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engaged in effective

Christian Ministry
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Composing, Posting, and Maintaining Web Site

2 types are necessary for creating and maintaining web site.

1. Composing the web page(s) with text, images, etc.

2. Uploading (also called "ftp client, for posting the file(s) to your web hosting service's computers)

 

4 sources of the necessary software.

1. Software provided by your web hosting service. Use it online.

2. Software your computer already has as part of the Operating System.

3. Freeware (free) and shareware (low cost or voluntary contribution - honor these) available through download.

4. Major publisher's software available at "brick and mortar" or online stores.

 

Available Software (from least to most expensive)

For composing the page(s) of the site:

 

Your web hosting company's software. You may not need any more than this.

 

Notepad (windows) and the system text editor on Apple computers. The user of this software will need to know how to write in the code/language of the internet - html. Only when viewed in a Browser will the person using this software be able to view what results; it is not a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor.

 

Advantage: Free
Disadvantage: Webmaster must be trained.

 

NVu - Open Source WYSIWYG editor. FTP Client Included.

Advantage: Free and/or donation
Disadvantage: Support often given that assumes greater than a computer novice can quickly understand.

 

Find other free or low-cost editors under "Downloads" in C-Net.com

 

Contribute by Adobe (Formerly Macromedia)

Advantages: Can be used with Dreamweaver by members of a web team; FTP client included; basic image editing; will convert documents created in a windows-based program into PDF or Flash Paper,

Disadvantages: Best when used alongside DreamWeaver (Web team leader uses DreamWeaver, other team members responsible for sections of site, use Contribute. Simple to use once set up. 1. Browse to page the user has rights to edit; 2. Edit existing pages/Add New/Delete old; 3. Click on publish to upload.
Disadvantages: Must be on live internet connection to start. Best if user continues online through whole of creating/editing process.

 

FrontPage by Microsoft - discontinued.

 

Expressions by Microsoft-$299 for full program; Upgrade for FrontPage-$99

Advantage: WYSYWYG and supports database driven setups, includes FTP client
Disadvantage: First Edition, still working on bugs; Expensive if full program

 

DreamWeaver by Adobe (formerly Macromedia)

Advantages: Choice of professionals, WYSIWYG & Code Views, Wizards make it simple, supports database driven sites, includes FTP client. Full compatibility and interchange with Adobe Flash, InDesign, Photoshop (Full and Elements), and other Adobe programs.
Disadvantages: Expensive (but worth it!)

 

For Uploading (i.e. "stand alone FTP Clients")

 

Try out the online FTP client that your web hosting company has for you as part of your web account.

 

FileZillaby SourceForge Project

Advantages: Free, straightforward and simple to use.
Disadvantages: Reflects this type of software's tendency to use different terminology for labels on required logon information.

 

IPSwitch$69.95 with support; $39.95 without support

Advantages: Full featured FTP Client (secure upload/download)
Disadvantage: Expensive, considering that sufficient software is free (see above)

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