Top 10 Content Management Systems
5: MODx
In no uncertain terms I can safely say MODx is a very pretty content management system. But don’t let the colorful graphics fool you – MODx is a mature, fully featured system with quite a few advanced unique functionalities. MODx is pretty much built on PHP and AJAX framework – this means you are free to include jQuery, Mootools, ExtJS, Prototype and other libraries in your website design. Don’t let these terms fool you – MODx is built with easy of user in mind. Out of the box it provides a simple graphical installer, SEO URLs, advanced WYSIWYG editor, CSS based menu builder, user session manager during development and custom content types. In simple terms, MODx is a more user friendly version of Drupal and Joomla combined – all teh advanced features are tucked away leaving users to focus on creating content. Learn more here.
4: Expression Engine
Expression Engine is only CMS in this list which is not free. Be prepared to fork over $99 for a personal use license and another $49 for a forum module. That being said, if you are a new user and need to set up a decent website with a unique design and need support to help you through the process then Expression Engine is for you. It has all the standard features of any CMS and then some. Expression Engine includes all the regular features like managing multiple sites, extensive taxonomy, RSS feeds, custom fields, editing templates, built in email functions, spam blocking and advanced user management. It doesn’t end there. Expression Engine also includes database manager, wiki, photo gallery, mailing list, advanced security features and built in traffic analyzer. The feature list is endless and more plugins are being added over time. Feel free to try out the demo and learn more here.
3: Joomla
Joomla is often considered the more user friendly version of a Drupal like complex content management system. As soon as you install Joomla, you are confronted with pretty graphics, large buttons and options for adding sections, categories, articles and the like. Based on PHP and MySql, Joomla is a powerful CMS with advanced settings and multi-level user privileges. There are tons of modules that can be downloaded and used with an installation and Joomla can be modified to suit your needs. But any modification to the theme or the core functionality of the website is quite difficult for newcomers. Learn more.
2: Drupal
Drupal and Joomla are both complicated systems which try to incorporate every function imaginable. This makes both Drupal and Joomla quite bloated for small tasks and projects. Comparatively Drupal is leaner than Joomla and seems to be more efficient. Although some might argue otherwise. Drupal is based on MySQL database and offers granular access permissions specific to each module or content. For example it is very easy to hide ads from registered users and show them special site content such as premium articles or per-per-view videos. But building a unique site with Drupal can be a daunting task for newbies. You can always use themes. But themes are few and far in between. You are better off learning Drupal on your own and develop your own theme. But I would suggest you should only consider Drupal for a very high traffic site where scalability is your prime concern and you have lots of time for development. Learn more.
1: WordPress
The undoubted leader in online blogging software is WordPress . It is feature packed and provides all the necessary features found in a fully featured content management system. Right out of the box WordPress has tons of useful feature list such as SEO for all different sections, options for categorizing content to your hearts content, tagging posts and pages, ability to publish content depending on certain schedule, Akismet comment spam management and a vast resource of plugins and themes. I have to admit I do have a soft spot for WordPress – I have been using it to build websites for several different projects and I am running it currently on TechVirgin. The reason I pick WordPress to lead the list of CMS is the ability to extend and adapt to any situation. The 4,000+ plugins and 600+ themes available from the WordPress.org website gives it an overwhelming advantage. On top of all the features WordPress is amazingly easy to use and install. Learn more.
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