Building Software
Website Building Software
Most web hosts include a website builder program that you can build your website on at no additional charge. 1and1.com has two free website builders that you can use to create your site. We have found that the free website builders that web hosts provide are very limited. You choose from a number of templates, then just add your text. Most free website builders do not allow you to edit HTML. Even for a beginner, we would suggest a program that allows you to edit the HTML. The reason for this, is because many of the add-ons for websites require a small HTML code to be copied and pasted into the web page. Another limitation that free website builders have, is the ability to change some of the template images. It is difficult to try and make your website your own, with so many limitations. If your intentions are to launch a basic website with information, then the free web site builder programs would probably suit your needs.
You can also try the online website builder programs. You normally do not have to download or install any software. You create your website on their online builder program. We suggest that you read everything carefully on any of these websites before you start your project. The reason we say that is because there is a lot of websites that claim that you can build your website for free using their software. What they do not come right out and tell you is that once you build your website, you will need to pay or subscribe to their service before they give you the information that you need in order to put your site online.
So you can see how the online builder sites work for yourself, we suggest that you visit these two demo sites and try them out. Both MyFlashPlace and SiteStudio often come free of charge with certain web host companies. Please note that these two builders are template based programs meant for beginners. They both are limited on what you can add.
Demo MyFlashPlace.com
Demo StudioSite
CoffeeCup & Dreamweaver are popular web editing software programs that people use to create and maintain their sites. It is more difficult to use then they claim. If you are in a hurry and do not have the time or patients to learn their software, then it probably wouldn’t be right for you.
You can visit CoffeeCup here
You can visit Dreamweaver here
Our favorite web building software is offered by Serif. We recommend their software to both beginners and experienced website designers. You get the most features and flexibility with Serif WebPlus software. The Serif WebPlus is extremely easy to use. If you can use your e-mail features, then you can use their software. You do not need to know any coding like HTML, JavaScript, CSS, XML or any other coding language. They have a simple copy and paste HTML feature that allows you to add HTML codes to your web pages with ease and little effort. Serif offers a FREE downloadable WebPlus SE program. It is limited on it’s features. You can try the Free version and if you find that you want the added features, you just simply upgrade your free version to the paid Web Plus 10 version for $19.99 USD.
WebPlus 10 offers a range of templates, smart objects and automatic navigation bars. Plus you can easily add images, video and animation to your site. One of the things that we liked with Web Plus, was that the software is downloaded onto your computer and it’s yours to keep. With it’s built-in FTP function, uploading and updating your web site is easy. You don’t have to take our word for it, you can read more about them at freeserifsoftware.com
Serifs main site
Why would you need to add or edit HTML and other scripts?
Want a gaming site? Looking to create a message forum or chat room for your visitors to communicate? Maybe you want an online guestbook where people can leave you messages on your site.
Any kind of user interactive feature on a website requires some kind of script. A script is nothing but a file that contains a bunch of code that tells the browser how to behave.
Example: < A href= “http://racservices.net” target=”_blank” >< IMG src=”http://racservices.net/120×60rac.png” >< /A >
You will need a website builder that will allow you to add that HTML script onto your web page. Don’t panic! It really isn’t that hard. Plus Serif Web Plus allows you to simply copy and paste that code right into your web page.
Note: RAC Services is not associated with Serif in anyway. Although we do recommend and speak highly of Serif products, we do not receive any incentives from Serif, for our recommendation of their products.
Still have questions? Contact Us!
