Customizing Content Management Systems

[BellisimaJ.]

[quote author=xppman link=topic=5509.msg28121#msg28121 date=1161193863]
Content management system
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A content management system is a computer software system for organizing and facilitating collaborative creation of documents and other content. A content management system is sometimes a web application used for managing websites and web content, though in many cases, content management systems require special client software for editing and constructing articles. They can also be used for storage and single sourcing of documentation for a firm including but not limited to operators' manuals, technical manuals, sales guides, etc. The market for content management systems remains fragmented, with many open-source and proprietary solutions available.

The term was originally used for website publishing and management systems. Early content management systems were developed internally at organizations which were doing a lot of content publishing. In 1995, CNET spun out its internal development offerings into a separate company called Vignette, which opened up the market for commercial systems. As the market evolved, the scope of content management systems broadened, and the term is now used to refer to a range of technologies and techniques, including portal systems, wiki systems, and web-based groupware.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Content_management_system
[/quote]

thanx, xp.


[quote author=xppman link=topic=5509.msg28122#msg28122 date=1161193901]
I hope this helps 
[/quote]


Smart asp

[maryrussel]

Thanks for the link Todd. Looks like I'll be busy this afternoon.

[maryrussel]

After trying out several of these (thanks again Todd for the link to the demos) I am leaning toward these 3: Mambo, Joomla, Drupal.

I don't see a lot of difference between Mambo and Joomla but they both look like they would be fairly easy to learn. Drupal, on the other hand. seems to have more of a learning curve but I like the idea of possibly being about to add some features later like a forum, etc.

I was able to find open source templates for all 3 but am thinking that since the band really likes the layout of their current site that none of those will work.

Would I be able to FTP with any of these? And once I have, will it then be easy for the band to edit and maintain the site themselves without knowing html or php?

[amy]

I don't see a lot of difference between Mambo and Joomla

There's a reason for that:
http://community.tuliptools.com/index.ph...341.0.html

I like the idea of possibly being about to add some features later like a forum

I know  Joomla has a bridge to integrate with SMF forums.

[maryrussel]

Thanks Amy. That thread and article were enlightening. I think I have it narrowed down to Joomla now.

Still wondering about the ability to FTP though.

[Jen]

Any webhosting account should allow you to FTP.  Just ask your host what the FTP access is.

As far as Joomla, you won't have to FTP.  You log in as admin, add stuff, etc.  If you can list on eBay then you can definitely add content to a good CMS.  However, Joomla has had security problems.  It's always a trade off - the popular CMS are easy to learn, but the popular CMS have more people looking for their security holes to exploit, etc.

I think CMS are great marketing tools.  You give people a reason to return to your site frequently.  Then you just convert those visitors into customers, by establishing your brand or presence in a niche.  If you have an area or topic that you are knowledgeable in, then a CMS may be right for you (and your visitors).  Just stay away from PHP-Nuke (hacker's wet dream).


Jen

[bargainbloodhound]

Just ask your host what the FTP access is.

As if the host knows what her FTP info is. 

Go to the FTP manager in the control panel to create FTP accounts (your can create up to 5 FTP accounts with your plan), change your FTP password, etc.  You can use any FTP program.  You can also upload files under 2MB directly from the file manager in the control panel without using an FTP program.

However, Joomla has had security problems.

Compared to the Mambo fork it is very secure. 

You'll need to apply secure updates as soon as they come out because (quoting Jen) "the popular CMS have more people looking for their security holes to exploit" and once a hole is known hackers like to search on Google for sites using the script.

[Jen]

[quote author=bargainbloodhound link=topic=5509.msg28305#msg28305 date=1161309596]
As if the host knows what her FTP info is. 

[/quote]

When I was purchasing hosting accounts, and asked this type of question, I would usually get an email with info on how to access FTP.  That's all I meant. 

Comparing security between joomla and mambo is like comparing security between an open window and an open door - I was just pointing it out.  Unlike some other ecommerce discussion boards where it is praised like it is liquid gold.

Jen

(edited to correct errant smiley that wasn't matching my meaning)

[bargainbloodhound]

Unlike some other ecommerce discussion boards where it is praised like it is liquid gold.

Not naming names but ANYOLDCARDS ON ECOMMERCEARENA loves it.  :twistedevil:

The thing that really scares me is the people who install the Joomla store/shopping cart mod (VirtueMart).  That is just asking for trouble...and no, I would never feel safe giving my info to any Joomla/Virtue store.  Speaking of which, VirtueMart currently has an unpatched cross-site scripting vulnerability (issued on 9/29).

[Jen]

Oh absolutely - when I was talking about converting CMS visitors into customers, I certainly didn't mean into some horrible shopping cart joomla dreamt up.  ZenCart, OSC, CRELoaded, Shopify, or some paid cart - not that weak store thing joomla has as a "mod".