This document provides an introduction to Drupal, an open-source content management system. It outlines some key advantages, such as limitless extendability, ease of installation, and a large support community. It also notes some disadvantages like a steep learning curve. The document demonstrates how to install and configure a Drupal site. It lists some popular Drupal sites and provides resources for learning more.

1. Introduction to Drupal Pavel Zemliansky, Ph.D WRTC JMU www.drupal.org

2. Description of SMAD 404 Study of advanced techniques in interactive media for online and fixed media delivery. Emphasis on emerging technologies and professional development strategies. Includes creation of an interactive portfolio.

3. The Purpose of Today’s Session Provide a brief introduction to Drupal Outline some possible uses of Drupal as a web design and web communication platform Demonstrate the process of installing and configuring a Drupal site

4. What is Drupal? Drupal is a content management system Drupal is an open-source content management system Drupal is a very versatile and extendable open-source content management system

6. Advantages of Using Drupal Almost limitless extendibility Allows for quick creation of social web sites (web 2.0) Ease of installation Free Supported by a robust community of developers and designers

7. Interested in Learning More? www.drupal.org www.pz-writing.net zemliapx@jmu.edu

8. Disadvantages of Using Drupal Fairly steep learning curve To radically change the look and structure of pre-made themes, some knowledge of CSS and PHP is required No centralized tech support, which may be an issue for enterprise and organizational users

9. A Drupal Installation and Configuration Walk-Through

10. Some High-Profile Drupal Sites www.whitehouse.gov www.nasa.gov www.mattel.com http://www.nysenate.gov/ www.icitizenforum.com www.theonion.com

11. Resources and Tutorials The Drupal Handbook (http://drupal.org/handbook/customization/tutorials) 12 Drupal tutorials for beginners (http://mydrupal.com/drupal-tutorials) Drupal Therapy (http://www.drupaltherapy.com/) Funnymonkey—Drupalfor Educators (http://www.funnymonkey.com/)