Website software and changes to website

[RozR]

I had someone create my website and used Dreamweaver. In order for me to make changes myself I am thinking I would need to purchase a copy of dreamweaver? Correct?

I have a hosting service that provides templates, which I can utilize without charge.

Does it make any sense for me to recreate my website so that I can be the one that changes it?

Is there any other way to achieve this?

Thanks,

Roz

[Jerry Ervin]

Yes

Yes

Yes


With Dreamweaver, you can make your own changes or use your host's templates.

Go with the method that works best for you.

I have an older copy of Dreamweaver. It seems a little more complicated than Microsoft FrontPage but, you can build some beautiful websites with it.

[Mike Labbe @ GTP]

Dreamweaver is what we use too. Great program!

Frontpage was discontinued last year.

Mike

[Dermot.]

My web site designer www.jenerate.ie are using Joomla http://www.joomla.org/ open source management software for my web site…..

When it is up and running I will be able to manage the contents of my site myself……which was a key point in how I wanted my site designed …hopefully I will have a first pass of my site up by the end of next week……

I gave up on trying to build my own site……….the time I was spending on it was getting out of hand…….and for what Jenerate charge….I was better letting them do the job….have a look at there charges…..not bad….

Maura McGrath is my contact at Jenerate …..Maura lived in the US ….so she would have a good knowledge of how things work in the US there should be little difficulty with cultural differences…..if any of you guy's wanted to use Jenerate....

I hope I have made the right decision going with the Joomla software ………if anyone has any comments I sure would appreciate them….

Thanks

Dermot

[Bill Henry-]

I developed our site using Adobe GoLive because I thought at the time that it would have better integration with Photoshop and Illustrator.

Dreamweaver is generally considered the premier program, and will offer many more features than FrontPage (if you can still find it). But, the learning curve is very steep. I would suggest that if you go with Dreamweaver you also get hold of a tutorial (ideally, a “Classroom in a Book” type on CD) that will introduce you to all of their features.

In the long run, it will be cheaper to develop/maintain your site with Dreamweaver than to hire someone to do it for you. And, it will give you instant access to your site in order to make quick and timely changes without having to go through a second party.

[BILL WARD]

"get hold of a tutorial"

is there a 'dreamweaver for dummies'
like the "internet for dummies" at the local book store ? they were a series of pretty good/basic how-to's

[Natalya Murphy]

I hope I have made the right decision going with the Joomla software ………if anyone has any comments I sure would appreciate them….


I've been trying to decide on content management software too, and Joomla keeps coming up as a popular option from the stuff I'm reading, so I'd say you'll be fine. I'm leaning toward either Joomla or Drupal.

[JbNormandog]

You could also do it from scratch like me.

All the code of your current site is in front of you...you just don't know it yet.

Open your site ... right click on it and click on view source.

Save that word pad doc to your desktop and if you know what to look for ( as long as it isn't major changes ) change what you want and then upload that file to your web hosting company.



Bob

[RozR]

Bob,

That is amazing... I only need to make minor changes to my info... and if that is all it takes... wow!!

With this info - I don't need to recreate the wheel! Thank you.

I just need to know the next step. Okay - I very carefully saved a copy of the source file and very carefully changed a couple of words/numbers - now what?!? How do I upload one particular page? Or do I have to upload the entire site?

Help appreciated VERY MUCH!!

Roz

[JbNormandog]

Hello,

You can just upload the page.

You need to make a little change to the file you saved. Click on save as.. and at the end of the name of your page add on .html instead of .txt

After changes are made to check your work right click on the icon and click on open with and choose internet explorer. You will see everything except for pictures and stuff but the text will be there.

You need to find out who it is hosted with and there are probably passwords involved in posting into your online account.

Glad to help Roz.

Bob

[RozR]

Bob,

Thanks, again!!

Now to upload any one of the 6 pages - is there going to be a file name that will need to be the same as what is already there?

I know I need some education on this - but this is great for a "bandaid" and to get me started....

Thanks so much,

Roz

[Jerry Ervin]

The file will need to be named exactly as it was before. If not, your links to that page from other pages will be 'broken links'.

[Bill Henry-]

The only caution I would offer is for you to test the page before you upload it. HTML code is a bit tricky. A misplaced quotation mark or backslash can make your page go blooey.

Without a program like Dreamweaver which will check links and images for you, you will have to use your Browser.

I would suggest doing this off-line (shut off your modem or router) so you don’t inadvertently access a page that is already on the server:

Open your browser and choose Open File (or some such) and find the page you have changed. If it renders the way you wish, then you can probably go directly to your FTP. If not, then you’ve got to tweak it a bit more.

If you are off-line, external links will not be operational, but if all of your web pages are in one place along with whatever graphics you are using, you should be able to tell if you’ve done good.

[WebGuy]

Hi Roz

Congrats! Looks like you have the site up and running.

I have a few suggestions to help you in your website adventure. The first is you need to remove the frames from your page. This is one of many reasons not to use Front Page. Frames are not search engine friendly so if one of the templates you were talking about is without frames go for it. I would also suggest writing a better description that uses some of your keywords. Keep in mind the description is what shows up for a search result.

Dreamweaver is the most common used program to build and maintain websites. It is a daunting program to learn if you just want to update your site. I would suggest downloading a free program here www.nvu.com . Nvu is an open source program that will let you do the updates you need and it is free. If you do decide to dive into Dreamweaver, this site http://www.cartoonsmart.com/dreamweaver.html has a 4 hour online movie package you can purchase that will teach you the basics. Shoot me out an email if you get stuck.

[TheFrameGuy]

Hi everyone, I am a former picture framer turned Web developer. I was known as "TheFrameGuy" back in the mid-90s when this Board first started. Some of you may remember me as the owner of www.myframeshop.com which I sold a few years ago.

Anyway, I install a product called T-Edit on to all of my client's websites. It allows anyone who can surf the Internet with a browser and can use Microsoft Word, to be able to edit their website. As I said, I install the software on websites I build, or retrofit existing sites. You can try the demo located at www.t-edit.com. T-Edit is installed on your website, so you don't need to install a program like Dreamweaver to edit your website. You just need to login to T-Edit from your website using Internet Explorer for Windows.

This website www.evergreenpictureframers.org is 95% self-admin with the use of T-Edit and a Article Manger program which is installed on the website.

[Framar]

Welcome back to the Grumble - The Frame Guy!!! It has changed a lot since the early days, huh???

So tell me, would this T-Edit program be of use to a friend who has a website that has not been updated in a year because her webmaster had a heart attack??? For some unknown reason he still wants to be responsible for this website but he still hasn't done a thing to it!!!

Consequently I have given over part of my website to her not-for-profit organization - but she would sure like to be able to update her own site.

[TheFrameGuy]

Hey Framar, yes it has changed a bit. It is nice to see it is powered by vBulliten.

Shoot me the URL of the site that needs to be edited and I will review. Basically, T-Edit needs to run on a Unix/Linux server with a cgi-bin. The person editing just needs Internet Explorer for Windows. There is no MAC solution yet.

[WizSteve]

Holy cow.. welcome back Tim! :)

[John Ranes II, CPF, GCF]

Hi Tim,

Indeed....it's been awhile. Where have you been? You'll have to start a new thread on your activities of late.

Good to see you!

John

[JPete]

Wow, TFG, how are your girls? Another thread.