Frequently Asked Questions

Recent FAQs

Question

• What is a CMS?

Answer

What is a CMS?

CMS stands for 'Content Management System'. This represents a range of different features for the presentation of information, and useful functions for visitors to the site.

It allows for the display to be divided into sections where the different types of content can be shown, and make it easier for the Site Administrator to manage the various services.

One of the main advatnages of using a CMS can be the ability of those with little technological experience to manage and add content to the web site, although it does require some extra skills, they are no more complex than programming the remote control for a TV or DVD player for example.

Common features of a CMS include:

User Accounts:

This can be used to record details of people who use the site, and can be optional. For example, User Accounts are useful for keeping track of Memberships (Clubs, Associations, etc), and to provide ways to allow different types of content to be made available to different types of visitors. In addition, User Accounts can provide convenient ways to communicate between Users, and with the Administrators of the Site in different ways, using e-mail, private messaging on the site, and Forums and Blogs.

Menus:

Normally, these will contain Links which provide a convenient way to navigate between the various Content available.

News:

News articles can be displayed in detail or summary, formatted to be suitable for Mobile Devices, and even sent as 'feeds' which can be accessed in a variety of different ways, even when not visiting the Site itself. Visitors can submit articles (if allowed) which can be moderated before publication, and the articles can be categorised which is useful for large volumes of news items.

Reviews:

This gives the ability to include content about a subject (Product, Service, or anything of interest) where visitors can submit their own reviews. As with all content submitted to the Site, it can be moderated before publication for example to prevent offensive content from being published.

FAQ:

Short for 'Frequently Asked Qustions'. Basically this a simple Question and Answer feature which can be produced exclusively by the Site Administrator(s), but can be used to give visitors a means to ask questions and get answers which everyone (or those given permission) to view. Over time, this can build up into a very valuable Knowledge Base.

Calendar:

This can be a very useful feature. More than just a simple what Month and Day it is, but a way to give details on forthcoming events such as what, where, and when.

Forum:

Often used by Clubs and Interest groups, it provides a way to exchange comments for everyone (subject to permission) to view and contribute to. It can become an important focal point for sharing common interests, and a way to provide infomration and support.

Media Gallery:

This feature can llaow for the presentation of various type of media, from pictures to sound and video. This can be managed by the Site Administrator(s) exclusively, or it can provide a way for visitors to contribute thier own media for everyone (subject to permission) to enjoy.

Forms:

A useful way to get infomration from visitors by presenting them with a Form which they can fill in, which is then sent to the Site Administrator(s).

E-Commerce:

This feature allows for visitors to 'shop' from the Site, where Products or Services are displayed with details. These can be collected into a 'Shopping Trolley' and methods of payment can be managed. This can raange from sending a Purchase Order to making payment online using Credit/Debit Cards, and other online financila services such as PayPal.

Polls:

This allows visitors to 'vote' on subjects. The results can give useful indications of opinion about whatever subject is chosen for a Poll.

Banners:

This allows for a section of the Site to be dedicated to promoting other interests, and is often used as a way for others to market their products or services on your web site. It provides the facility to have the information (usually small graphic images) displayed in rotation, and gives statisitic about the number of visitors who follow any links in the banner.

Maps:

Map Services (such as Google Maps) can be included in your Site.

Blogs:

Blogs are often the main function of a Site, whether it is a way for an individual to publish their own articles or commentary, or a way for visitors to contrinute their own. The Site will normally be designed around this.

Downloads:

This provides a means to store electronic information (documents, media, applications, etc) and make it available for visitors to download to their own Computer.

This gives and idea of the range of features available using a CMS. Using standard templates, it can provide an economical way to provide online content, or it can provide the basis of more complex and design intensive creations which would be more expensive.

However, a CMS can give even those with limited Web Site skills the means to publish and manage the Site without having to use a professional whenever any changes need to be made.

The CMS is the most powerful way to deliver dynamic content economically in a controlled manner.

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