Web content management systems use a database to store content, metadata, or additional data that might be needed by the system. A web CMS usually contains a presentation layer which displays the content to web-site visitors based on a set of templates. A template is a basic page layout that contains content place holders, page styles and other page data that does not change.

Most web CMS applications use server side caching to boost performance. This works best when the web content is not changed often but visits happen on a regular basis. Administration of web CMS is typically done through web-based interfaces, but some systems require the use of a desktop client. A web CMS typically requires an experienced administrator to set up and add features, but is primarily a Web-site maintenance tool for non-technical administrators. It allows non-technical users to easily make changes to a website with little or no training.

There are many open-source web Content Management Systems you can download and use for free. Some well known free CMS systems are WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal to mention only the most popular. Those mentioned are based on PHP scripting language. There are also other CMS applications based on other languages like.NET, ASP.NET, Java, Java Bundle, Perl, Python, Ruby on Rails, etc.

Joomla can be used for many things. You can use it for almost any kind of website. Personal websites, business websites for the small business or large corporation, online publications, and e-commerce. (Note that if you intend to use any CMS for an e-commerce operation, choose a package specifically designed with e-commerce needs in mind, such as Zen Cart or osCommerce.) Simple to install, Joomla’s setup process can be completely automated if your web host has installed Fantastico.

PHP-based Website Baker affords a lot of design simplicity. Since it is PHP based, you have the ability to play with the page to make it look like what you want if either you are fairly competent with PHP or if you want to pay a PHP programmer (which might turn out to be less expensive and easier than you might think — check out guru.com). There are a lot of add-ons that can be installed on a Website Baker site including, for example, photo albums, a message board, a catalog, an online payment option, etc.

Drupal. Avoid Drupal unless you are an expert or have special training in how to use it. They even confess on their web page that it takes a while to learn the program.

Mambo is very versatile, easy to use, and popular. You can obtain a number of themes from which you can create a good website with only minor changes.

phpWebSite is great and can be used for many things. A document manager, calendar, form generator, polling system and photo album are all available as add-ons. As is the case with the acquisition of all new information, Content Management Systems involve a specific learning curve. Some PHP knowledge is required in order to do most customizing.