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CAMP CMS | User’s Guide | 5
Introduction
Welcome! This user’s guide has been designed to serve both as an
introduction to the CAMP Content Management System (CMS) for new users
and as a reference that more experienced users can turn to on an ongoing
basis.
Otherwise, the guide contains everything you need to know to use the CMS
itself. However, it does not address certain kinds of information specific to
your organization—for example, how your logo may be used online, or your
organization’s unique approval process for website changes. For those kinds
of questions, you may have to contact the appropriate party within your
organization.
For convenience, terms in this guide that may be unfamiliar appear initially
in italics. (Some section headings appear in italics as well.)
CMS Basics
What’s a CMS?
A CMS, or content management system, allows users without strong
technical backgrounds to make certain kinds of changes to a website. Like
many others, CAMP CMS is web-based, meaning that users don’t have to
download or install any software to use it. Instead, you access the CMS from
within your web browser.
Content, Structure & Templates
When you use the CMS to work on your website, the CMS stores your
changes in a database. The database contains the copy, images, and other
information that make up the website content. It also includes the relative
locations of different pages on the site (that is, the site’s structure), and
other information.
When a visitor to the site tries to reach a certain page, the CMS pulls the
relevant information from the database, and displays it using templates
designed for the website. This system ensures the consistency of the
website’s overall appearance and behavior—a huge benefit for visitors—while
also allowing CMS users to make changes to the site’s content without the
help of design or technical staff.