Drupal is a free and open source content management system (CMS) that allows users to create websites, forums, blogs, e-commerce sites, and more. It is a powerful tool but can be difficult to administer due to its complex interface and frequent version changes. Choosing a CMS depends on factors like one's needs, skills, budget, and what maintenance is required. The document provides advice on getting started with Drupal and encourages learning more through experimenting, comparing options, and discussing with others.