Web design software

Web design software

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I want to design a website for accounting and tax service.

I know there are services avaialable from web design consultants, but I want to have a go at designing it myself.

Can anyone recommend any software.

Ive heard of front page, macromedia etc but not sure what to use.

It doesnt have to be too sophisticated - just professional looking.

Many thanks

AJ Law

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By Richard Willis
05th May 2005 13:49

We use Netobjects Fusion
I use NOF to keep our company site. It's fairly easy to use and has a wealth of ready-made templates available, either inherent or as fairly cheap addons. The latest template CD has financial themes for instance, and cost about £20.

I would agree, however, that it is a very good idea to learn a bit about HTML either first or as well. Even in NOF, there are places where one can add HTML to enhance the page. I found a BRILLIANT book called 'Web Pages Made Simple' I think. You could have your name and details on the Web in less than half an hour from a standing start.

Anyway, it's one of a range of 'made simple' books: I've just bought the Excel VBA one as I'm fed up with the Excel techies looking down their noses at us poor function drivers!!!

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By AnonymousUser
22nd Apr 2005 11:08

Dreamweaver
Tried Frontpage and didn't like it. Dreamweaver is a little expensive but with Fireworks is brilliant and enjoyable to use.
My son uses Flash and creates some really impressive websites.

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By jacp400
22nd Apr 2005 08:57

Practiceweb
Hi

Do not underestimate the challenge of building a website, especially if you have no experience using the tools.

Why not have a look a practiceweb who provide websites for Accountants:

http://www.practiceweb.co.uk

Hope this helps.

John Clough
Numerica LLP
Tel: 023 8070 2345
[email protected]

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By David Carter
22nd Apr 2005 09:56

Moonfruit?
I'm in exactly the same position - want to design my own website but wondering what to do next.

Seems like you need a package that offers you sample templates you can adapt, rather than start with a blank screen.

In the Internet magazines I've found a company called Moonfruit.com - they've got some sample sites which look quite good.

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By User deleted
22nd Apr 2005 10:56

web design software
There are several options:

If you have Microsoft package that comes with FrontPage then this is a fairly easy/basic package to use.

There are relatively cheap packages (around £40) that have templates and drag and drop options to make web design simple.

Or you could go for one of the professional packages which cost considerably more and can be quite difficult to master, such as Dreamweaver or NetFusion Objects.

I would suggest as a beginner to either use FrontPage or buy one of the cheaper web dseign software packages that have ready made templates which allow customisation.

Chee

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By AnonymousUser
22nd Apr 2005 12:56

website
there is a contradiction here:

' I want to have a go at designing it myself'
and
'professional looking'

If you want it to look professional use a professional. The tools are out there but learning to use them properly takes time. IT takes rather more time to develop design flair and a good understanding of user interface design.

If you do want to have a go yourself skip frontpage and use the macromedia products.


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By theaardvark
22nd Apr 2005 13:17

This may mark me out as a purist techy geek but...
I used Windows Notepad to build by first 2 websites. Now I use HTML-Kit by Chami. Of course, you really do need to know what you're doing with HTML to do that. My first site took about 3 months to build because I was learning HTML from scratch using a book called HTML in a Weekend or something.

I still insist on hand-coding all of my websites. It's the only way to truly understand what's going on. I'm regularly asked by other people to solve some problem generated by their WYSISYG site builder because they haven't got a clue what's gone wrong.

Regards

Paul Taylor
VATease - VAT Advice

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By pgittins
22nd Apr 2005 14:08

I can recommend NetObjects Fusion ...
... for anyone who wants to concentrate on the website design aspect, rather than learning HTML. There are many templates available, but customising these is quite straightforward; and you can start fith a "blank" page, and build up the components of your site bit by bit. Also the WYSIWYG interface makes this package very simple to use.

The latest version (v.8) costs around £200, I believe; I got a copy as part of my web-hosting package. Alternatively, I have seen earlier versions included on magazine cover discs - useful if you just want to get a feel for the product without making the full investment.

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By jasonholden
23rd Apr 2005 18:04

NetObjects Fusion
I agree with Paul, NetObjects Fusion will do the job, it is what I used to create my site. Although it is possible to create a website that looks and feels professional and has all the right information on it you need to remember it needs to be kept up to date, and this can take time. Also, there is a learning curve, don’t underestimate this, if you have the time to spend hours designing and redesigning your site until you are happy with it then go for it, if however, you are busy then go to the professionals, yes it costs, but compare their costs to your lost income through spending weeks on getting your site up and running.

Hope this helps.

Jason
www.holdenassociates.co.uk

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By User deleted
22nd Apr 2005 12:37

thank you
thanks for your comments folks.

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By AnonymousUser
23rd Apr 2005 14:40

website design software
Hi
Have you checked out www.trainerbase.co.uk where there are a number of excellent specialist software /IT trainers who may be able to answer your enquiries and suggest suitable software.
Sally

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