Forum Moderators: travelin cat
I am looking for something, anything, that will allow me to make simple changes to existing Web pages, without throwing in extra code and without giving me error messages about bad code. I know there is some bad HTML code -- that's why I want to get away from MS FrontPage. But, during the transition, I need a way to maintain my site.
I am currently working on a conversion to MovableType (a content publishing and blogging package), so I would rather not invest too much time and money in learning something new.
I went to MacWorld last week with the goal of finding something to replace MS FrontPage that I have been using in Windows XP. I attended a great presentation by Macromedia on DreamWeaver, and I have since installed a 30-day trial version. I also talked to the Bare Bones people and I have installed a trial version of BBEdit -- which I thought at first would meet my needs. And, I picked up a copy of Freeway Express, which is useless for me because it allows no HTML editing.
As a new Mac user, I am surprised that there is no pre-loaded simple text editor such as Microsoft NotePad -- that is, something that strips out all the format codes and gives me just the text. For this, I already know that I am going to buy BBEdit.
(If any Adobe marketing execs are reading this, I also visited your booth at MacWorld. Four of your people were more interested in arranging dinner plans than talking to waiting potential customers. Finally, one of the four told a half-dozen of us attendees that "all of your questions will be answered in the next presentation." When I asked what presentations would be made on HTML editors, he simply walked away without saying anything.)
I was very impressed by the DreamWeaver demonstration, and the Macromedia people working the booth were very responsive and helpful. But, after installing the trial and playing a bit, I'm thinking that may be more horsepower than I need.
I tried editing an existing page of mine with Dreamweaver and it didn't work -- rather, I didn't know how to make it work. Among other problems, Dreamweaver doesn't like some of the code generated by FrontPage (no surprise there) and my SSI files don't work. (The include files are used to change the adverts on the 600 or more pages I have.)
So, is there a product out there somewhere that will let me make simple changes? What about an old version of Mac FrontPage? Where would I buy Mac FrontPage? Also, there must be some shareware editor, but I haven't yet found it.
Here's my site. It's ugly and looks sooo 1998, which is why I want to change it. Go to:
snip
All suggestions and comments will be gratefully appreciated.
Thanks,
Ken Smith
[edited by: DaveAtIFG at 3:47 am (utc) on Feb. 17, 2004]
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I use Macromedia Dreamerweaver UltraDev. I think they have a new MX version.
As a new Mac user, I am surprised that there is no pre-loaded simple text editor such as Microsoft NotePad -- that is, something that strips out all the format codes and gives me just the text. For this, I already know that I am going to buy BBEdit.
TextEdit is pre-installed with OS X. I've read about others using it for basic HTML coding, but haven't needed to do it myself. You have to switch the prefs. to "plain text" instead of "rich text", I think.
For simple code updates I use an older text editor called Mi which used to be available as a free download from VersionTracker, but last I looked the download link doesn't work.
There was a brief period not long ago when I was without Dreamweaver, and I tried editors called Taco and PageSpinner, both available at VersionTracker. I preferred PageSpinner, but your mileage may vary.
Among other problems, Dreamweaver doesn't like some of the code generated by FrontPage (no surprise there) and my SSI files don't work.
DW also barfs occasionally on my includes, but the problem is usually fixed by going into preferences and setting it to NOT show the actual contents of the include.
What about an old version of Mac FrontPage?
I don't recall there ever being a Mac version of FP. Apple had its own editor called Home Page (under their Claris name), which was pretty good for its time ... but that's been out of production for probably 4-5 years now.
HTH.
1. Runs on both Windows and OS X.
2. WYSIWYG and HTML source code views.
3. Does NOT rewrite your code as FR does.
4. I have use it on Windos for over 4 years and found it to be excellent.
5. Does not have editor-specific codes as FrontPage does.
6. Worth the money.
,dave
Dave Barnes
[edited by: DaveAtIFG at 3:48 am (utc) on Feb. 17, 2004]
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Since you are a new Mac user, here's a link to add to your Bookmarks page:
[apple.com...]
I'm another BBEdit addict myself, but there are shareware and freeware HTML editors for the Mac listed on this site.
