Looking for a good good CMS...

Here is what I WANT:

#1: A easy-to-use CMS that has a very easily configurable template format for customization of the "look" of the site.
#2: A user (log-in) database for the CMS to allow guests, as well as content creators/editors/proofreaders (pretty much all CMSes have this)
#3: A Forum like phpBB that is compatible with the above user database
#4: An Event Calendar like WebCalendar that is compatible with the user database.
#5 (optional): photo-support like Gallery with a compatible user database

I think Mambo wins with #1 (altho no CMS has a REALLY REALLY easily customizable template format).

i was planning on using Mambo with phpBB and WebCalendar and Gallery, but obviously it is a HUGE HUGE HUGE disadvantage that you have to keep 4 separate user databases, or somehow keep them synced with a regular cron job and script. This has kept me from moving ahead. I am surprised that no one has come up with some kind of standard mechanism to keep such separate (and independently developed) modules in sync with a single CMS.

I just recently started looking at XOOPS and Drupal and Zope too, but looking for opinions. Moreso than #1, i would say #2, 3, 4, and 5 are more important (that ALL the modules use a common single user login database). Although #1 is obviously important too.

Any thoughts/opinions? Suggestions?

Mambo? Xoops? Drupal? Zope? Plone? Taka?

Xoops can and has it all. But......The only really way to find out if a CMS fits to your needs is to install it and play around with it.

#2: A user (log-in) database for the CMS to allow guests, as well as content creators/editors/proofreaders (pretty much all CMSes have this)
- Jep
#3: A Forum like phpBB that is compatible with the above user database
- CBB
#4: An Event Calendar like WebCalendar that is compatible with the user database.
- Jep. Several calender modules available
#5 (optional): photo-support like Gallery with a compatible user database
- Jep. Ie.: Myalbum


Have fun with fiddling, exploring and offcourse xoopsing

Grtz., Shine

Xoops will do all you want, and much, much more.

I have been following XOOPS for about 3 years, and my experience is that it is the most flexible CMS system out there, at least of the opensource ones.

Templateing was and still is much easier in XOOPS then in Mambo, in my opinion.

Another thing that XOOPS knock down mambo on, is community. and the easyness to find what you are looking for.

If I was you, I would go for Xoops, at least for those tasks you have stated that you need it for.

#1 Ok.

#2 CBB.

#3 i like extcal and pical.

#4 i like myalbum-p, xcgal -base on Coppermine- are great (but development dead) and comming port of Coppermine Photo Gallery.