As the second most preferred content management system, Joomla has been downloaded more than 31 million times on the web. From corporate websites to community based websites, Joomla content management systems are used to power websites belonging to an array of industries and sectors. Certain multi-national companies even use Joomla for intranet and extranet purposes. The first Joomla CMS version (Joomla 1.0) was released in September 2005, and till date there have been six Joomla versions released commercially. Of the six versions, Joomla 1.5 and 2.5 are long term support versions. Joomla 3.0 was released in September 2012, and is the most recent version. Joomla version 3.1 and 3.5 LTS are scheduled to release in early and mid 2013.
Scripted in PHP, Joomla utilizes software design patterns and object oriented techniques to offer a unique overall experience. Furthermore, it uses SQL for storing data and also facilitates page caching, RSS feeds, page printing, news flashes and more. Users can extend the capabilities of their website by installing the thousands of extensions housed in the Joomla Extension Directory. Components, plugins, modules, languages, and templates are the five types of extensions available in the extension directory. There are thousands of extensions listed under each of these extension types . Joomla framework lets webmasters seamlessly develop inventory control systems, application bridges, integrated ecommerce systems, communication tools and more.
And to top all these features, the appearance settings on Joomla can be customized based on the purpose of the website. Webmasters can install free and paid themes, and can also custom edit themes. For the benefit of first-time users, I have listed below the ten best responsive themes for Joomla along with download links.
Joomla Dagen (Free)
Designed as a responsive template for Joomla 1.7 version, it uses Skeleton, Google Fonts, and Twitter Bootstrap. This is a free to install template with that renders an appealing layout to your website. To download the template, click: Joomla Dagen.
Cameleon (Free)
Equipped with RTL support, Accordion Menu, Google Fonts and JJ Slider, this template is compatible with Joomla 1.6, 1.7, and 2.5 versions. With responsive design, this template fits all screen sizes. To download the template, click: Cameleon
OneWeb (Free)
This is a basic and fast template that incorporates reactive design. This can be used for designing attractive websites and boasts features like HTML 5, Google Analytics integration, and fluid grid. It also has a semantic mark up with plentiful module positions. To download the template, click: OneWeb
Music (Free)
Designed by GavickPro, Music template supports Joomla 2.5 and facilitates custom typographic features like code listings, quotes, and text with block. This template is ideal for developing and designing websites for hosting music albums and other audio related content. This template supports mooMasonry script and other third-party Joomla extensions. To download this template, click: Music.
CMS Blue (Free)
Boasting a simple layout, this template facilitates creative modification of website dynamics. This responsive template supports Joomla 1.6, Joomla 1.7, and Joomla 2.5 versions, and is compatible with all the popular web browsers. This template is also available in different styles and colors, notably CMS Grey and CMS White. To download this template, click: CMS Blue.
Leo Restro (Free)
The Leo Restro template is an amazing template that is capable of conforming to the resolution of a tablet device or a smartphone. This template is ideal for showcase websites, blog sites, and portfolios. With this template, users can customize backgrounds, font size & color, and layouts. Available in three colors, the Leo Restro template is compatible with Joomla 1.7 and Joomla 2.5. To download this template, click: Leo Restro.
Elastica (Free)
Available under GNU/GPL V3 licenses, Elastica conforms and adapts seamlessly to the screen area of any web enabled gadget. With in-built Google Fonts and JavaScript compression, this free template supports multiple module badges and styles. Elastica is compatible with Joomla 1.5 and Joomla 2.5 versions. To download this template, click: Elastica.
Vertex (Free)
With optional responsive layout and three custom module suffixes, Vertex facilitates theme and style customization. This template is built on the Shape5 framework that provides 95 module positions, custom row & width, S5 Flex Menu, and more. Furthermore Vertex is multi-box, lazy load and tool tips enabled. It is compatible with Joomla 1.7 and Joomla 2.5 versions. To download this template, click: Vertex.
Puresite: (Premium)
Powered by the T3 Framework Version 2, Puresite offers four menu options and supports multiple badge and module styles. The template supports all major web and mobile browsers. The theme is compatible with Joomla 2.5 version. To download this template, click: Puresite.