A 'script' basically gives you all of the programming for a generic website which you can then modify and personalise with very little work. Once you have a script then all you need is hosting and a domain name and you can easily have your own website up and running in no time at all.

There are various free scripts around if you search for them, for almost every conceivable kind of website that you can think of. But one of the best ways to get a free script, especially for a beginner, is to use a CMS or content managment system. This means that as well as the basic website you will also get a control panel that will allow you to do all of the management and personalisation of the site with simple menus without having to to mess around with the code at all.

This hub has my reviews of all the scripts and cms that I can find which you can use for free to set up you own 'wiki' style website. A wiki is a website with pages that anyone can edit if they sign up for a free account, like wikipedia. You can create a wiki on any subject and it is a great way to own an interesting social website that people can really get involved in an enjoy, without you having to create loads of content yourself!

 TikiWiki is one of the most comprehensive content management systems for wiki websites. There are loads of different setting and permission that you can choose between, you can have different user groups with different permissions so that only more senior users can delete or edit certain pages if you want. Also users can set up their own blogs on the site if you want to let them, and there are loads of other features like forums, articles, image and file galleries and a link directory as well as the regular wiki pages. There are a fairly good number of design templates so that you can get a look that suits your site too. It probably will take you a while to figure it all out to start with, but its worth taking the time to do so.

Visit TikiWiki here

 MediaWiki is one of the most well established cms for wiki websites. It is also available free on an 'open source' lisence, and its not too difficult to set up.

This one uses the same basic system that is used to run Wikipedia, so if you are familiar with this site and know pretty much what it can do and how it works then, and you want a site cms that will be easy and intuitive to use with familiar terminology then this may well be the best bet for you. It will also be more likely to be familiar and usable to people who visit your site, which is an important factor. There are perhaps fewer peripheral extras than you get with TikiWiki, but there are loads of options for the actual wiki pages and some nice professional looking designs to choose from.

visit MediaWiki here

 This one produces a more basic website, but is quick and simple to use. If your looking for something that doesn't take long to either set up or to maintain, and which isn't to confusing to work with, then this may be the one for you.

Visit PHPWiki here

 If you are looking for something that produces a website that looks appealing and is user friendly, but which isn't too complex and doesn't bewilder you with hundreds of different set up and customization option which don't mean a thing to you when you first start out then this is a good option. You  get basic categories, pages and comments with the option to embed flash (video, games or graphics) and rss feeds, but its nice and intuitive to use and produces clean attractive websites.

Visit Wikkawiki here