Free Website Design Software – Open Source (Part 1 of 2)
A lot of people always ask me, where and how I can get access to website design software other than Adobe Dreamweaver. Here are a few Open-Source software programs I have used and found to be quite user friendly.
Before I mention the software programs I want to introduce you to, I first want to lay a foundation as to what Open-Source really means.
Most software that you buy or download only comes in a ready-to-run version. The actual program code that the developer created, known as the source code is translated and encrypted.
Open source software is at the opposite end of the spectrum. The source code is included with the compiled version and modification or customization is actually encouraged. The software developers who support the open source concept believe that by allowing anyone who's interested to modify the source code, the application will be more useful and error-free over the long term.
To be considered as open source software by the software development industry, certain criteria must be met:
- The program must be freely distributed.
- Source code must be included.
- Anyone must be allowed to modify the source code.
- Modified versions can be redistributed.
- The license must not require the exclusion of other software or interfere with the operation of other software.
The first program is called EvrSoft FirstPage. It's a simple software application that can build brand new sites, work with templates from another source, and has a wide range of features. Built-in, you will find a free photo gallery builder, FTP software, blog templates and more.
You can find more info on the website and download the program for free.
Click here to go to Evrsoft.
The second program I want to mention is somewhat new to me. I just came across it recently, downloaded it for free and was able to construct a brand new website, quick and easy. It's called NVU. It’s easy accessible web-authoring software that works well with templates or for the advanced user who wants to start from scratch.
You can find more info on the website and download the program for free.
Click here to go to NVU.
Taking a quick look at both of these programs, you will immediately see comparisons to Dreamweaver, but taking away the expensive cost for software that can really be a deterrent for a small business trying to start their own website is: priceless. The big advantage with NVU over EvrSoft is it works with Windows, MAC and Linux based systems.
Both programs do come with a built in FTP program and a site manager. This allows for changes to be made and published on the website simple to do. Having a secondary program solely fixed on just the FTP part, can be confusing to someone who is new to all of this.
If you've never built a website before, consider either one of these two great programs as a good place to start.
More next week on three really great programs that are once again are: open-source, and free.
Have a good weekend everyone!!
2 thoughts on “Free Website Design Software – Open Source (Part 1 of 2)”
those programs are really not bad (though a bit outdated), but they both are suitable if and only if your pages will be only in pure English.
In our multicultural world??
And if you must to add other languages, you will have a lot of problems with adding a spellchecker (e g for Russian or Greek)
Thus what is the use to start with smth that you have to exchange it immediately for smth else?!
There are others (compare Coffee Cup Free HTML editor
Thanks for this introduction to a great source of FREE programs that gets the task done, most times, as good as their costly brothers.
Open Source Programs …Rocks …
for example .. Open Office to replace Microsoft Office and so on … all done at No cost to the end user .. Thanks for the heads up !