Free Web Authoring Tool - Are you a KompoZer?

Photo by chrysti
Creating a website for your business can seem like a daunting task for those with little or no experience in HTML (HyperText Markup Language) or CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). For a small business business, the cost of hiring a web designer or purchasing an HTML/CSS editing program can put a heavy strain on most budgets. There are alternatives that work for not only for the experienced but for the beginner as well. I discovered a great resource - KompoZer. I used this program to create the website for my business and the big bang for your buck is ……it is free!

Kompozer has been identified as the:

• unofficial bug-fix release for Nvu, a discontinued WYSIWYG HTML editor; and
• favorably compared to Adobe Dreamweaver.

KompoZer stats

complete web authoring system that combines web file management and easy-to-use WYSIWYG web page editing.

designed to be extremely easy to use, making it ideal for non-technical computer users who want to create an attractive, professional-looking web site without needing to know HTML or web coding.

those who are familiar with the DreamWeaver interface will feel right at home with KompoZer.

Facing a small budget and armed with little knowledge of how to even begin designing a website, I researched information on my hosting support forum at Bluehost. KompoZer came recommended by several techs that had been using it long term. I had nothing to lose (zero cost) and a lot to gain; I decided to give it a try.

With minimal HTML and no CSS experience, I began working through the design and layout of my website. I think the end result turned out well for my first time out of the box (CPBA site). Sure, there were times of deep frustration and throbbing headaches but I finally finished the site. Well, finished is not a term one can use with any website, but you get the gist.

KompoZer is the continuation of the original program titled Nvu. Nvu ceased development in 2006 and KompoZer continued the development of its code. There are several tutorials on how to use KompoZer (aka Nvu). A quick Google search will turn up plenty of tutorials and videos for your choosing, based on your style of learning.

Three sites that were very useful as I designed my website:

• Nvu Tutorial - I read through this tutorial before I got started.
• WYSIFA Forum for users of Nvu or KompoZer - I went to this support forum often and usually with a few quick searches was find the information to resolve an issue. The forum was so rich in content that I never had to post but responses to others were usually quick and supportive.
• KompoZer and Nvu User Guide - a lot of detailed instruction, particularly related to CSS.

KompoZer does have its own template system but it was recommended by many not to use their templates. Using a KompoZer template is a committed path; meaning that you MUST always use KompoZer to make changes to your website in the future. That’s a big downfall in looking towards the future. Once your business succeeds to the point that you either are in a position to purchase a web authoring program such as Dreamweaver or hire a web designer, your website will need to be recreated from scratch. There are many website templates available, both free and for purchase. I purchase a template, although I completely dismantled it once I got started and in hindsight should have found a free one.

I tested the theory that of switching back and forth between web authoring programs. Midway through designing my website, I discovered a 30 day trial download of DreamWeaver. I worked in Dreamweaver for a couple of days and eventually went back to KompoZer. DreamWeaver is a complicated software, one that I plan to learn but while attempting to design my website was not the time.

There are a few cons to KompoZer, while it’s free, it’s not fault-free. The software can be buggy at times. There were many times that I had too many pages open and the program would lock up. I learned the hard way to save often. Other than needing to restart the program, I didn’t find a lot of fault with KompoZer. When available, I download programs from CNET - download Kompozer at CNET.

The Point

Having a web presence should be at the forefront of an entrepreneur’s business and marketing plan. With the program KompoZer, there should be no excuses. I highly recommend KompoZer for the experienced and a beginner. While it has it shortcomings, the pros heavily outweigh the cons. The program definitely gets you on your way to designing a website for your business and giving your business the on-line presence that it deserves. If you still find designing a website too daunting, then partner with a Virtual Assistant. A Virtual Assistant will be able to assist your business in establishing a web presence.

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