View source for Getting Started with Joomla!

=Understanding Joomla!=
If you're having trouble visualizing how Joomla! works, it might be useful for you to think of Joomla! as an [[wp:Operating system|operating system (OS)]], like Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS or Linux.

The most important similarity is that both your OS and Joomla! are not really intended for direct use. You need to install applications onto your OS (and extensions for Joomla!) to be able to actually do something useful with your computer (and your web site). Just like your OS, Joomla! comes with a few ''core'' extensions that carry out the most important tasks.

Further similarities and differences can be found in the following table.
==Comparison Table==
{| class="wikitable"
|+ <big>Joomla! compared to an OS (e.g. Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS or Linux)</big>
! Joomla! concept
! OS concept
|-
| [[Extension]] ||  Added Application (e.g. Word, Chrome, Music Player, Photoshop)
|-
| Core extensions || Built-in applications (e.g. Start button, Screen Saver, File Search) 
|-
| Database || File system (one type of Files)
|-
| File system || File system (another type of Files)
|-
| Viewing a page || Using an application (Added or Built-in)
|-
| Updating Joomla! || Installing updates for your OS (Security patches and bug fixes)
|-
| Migrating between Joomla! versions || Installing a new version of your OS<br/>(e.g. moving from MS Windows XP to MS Windows 7)
|}