Administering Your CMS-Based Web Site
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In the previous article, we went through a lot of preparation for building what was supposed to be the easy way to a killer web site. But the good news is, that was the hard part. In this article, I'll show you the things you need to know to use and maintain your new CMS-based web site. I'll also warn you about the pitfalls.

Constructing Your Web Site

Now you have a compatible web hosting account and data base. You have the FTP to upload the files to the Internet. You have correctly configured all components to work with your CMS package. Now, the actual management of your website is accomplished by turning on and off the pre-populated CMS control panel modules, or sections.

Simulated CMS Admin Control Panel

These modules are already set for you to enter your information which will be published to your website. A click will take you to an Administrators interface where you can build your site content. Entering is as simple as typing a letter or as elaborate as designing the HTML or PHP code and pasting it to the included text editor.

Php Nuke example of an Admin Newsletter module

The programs generally have built-in help texts to help when you aren't quite sure what a direction means. Notice on this system there is also a WYSIWYG editor so you can make attractive content without having to code.

The system also manages the functions of storing, categorizing and creating a directory of your information. This is why you configured your package to access the database which stores your content.

Article Content returned from the CMS database

 

Now you have the ability to post information and articles via your admin control panel, that you can categorize by month or topic, or group or subscription level. It will allow you to manage images, comments, surveys, links, products and purchases, games, mailing lists, newsletters, customers, submissions to your site and much more.

One of the truly great things about a good CMS is that hundreds of modules are available for almost any function you can imagine. It only takes a search of your favorite search engine to locate one if it exists. For instance, if you would really love a module that will create a calendar on your web site for managers in your company to schedule meetings, or availability, simply search for "planning calendar module for XX CMS." Nine times out of ten, you will actually find a pre-coded module that you can easily integrate into your system by using the README and Install texts included with that module. Just remember to keep up with the add-on module's upgrades, as you do with the core system.

Next: A Basic Understanding of HTML and PHP >>
 

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