I do not consider myself a web designer. I have not receive any education on web design either. I played with basic HTML a few years ago. Therefore, i would consider my web knowledge to be that of the regular internet user.

However, a few months ago, i become aware of Content Management Systems; in particular; Joomla. I had no clue to what a content management system was and was astonished to discover something of this type. Since that date, i have educated myself in the use of the CMS:Joomla.

I can not express how easy Joomla! is to use. From every level, everything is designed for maximum user friendliness.

Installation: Before I had become more experience with Joomla & web design - etc i had no idea about databases and such which Joomla runs off. However, this did not stop me installing the software. Thankfully, Joomla comes with an almost automated installation process. You just type into the fields your database details which are provided to you by your web provider. It takes a few minutes to install the site.
Furthermore, most decent web providers now have a program called Fantastico which has a list of web softwares that can be installed in seconds - Joomla is one of these softwares. Recently, i made a personal website and installed Joomla! in around 3 seconds, yes 3 seconds. If you have a web hoster who doesnt offer this, it still only takes around a minute or so depending on your experience.

Usage: Joomla has a fantastic user interface which is, in my personal opinion, unrivalled by any other CMS i have had experience with. The administration panel, in which most of Joomla functions are controlled, is extremely clear and understand. The intial admin page has icons to show the general aspects of the backend panel - i.e. user management & content management - this use of icons is great in my mind, i never personally use them but i can see how much easier it would make to someone of lesser experience. Once you get to grips with the admin panel, you would access most of the stuff with the dropdown menus from the top. This method is fast, effective and limits the stress value to users who are not too sure of where they want to be. I cannot say how many times i go to the wrong location but within 2 seconds, i can easily move to the correct location.
All the components and areas of the admin panel have clear, short and simple intructions. The titles are clear and easy to understand - anybody could understand their meaning. The great aspect of the extra information are the comment bubbles. You will find that after most fields there will be an "?" in a blue bubble. When your mouse hovers over it - a more detailed text field appears to further illustrate how to use that particular part.
If, any of the above, do not aid your understanding, Joomla comes with a heavily detailed help system - in almost every section of the admin panel - you will see a Help icon above the area you are managing. Just click on the help and it shows a popup with all the information you require for that particular area.

The basic package of Joomla still comes with all the componenets, etc that you would require to run a website. However, why stick with default when they are 1000s of extras out there, most are free. If you visit the Joomla extensions website, you will see 1000s of components, modules and mambots to improve the look, user ability of your website to you, your members and visitors. There are so many different addons for Joomla for any and all activites that you would want your site to do. In all products, there will be commercial items that you have too purchase, there are only a small proportion of the extensions out there. However, considering the complexity of most extensions, a commerical addon is expectional and is relatively cheap. They also come with extensive support.
Templates are one of the most important areas of your website. The look and feel of your site is essential for sucess. There are 100s of free templates *as seen on themebot* but there are even more across the internet. If you have a tight budget, then im sure you shall find a decent template for your purpose. The commercial templates are immense and are relatively cheap for the fine quality that you receive. Due to the power of Joomla, these templates come in all manors of styles, variations and are prodominatly unique is design.
Furthermore, the way that Joomla operates, these templates, components and other extensions are easily editable. I can assure you, i have no php experience but i have found easy methods of manipulating items i have download & purchased to further meet my purpose.

One of the greatest innovations in the Joomla system, is the Frontend management system. Unlike some CMS, Joomla has a more detailed frontend system for members who mainitain the website. Joomla has 6 administration roles, 3 frontend and 3 backend. These frontend roles can edit content directly on the web page - imagine going to page on the web and treat it like you would a document in Microsoft word - that easy.

I have also found that any and everybody who is part of the Joomla community are incredibly friendly. I am not too sure why this is, but i assume that everyone who wants to use Joomla are of similar character. I have navigated through many forums and any forums focused towards Joomla are always the most friendly. Everyone is willing to help out a newer member even if it is the same question they have seen for the 1000th time. A real anomaly in the internet which i am proud to be a part of.

Joomla! is not just a program, its a community!