By developing distance learning, network education appears and enables us to overcome to the time limitations and physical circumstances constraints. Learners can study freely ever in every time and place via Internet which contains various informational sources. In sciences and economy era, people face with the challenges caused by scientific and technological developments and daily business necessities, thus, continuation of study and job education have been the main methods for restoring knowledge and learning skills. Education and learning are proceeding and growing gradually in a direction as a life-long process. Learning Management System (LMS) is an approach for computer's application in education. The present article is presented in order to study the characteristics of LMS and its role in E-learning. For this purpose, the article begins with an introduction of a history, related researches and a specific definition of LMS. The key point to understand the difference between LMS and other computer-based educational terms is the know-how of the system nature of LMS. Distinguishing LMS from similar terms such as Course Management System (CMS) and Learning Content Management System (LCMS) that in many cases are being confused with; is one of the basic parts of the article which is dealt with. In the meanwhile, a brief elaboration for definitions of the terms will be given and also the role of LMS in education will be explained. It is clarifying the function of LMS as well. Finally, the article explains the contemporary usage and current features of the present LMS, sums up the topics to reach to a conclusion and also gives some approaches and recommendations.

Learning Management System, E-learning, Course Management System, Learning Content Management System