If you are considering a new Web site and are looking for a way to make your site interactive and media rich, you may have heard of Drupal, Joomla, and Moodle. These are a few of the open source programs that can help you create and manage your Web site at an affordable price.

These software programs are known as open source content management systems. They are just a few of the programs that are available to businesses, schools, governments, and non-profits. The best news is that these programs are all free. Yes, there is no charge to download and install these programs.

I wrote this article to help users make the best selection for their individual project, site, or school. First, let's take a quick look at each of these programs. Drupal is one of the most powerful and flexible programs available open source. It is very durable and is well supported by a large International community. Joomla is a relatively new and very popular CMS program. Joomla originally came from a program known as Mambo. Several Mambo developers left and started Joomla a few years ago. Moodle is quite distinct because it is a learning management system that is widely used in colleges and universities around the globe.

Now the question becomes, which program is right for you? Each Web developer will have their own answer to this question. My answer is, what do you want your site to do?

Let's start with the easiest question "What program do I use to create an online school, or as a supplement to live classes?" I would 99% of the time suggest using Moodle. Moodle is used by Humboldt State University, which is where I taught. I find it is easy to use, well supported by active "user group" communities, and since it is designed exclusively as a classroom, it has all the necessary modules required by online educators.

Let's now look at the most common use of Web sites; creating an attractive site that provides visitors with product and contact information. These sites are typically referred to as brochure sites. Joomla in my opinion are a great choice for brochure sites. Joomla is fairly easy to use, has lots of commercial and non-commercial extensions to the Joomla software, and most importantly there are a multitude of Joomla themes (designs) that are available for a modest fee. If you want to see Joomla in action, please visit my primary sites SLO Bake and Laura Scroggins.

Saving the best for last, Drupal is my choice for almost every other type of use. Drupal users can easily create a variety of content types, can be used for Intranets, Extranets, and project manager sites. They are great for real estate brokers who want to feature their listings at their site. Social networkers should really take a good look at Drupal because I personally would not use anything else for an active social community. However, if you are not a designer, expect to hire someone to make your site attractive as there are very few Drupal themes that you can purchase. My blogcast lauramba.com is a Drupal site.

Finally, let me quickly point out that all of these programs can handle multimedia, PayPal, blogging, wikis, chats, and more.