As the number of web users grows, those who have websites and are constantly paying to have them updated, are looking for a way to "Do It Yourself". Joomla, an Open-Source Content Management System (CMS), allows those who have websites setup using the system, to take control of their website. As with most web systems, training is required and an understanding of how a website works is a plus. The basics of Joomla can be handled by most users who have training, but when one digs deeper into the system, it can often be very confusing. 

So what exactly is Open-Source?

Open-Source refers to the way the coding and legality of modifying that code are handled. An Open-Source system gives the licensee full rights to modify the code in anyway they would like. A developer could change any aspect of the Joomla system as they see fit, where as a larger corportation with closed source software will not allow anyone other than their developers to modify code.

The Up's and the Down's

Where Open-source excels past the closed-source counterparts is the cost, or lack there of. Open-source applications are often free or have a very low license cost. The downside to using an open-source application is the lack of support, often only offered through the community that developed the system. There is no support number or email to contact. Joomla has an active community devoted to improving the functionality and extentions availble for the system. One good thing about Joomla is the owner of the site, not the developer, has the ability to add pieces to their site such as a photo gallery without knowing a single line of code; and this can be done completely free!

What is a Module?

Modules are blocks of code or pieces that can be added to a page to display additional information. Infomation such as a username or calendar. They rarely have complex administrative areas, and can pull information from a component.

What is a Component?

Components are often the main display of a page. Photo galleries, content for a page, a contact form; these would all be considered components and often have robust administrative areas.