Popular free website software
A number of popular and free website software are available for download on the Internet. Such software is generally classified as “open source software” since it is free to download and use. There are several advantages to using open source software, comprehensive guides and support are available online and you save money by not having to purchase licensed software. It is extensible and flexible in terms of design and development.
The most efficient programs are those that are Content Management Systems or CMS. It not only helps you develop your website, it also provides you with an interface to maintain, edit and update the website and its content.
The following are some of the most popular free website software:
Drupal – This is a CMS that runs on LAMP technology (Linux, Apache, MYSQL and PHP). It is highly extensible as there are several hundred modules that support features ranging from simple video and image galleries to shopping carts and payment gateway integration. The Drupal system also provides flexibility with the layout and color palettes used.
WordPress – This is also a widely used free website software that develops websites using PHP and MYSQL. It is free to download and install, focuses on usability and web standards. There are professional built-in themes or layouts that are easy to implement and customize. The software also allows the integration of different modules for greater functionality of the website. You can easily edit and publish content on the website.
Joomla – Joomla is another free website software that caters to professional developers as well as beginners. Extensibility modules, design templates, and a simple user interface make the software a favorite among website developers.
The free website software mentioned above is basically based on the LAMP architecture, there are several other free tools available on the internet that use other technology. So if you don’t want to use PHP, use those bases in PERL, Python, or JAVA. There are also programs that only allow you to build web pages; this is useful if you’re building a static website that doesn’t require high-level features.