WordPress 2.6

Originally intended for blogging, but customizable into just about any configuration, WordPress is the Firefox of content management systems. Extensible and proud of it, the program itself is known for having one of the simplest installations of any content management system.

The ZIP file comes with instructions on how to install WordPress on to your server. You must use an FTP client, and obviously you must have administrator-level rights to your server first. The software bills itself as having a world-famous, 5-minute installation process, and assuming nothing goes wrong that's probably not far from the truth. Documentation at their Web site is extensive, clear, and concise.

There is an installation-free version available at WordPress.com, where bloggers who want the feel but not the responsibility of managing their CMS can register and blog at will. If you're willing to take on a bit more of a challenge, the WordPress support forums haven't failed us yet in answering even our most difficult questions.

Without a doubt, the ease with which users can install updates and incorporate plug-ins is the best feature that WordPress provides. The extension library is impressively deep, and can be used for such large-scale changes as turning your blog into a photo gallery or online store, or something as basic as changing your theme, or configuring regular database backups. WordPress is highly recommended for those who want a hands-on approach to their blogging and content managing software, but it's not for beginners.