Archive for the '"Wikis"' Category
“Wikis”
It has been said, “A Wiki is the simplest online database that could possibly work.”
Different people have different ideas about what a Wiki really is, but whatever angle you look at it, a Wiki is software that handles complex problems with simple solutions.
The first Wikis were designed in 1995, to be an open, collaborative community Website where anyone can contribute. Since then, programmers have created many Wiki-inspired programs and wiki websites. Most of these stay true to the goal of simplicity.
Wikis can be used for a large variety of tasks, from personal note-taking to collaborating online, creating an internal knowledge base, assembling an online community, and managing a traditional website. The possibilities might make Wikis seem like a daunting system, but commitment to simplicity makes Wiki tools a breeze.
So, what’s so Good About Wikis?
- Wikis Simplify Editing Your Website: Each page on a Wiki has an Edit link. If you want to change something on the page, click the link, and the Wiki will display a simple editing screen. When you finish making changes, submit them by clicking a button, and, Voila! Your changes show up on the Website.
- Wikis Use Simple Markup: Even for non-geeky types, thinking about HTML and formatting gets in the way of good, clear writing. Wikis solve this problem by writing the HTML for you — you only need to learn a few simple markup rules. These rules are designed to make wiki markup easy to write and read by real people.