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Hi -
Yes, I think XOOPS would be the perfect thing for your website.
You don't need any specific tools. Just a lot of patience. If you designed that brinkster website, your well ahead of me when I first started using this stuff.
I would start your quest to learn more about XOOPS here:
https://xoops.org/modules/wfchannel/
Xoops Requirements:
http://wiki.xoops.org/wakka.php?wakka=XoopsRequirements
And here is the installation guide:
https://xoops.org/modules/wfchannel/
All the links shown above, and more, are available on the lower left side heading XOOPS DOCUMENTATION.
They should answer most of your questions.