yes read... but since you asked...
'Ballast' is the name used for a fixture that holds a light bulb.
No you will NOT need one for CFLs.
I use CFLs and what i did was i bought a few 10' extension cords (can be smaller if you please) and also bought these little adapters from home depot that allow you to plug a light bulb directly into a standard outlet. Then i just hung the extension cords with the bulbs plugged into them.
PEACE