Lightweight CMS Recommendations

[yottabit]

I am looking for a very lightweight content management system. I am using a low-end business class server which gives me MySQL databases. I have always expected and heard that MySQL performance on these is a joke and I'd really need a VPS.

Well I'm experiencing that first hand now, I loaded up Drupal (the only CMS I have experience with) and the performance is god awful. I already have GiB of writes to my MySQL database after adding only 2 pages of simple text and a couple photos.

I have no means to host a dedicated server from my house or I would, and I can't afford a VPS so I'm really looking to make this work. I understand Drupal is pretty bloated for a CMS (my previous use of it was for an intranet with a dedicated machine so performance was not an issue)

I'm looking to either significantly trim down Drupal or go to another CMS. There are many features I can give up. The only things I really want are A) a very customizable look B) the ability to have static data/navigation bars as well as dynamic blog posts. I don't care about WYSIWYG or anything like that. Searchable content would be nice but I imagine that would be the first thing to go. I would like to have user comments if possible.

So, any suggestions? I found this link but don't know what you guys think:
http://webdesignledger.com/tools/10-simple-and-light-weight-cms-solutions

Also, if it's something I can install with my Fantastico Deluxe that's a plus:

Do you folks think it will even be possible for me to get any CMS running smoothly? I want to avoid having a static webpage if at all possible. I really don't expect too much traffic, once the site goes public I would expect to switch it over to a VPS or something.

 

[Ka0t1x]

I haven't used WordPress for a few years but I've seen they've come a long way as far as slimming down goes. You should be able to do static page trees with WP.

 

[yottabit]

Thanks. I just enabled page caching and aggregate CSS on drupal and that made a HUGE difference, so I may be able to live with it now, but I'm still looking for other recommendations.

Wordpress was my next bet after Drupal, because it's a much more focused program IMO

 

[aceO07]

A VPS isn't that expensive depending on your requirements. Around $10-$20/month for something with 512MB and a good amount of space.

 

[yottabit]

A VPS isn't that expensive depending on your requirements. Around $10-$20/month for something with 512MB and a good amount of space.

Hmm.. I'll have to look elsewhere for that then, my current host starts at $40/mo for 512MB. Only $6/mo for their lowend business class right now though. I'm on an extreme budget until things pick up. Do you have any recommendations for a VPS host?

 

[aceO07]

prgmr.com, Linode.com are a couple of choices for VPS. I use prgmr.com and pay $12 for 512MB. They're out of slots right now.

I've also used Linode.com and they're $20 for 512MB. They have a better UI to help manage your VPS. I changed since I didn't need all the extras when I was not using much of my VPS at that time.

I've also used slicehost.com and they're also $20 for 512MB.

 

[yottabit]

Thanks again I'm planning to move sometime next year or so and hopefully into an area that will support FIOS. Then I could get a business plan and build a true dedicated server. That is my real dream, VPS would be only a stopgap solution

 

[Ka0t1x]

Linode for $20/mo is great -- only because, yes prgmr only has a few slots available.

I have a 512 at Linode. Nginx, Php5, MySQL, WordPress (2 different domains, not mine), Dovecot. Should have a few rails apps up soon, too.
-- Not to mention you can ssh tunnel for a socks proxy for safe public browsing.