Need Some Software Recommendations

Web Developement Software Easy

[Rothenbj]

Boy, I hope I'm not violation any of the Terms of Service. I'll try not. My background was in the world of mini computers as a programmer back when it was fun to program, but not nearly as exciting as this strange new world.

Currently I'm retired and have started out a web site which is basically informational. Eventually it will probably, require registering site visitors and potentially require some Ecommerce stuff, but I don't foresee that as being a major part of the site.

I have a paid host who furnishes a pretty user friendly site builder, but I'm finding it difficult to rearrange Web Pages and there is quite a limit on fonts available. There are also some WYSIWYG difficulties that drive me crazy.

I don't want the design effort to take away from the content effort, yet I don't want to hand off the design at this early stage of development.

What I'm looking for is some recommendations on a fairly robost builder tool that I can get up an running fairly quickly, not get too involved with the code that has better flexibility than the freebie tool the host gives me.

I've got a pretty good handle on Adobe Photoshop since I've used it pretty extensively on altering photos and restoration. My natural instincts to me to look at GoLive as a website developement tool. Does anyone know how user friendly this is as compared to other packages available. How about Frontpage? Are either of these easy to get started and put up a fairly nice looking site without a lot of need for understanding the code behind the scenes. Is there anything else I should consider?

I just registered here this morning so if anything I'm asking should be done in some forum other than a direct post, please do so. Thanks for your help.

[Mohamed_E]

Rothenbj,

Welcome from another retiree playing with a web site!

I cannot help you with your question since I use a text editor (emacs) to write HTML directly, but will point you to the forum that discusses WYSIWYG and Text Code Editors [webmasterworld.com].

[txbakers]

Hi, I would recommend Dreamweaver. It's robust and easy to use, and with your experience you'll be able to start hand coding within a short time.

they have a free 30 day trial, and if you use it every day, you won't need it ever again.

hand coding web pages is pretty easy, once you have a good model to follow.

[martinibuster]

The learning curve for DW isn't as steep as it is for Photoshop. Yet it still helps to have some manuals on hand. I recommend books like the "Dreamweaver Missing Manual" as well as the Dreamweaver Bible.

Both books will enhance your productivity and serve as excellent references for when you need something to be explained.

[klatschaffe]

I love dreamweaver but since the mx-version it eats up your computers' ressources, you might also give namo webeditor a try.

Klatschaffe

[dhdweb]

DreamWeaver again!

[andreasfriedrich]

DreamWeaver is a great piece of software. I use it to weave all my web dreams and so should you. ;)

Andreas

[curlykarl]

DWMX :)

[Rothenbj]

Thank you all. It's either a conspiracy or there's a lot of agreement. Tried to download the 30 day yesterday but it bombed. I'm 56K bound for a few weeks. I may just get the demo CD, test, then buy. Thanks all for your thoughts.

[Big_Balou]

I agree that DW is the way to go if you plan on really getting into this, I'm using DW4 now, but an alternative that may get you up and going quicker than waiting on a demo disc is 1st page 2000 by evrsoft.

It's free, surprising for the features offered, and offers three different interfaces: beginner, intermediate, and expert.

I have to admit I haven't looked at it in a while but I don't remember the download being a killer over 56K. Do a search at download.com and you should be able to find it.