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Even
if you are not experienced in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language),
you can find helpful programs which will assist you in your design
efforts. Trust me, it is not as difficult as it may seem to be.
Here are a few tips for finding software to meet your small, or
home-based, business's needs.
1) Know
Your Options
When it comes to web site creation software, there are
three types to choose from: Text editors, HTML editors, and WYSIWYG
(what you see is what you get) editors.
Text editors,
which are basically any word processing program such as Word or
Notepad, require extensive HTML knowledge.
NoteTab
Light (Freeware)
Metapad
3.5 (Freeware)
TextEd
3.1 (Freeware)
EDXOR
1.60 (Freeware)
SuperEdi
3.2 (Freeware)
HTML editors
are much like text editors except they include additional features
to aid inexperienced users, such as color-coded tags and pre-prepared
CGI and Java scripts. If you have little or no experience with HTML,
an HTML editor is a better choice.
HTML
Kit (Freeware)
Web-O-Rama
(Donationware)
Webmaster
3.2 (Freeware)
Stone's
WebWriter 3.5 (Free for personal use)
AceHTML
5.08.1 (Freeware)
WYSIWYG, which
stands for What You See is What You Get, programs like FrontPage
or DreamWeaver allow you to design the pages' appearance without
writing code. You pick what you want and the program automatically
generates the code.
Macromedia
Dreamweaver ($399) (Recommended)
NetObjects
Fusion ($149.95)
HyperText
Studio 4.06 ($99 - $519)
SiteSpinner
V2 ($49)
EasyWebEditor
($59.99)
Microsoft
Front Page ($249.95)
2) Look
for the Features You Need
When
you start browsing for web site software, you'll want to look for
a few key features, such as ready-made templates, wizards (they
make many tasks easier and quicker), auto-backup, and pre-built
code.
Remember
to also keep in mind your own level of HTML experience. If you are
inexperienced, then you will want plenty of templates and wizards
to help you along. Likewise, if you feel comfortable working with
code, then you may want to choose programs without all of the bells,
whistles, and help since they will cost you less.
3) Do
Some Research
Never
buy a program, especially not one for business, without trying it
out first. Most of these programs have demos or free trials available
on their manufacturers' web sites. You can also check with sites
such as CNET.com or Epinions to get an idea of which programs are
being recommended by users. Check with popular computer magazines
for their experts' input as well.
All of
this research will give you a good idea of which programs to explore
and which to avoid when you are making your final buying decision.
4) Keep
in Mind Your Budget
Depending on which type of web design program you choose, your costs
will vary dramatically. Text editors, for example, are often already
on your computer. Notepad, a feature of Windows, makes a very usable
text editor and will cost you nothing extra. HTML editors, on the
other hand, can cost anywhere from $0 to $100 while WYSIWYGs are
priced from $70 to sky high.
Well-known
brands, such as Adobe and MacroMedia, will cost more but the quality
of their programs and the stability of their company make them a
better choice than the inexpensive software from unknown vendors.
Also,
be sure to look for programs that offer free or reduced price upgrades
so you continue to get the most from your software without paying
full price again every two or three years.
With these
tips, you should have no trouble finding an HTML program that fits
your needs and your experience level so you can create your own
professional-looking web site without draining your budget.
5) Knowing
What You're Doing
No matter which software you use, a good knowledge of HTML will
always be helpful. Here are some links that help in building HTML
and web designing skills:
http://hotwired.lycos.com/webmonkey/teachingtool/html.html
http://www.davesite.com/webstation/html/
http://www.w3schools.com/html/default.asp
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