Need CMS I think?

[elli]

Are you able to hand code when you use a CMS? I want to give my clients one so that they can update their own site. But I know nothing about them.
I don't want to work within ridgid restrictions in a CMS. Can I build a site in notepad and then load it into the CMS? I don't know how it works.
I need one that is very easy for my clients to update without having to know any coding at all.

Thanks. I hope someone can help -elli