Joomla is a versatile and modular content management system, built using the PHP web framework. It is the second-most online-based content management system after WordPress, and has an installation base at over 10 million websites. While Joomla was initially developed as a platform for web developers to easily generate simple websites and blogs, a large number of modules and plugins has enabled this versatile tool to be used as a base for developing a wide variety of web applications ranging from e-commerce to online magazines to FTP servers.

As of 2018, there are over 8000 free and paid Joomla modules for a wide variety of uses; some are used to enhance the functionality of the CMS or improve security while others are used to help developers craft unique and custom-made solutions for their clients and organizations. Here are the 10 best free Joomla extensions for new businesses:

1. TZ Multi Slideshow: TZ Multi Slideshow is a free Joomla module which integrates three of the best sliders for front-end developers and UI designers to add to their Joomla website. The module contains FlexSlider, a configurable and user-friendly slider using thumbnails to place the requisite images at the appropriate containers; NivoSlider, a module featuring various effects that can be applied to FlexSlider and other containers in the page; and ZoomSlider, which creates a zoom effect for containers.

2. Two Factor Authentication: Two Factor Authentication adds a superior security check for Joomla. The module is best used for e-commerce and forums, protecting users from password theft, password hacks and other malicious attacks on the website. The module is highly configurable and features Google Authenticator for additional protection.

3. Komento: Komento is an easy-to-use commenting system that allows the site administrator to have complete control over the comments section. Features include an advanced anti-spam system, comment highlighting and accentuation, social sharing for comments, geo-location tagging, user activity monitoring and comment reporting to allow administrators maintain order and sanctity in the comments section.

4. RSContact: RSContact is a simple and easy-to-use contact form creator. The module allows developers and designers create professional contact forms within minutes with in-built templates, email functionality of data submission and allows advanced users to customize the system using CSS and JavaScript. For any business website or page, RSContact is a must-have module to develop high-quality and professional contact forms.

5. JCE: One of the most downloaded modules for Joomla, JCE is a content editor which allows novices to easily write content without knowledge of HTML or CSS. The system comes with an interface similar to word-processors, integrated spelling checkers, link editors, and the ability to cut, paste, copy and resize images.

6. OT Testimonials Slider: For any business website, the testimonials section is one of the most important segments of the home of the website. The testimonials section features messages from clients and customers are a way for businesses to showcase satisfied clients. The OT Testimonials Slider lets web designers add an interactive testimonials section, complete with multiple viewing options, and Bootstrap support for cross-device compatibility.

7. JF Mobile Menu: With over 60% of the web being accessed through smartphones, it is imperative to have a mobile-friendly website. JF Mobile Menu adds a menu functionality which is compatible with a wide variety of devices. The module supports parent and sub-menu items taken from the Joomla core database, unlimited color options and Font Awesome icon support to display icons in the menu.

8. RSSocial: With over 1.5 billion people active on social media, one of the best ways to create awareness of a business or a website is through platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. RSSocial is a Joomla module which allows designers to place links and share buttons on the front page and control them using the backend. The module allows developers to tweak the look and feel of the buttons, show share and like statistics and display them at multiple positions of the template on a page.

9. Welcome Message: Welcome Message is a simple and nifty module for Joomla which displays a message to first-time visitors on your website. The module can not only show a popup for the users, but even show personalized messages for new users on their home page. This configurable module can automatically detect the user type, and lets you set different messages for different types of users.

10. Blog Factory: The Joomla Content Management System can be extended to be used as a social blogging channel with the free Blog Factory module. The module allows multiple users to create their own profiles with their own customizable front page; features integrated social bookmarking and sharing systems, RSS feeds, avatars, and a simple thumbs-up/thumbs-down rating system.

Joomla extensions play an important role in joomla development services, so we would love to hear more from you, and certainly cherish your opinions!