Waysto use WordPress as a content management system

WordPress, part of the open source community, is typically regarded as a blog publishing application but equally can be used as a CMS. In common with nearly all other open source content management systems, PHP and MySQL are both used in the WordPress back end. The origins of WordPress date back to 2001. Earlier versions were susceptible to hacking, but it is now one of the most stable CMS platforms on the Internet.

Blog platform

WordPress has plenty of plug-ins and extra components that enlarge the fundamental software system enormously making it possible to utilize it as a proper CMS. WordPress is in use on millions of sites, partly due to its customisable properties, and it currently accounts for 12% of the world's websites.

Internet hosting

WordPress can be deployed using numerous methods on a hosting environment; in fact, a lot of shared web hosting services provide automatic WordPress installation through the user control panel using utilities such as Fantastico. Professional web developers have also taken WordPress to heart as it is such an easy content management system to customise; many website proprietors complete not like the burden of setting up and developing a web site, and so turn to a developer to complete the task for them. Developers often charge more for this than for other hosting products, despite the code being available for free.

The open source movement

All the source code and plug-ins in the official WordPress directory are freely offered under a GPL license. Individuals and small businesses usually regard open source software as a gift, although other software developers usually see things quite differently. Some companies continue to spend thousands of dollars on commercial software since they don't realise that open source alternatives like WordPress are suitable for use in a commercial environment.

The open source community

One of the reasons that WordPress is so popular must be the large community that has grown up to support it. Most new users that encounter problems in installing or maintaining their WordPress site can find solutions to their problems here. The latest multiuser version of WordPress, MU, enables Webmasters to create their own blog platforms and moderate them from a single dashboard.

Installing WordPress

Most people have heard how easy it is to install a WordPress blog. A new clicks of the mouse and a couple of minutes later the installation is complete. Some hosting providers enable a third-party appliance which allows users to set up a WordPress site on complete autopilot. The rich plugin architecture allows users and designers to enlarge the functionality of the website beyond the standard features included in the base install.

CMS

More than 12% of the world's million biggest websites use WordPress, making it the most popular CMS in use today. The WordPress interface and its universal popularity makes it the number one choice for a number of people, although a substantial number still regards Joomla as the best open source CMS available.

Conclusion

WordPress has roots that go back to 2001, but is without doubt the number one user-installed web application today, and its growth shows no signs of slowing down. It is one of the most secure CMS platforms available, and is well known for its ease of installation. WordPress is definitely here to stay.

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Dave Millard is a professional writer and web developer based in the United Kingdom. He is the Managing Director of Netresult Ltd and has a free 5 day Article Marketing course available at Netresult Web Design.

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