Best tool, or, CMS, or...?

[nunomira]

Hi,

I have to develop a website with some dynamic content.
It's for a school and there are several different courses.
These courses will have to be updated/edited/deleted... new courses, dates, content,...
(There is much more... this is just a simple example)

I've always developed my own administration tools until now, but I'm a bit in a hurry, and I'd like to use a tool that would save me some time.
I'm not sure which is the best tool.

I've been looking at some CMSs like Drupal or Mambo, but really don't understand if these are suited for what I want.
Do these CMSs allow someone (administrator) with little computer experience to insert data after logging in?
Can you specify some fields (such as course name, duration, start date, requirements, price, ...) - input fields, drop down menus, ... - for the administrator to fill?

Can I build a custom table, with custom fields?

Again, I'm not familiar with these CMSs, and I've always had the impression that they are more suited to publish more general content: text and pictures (I've looked at some live examples). So, if you can give me more details on what these CMSs do, and enlighten me, it would be great.

I've been pointed to CodeCharge. I tested the trial, and I find it really confusing, and difficult to start working with.
Is it better for what I want? Are there easier alternatives?

[Roger_Ramjet]

You should take a look at PostNuke . Not used it myself but it has good reports. Also has it's own Forums so you can have a look in there for help/advise on whether it's right for you.

[Megahertza]

Try PHPNuke, its fairly popular and many non php people use it. I don't think you should have any trouble with it

[nunomira]

Thank you for your replies.

I looked at both (just read everything I could, didn't install or test them) but I still have some doubts, and would like more details on the tools, if possible.

I have another thought regarding what I need, what I'm looking for:
something like phpMyAdmin, but user friendly (for non programmers). Something customizable.

Do any of these or other tools do this?

I'm just concerned about the backend, as the frontend will be Flash.

Thank you.

[Wynder]

Even with any of those CMS's, your customizable stuff still needs to be custom written -- you now have the issue of learning the framework for those packages to properly and attractively integrate your solution.

I don't know if there's an out of the box solution for you there.