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HTML Editors
If you choose to develop your own web site, the first decision that you will
need to make (after you decide what you want your website to accomplish) is
which HTML editor to use. HTML stands for Hyper Text Markup Language. HTML is
simply a way to mark (or "tag") files in such way that they can be
viewed from any internet browser, from any computer on the world wide web
You have different options when considering which html editor to utilize
including the following:
Do you have much computer experience?
How complex is your web site?
Do you have a limitation on how much you wish to spend?
Some websites offer a free "on-line" HTML editor that promises to take
most of the work out of designing your web page. Yahoo, for example, offers such
a service where you can pick from "templates" to design your site.
Unless you want to create a very very simple site, avoid this option completely.
They offer you very little flexibility and can actually be more complicated to
use than some of the other options available.
Shareware
Shareware is software, typically developed by independent designers, that are
limited in features. Usually you have to pay to "unlock" these hidden
features. Sometimes, shareware comes fully functional but expires after a
certain period of time (for example, 30 days) at which point the software no
longer functions unless you receive a key from the developer after you purchase
the software.
Shareware HTML editors are abundant. You can find them on most shareware web
sites. The advantage of using shareware is that you can fully test drive an HTML
editor before you actually purchase one. If you have time, you can actually
download multiple editors to compare each of them. However, shareware is not
usually as feature rich as software you purchase from a full fledged development
company. Also, shareware is not usually kept up by the developer. In some cases,
a developer will create a shareware program and never update it again. If you
plan to build your business around a web site, purchasing an editor from a
larger software company is probably your best bet.
Software
Unlike shareware, HTML editor software packages are available for purchase over
the internet at major retail websites and computer stores. Usually, these
software packages will come under the label of "Web Design Tool",
"Page Designer", etc. Rarely will you find a software package that
says it is an HTML Editor. If you think your web site is simple, purchase the
least expensive design tool that is compatible with your computer's operating
system and system capabilities.
Also, choose an editor that's "visual". Visual means that you can
design the website without having to interpret HTML code itself. Remember, HTML
is sort of like a programming language. It has its own syntax and rules. In the
beginning, web designers had to know the intricacies of this coding scheme.
Nowadays, most HTML editors actually create all the code behind the scenes,
leaving you to focus on the look-and-feel elements of your site.
Some of the most popular web design software packages (and vendors) are listed
below:
Frontpage (Microsoft)
Dreamweaver (Macromedia)
GoLive (Adobe)
HotMetal Pro (Softquad)
Fusion MX (NetObjects)
Internet Design Shop (Macmillan)
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