web design software

[Ladydragon]

In searching to find a copy of dreamweaver cs3 to purchase (on ebay) I came across a software called Microsoft Expressions. After researching about it, it seems similar to Dreamweaver. I did go to the website and downloaded the trial version to play around with it and see how I like it. I dont even know how to use dreamweaver either so this should be interesting for me to learn. hahaha

Has anybody heard of it and most importantly, has anybody used it? if so, please let me know how it is. what are the pros and cons of this software? thanx.

Here is a link to the site just in case anybody else is interested.
http://www.microsoft.com/expression/default.aspx

[mckittie]

I use blocknote.net

It's like a watered down version of Microsoft Frontpage.
Very easy to use. and best of all it's free!

It's a WYSIWYG ( What you see is what you get ) editor.


I wouldn't waste your money on programs like dreamweaver or expressions. They are atleast $300 bucks or so. Blocknote and let me know what you think.


Also try Notetab Light for html editing it's free

[Ladydragon]

thanx I'll check those out. right now my website is designed using yahoo sitebuilder.. but I feel its limited, probably by me, but i'm trying to learn the language so I can do my own web building. save money on the web design leaves more money for snakes and supplies.

[mckittie]

Also if you need help with learning the coding side of things use http://www.htmlgoodies.com

Keep in mind that for the most part websites are just tables inside of tables with text!

For image editing and design try using http://www.getpaint.net
It's a FREE more advanced version of MS Paint, But saves everything with higher quality so your images do not look pixelated. Comes with a bunch of filters you can use to change the appearance of your text and images.

http://www.gimp.org is also a very nice FREE tool, Perhaps a little more advanced and has more filters than paint.

Hope this helps you out!

[Ladydragon]

thanx. the getpaint one sounds interesting. I've tried gimp but didn't really like it. I've started using corel paint shop pro. I like this so far and its similar to photoshop, but much much cheaper. thanx for the links though.

[Ladydragon]

okay... I'm still curious if ANYONE has used Microsoft expressions for web design. Please let me know. thanx.

[Brandon Osborne]

MS Expressions is the new version of Front Page. They discontinued FP last year and came out with the new program to compete with Dreamweaver. From what I have heard, it is a little more involved than FP but easier to use than DW. I haven't used it myself, but my site was designed using DW and I update it with FP. As mentioned, most sites are just tables in tables with text and images. There are plenty of different site builders available that pretty much code everything automatically.....so no need to learn html. I hope this helps. Good luck.