?

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Several times I have seen suggestions that WordPress can be used as a CMS. To date I have not tried WordPress personally so have no first hand knowledge of what it can and cannot do.

Is this a realistic option, if it really is one at all? If yes, what would be the pros and cons?

James

I tried several CMS's.. all the most known ones as well as some of the new systems. Wordpress is by far the easiest and most customizeable "CMS" I found.. So, yeah it's realistic and a damn good solution as well.

Great info, Lisa

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Thanks but it's all Rob's content. Wanna give credit where credit is due.

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Thanx Rob and Lisa for great info.

CMS is very usefull especially if you update content regularly

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