PHP Nuke is a web based Content Management System. Like most other CMS types, it uses the PHP and MySQL database system. The user interface can be accessed through the web. The software is free and can be downloaded from the PHP Nuke web site. A newly released version, v7.5, has a $10 fee for downloading it. The latest version, v8.0, has a $12 fee as well. Still, previous versions of the software can still be downloaded for free. PHP Nuke concentrates on automated news publishing. It allows users to create community portals to allow authors to post news items. User submitted content is also possible, with the approval of an editor being required. There is a comment system that allows other users to discuss the posted news articles. The basic functionalities pertain to news content management, the use of frequently asked questions, and a private messaging system. There are plenty of modules available for download. These modules add certain functions that will enhance the website. Possible additions include a message forum or a calendar. There are also different customization options. There is a system to manage the Theme of a particular web site. It can be somewhat difficult to change it from the standard layout, but those that are skilled in PHP, HTML, or CSS can modify it well enough. It is able to support many different languages as well as part of the localization features. It is quite easy to modify the features as PHP Nuke is designed as a modular system. This means that the elements can be simply activated or deactivated depending on the user’s preference. One of the things that may concern novice users are the numerous security holes in PHP Nuke. The use of patches is required to fix certain vulnerabilities, which makes it quite difficult for those that lack the necessary technical skills. Because of the number of vulnerabilities that have yet to be fixed, the PHP Nuke software has been modified by different authors. For instance, the Nuke Discontrol and Nuke Evolution forks have fixed many different security holes, in addition to modifying other areas of the source code. Another branch is the Dragonfly CMS, which includes the Coppermine Photo Gallery web application as part of its package. The community is active so there are plenty of modules and tutorials that are available. One area that can be somewhat lacking is the documentation, but that is to be expected from free software.