Website Design Tools

jlevisee · Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 9:33 am Post subject: Website Design Tools

I get asked a lot about what tools are needed to get a website built and online. So, I thought I would take this opportunity to list some of the tools I use as a professional as well as some that are well suited for any novice.

There are three things that you need.

A server or hosting. This is basically a computer that serves your website to the world via the Internet.
You will need a HTML Editor. These days there are quiet a few "WYSIWYG" (What You See Is What You Get) editors that will write the HTML for you without out any personal knowledge of the HTML language.
A FTP program is what you will use to actually transmit the website pages tot he web. You will login with a user name and password to gain access to your particular website.

Here are two HTML Editors I like:
Dreamweaver CS3 is a professional grade HTML WYSIWYG editor that is by far the best, but it is the most expensive as well ($399). It has all the tools that anyone could want including the FTP connection tool.

CoffeeCup HTML Editor can fit the needs of just about anyone. It is priced at just $49 and is a great tool. It even has the FTP connection built in.

Here are two FTP programs I like:
CoffeeCup Direct FTP allows you to edit HTML and text, right on the server. This FTP client has support for drag-and-drop functionality and multiple FTP server profiles. ($34)

WS_FTP Home is the ideal file-transfer solution for personal use, offering a cost-effective way to quickly and easily transfer files of any type and size to any FTP server. ($39.95)

Here is a link to hosting plans:
Hosting Plans Plans start as low as $9.95 per month.

Once you have all the ingredients and you are feeling pretty bold you can start building your own website.

That concludes what tools you need to build a website. I'll publish more about how to use the tools later. Stay tuned!
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James Levisee
Web Specialist

TigerBot · Tiger Member Joined: 19 Jun 2007

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TigerBot