Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

theessentialva · #1 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008

I use Homestead for my VA website. They have a web design software called SiteBuilder that I use to create websites. It is relatively easy to use, not much harder than using MS Publisher. My mom has a site that she wants me to do that needs to be up ASAP and my new pc with Vista won't run the software properly. I emailed their support and received an answer that only half worked, and now it is timing out again. I have sent them another message and am waiting for a reply.

In the mean time, I am considering creating the site on different software, but don't really have any money to spend. I am considering downloading a trial of something if it is available. If anyone has any ideas on good design software that maybe has a free trial I would greatly appreciate it. I would accept other ideas or options too. The site is selling one item, but is a kit that needs to allow the customer to choose several options to personalize their kit. Thanks so much for your help.

Tess · #2 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008

I'm not sure if this is going to help solve your problem, but I found a conversation at another board that talks about installing MSJava to be able to use the Homestead Sitebuilder with Vista.

I am not a proponent of sitebuilders in general so can't offer much in the way of alternatives, sorry!

We use Dreamweaver...

theessentialva · #3 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008

Tess,

I tried the Java thing, that is what worked for a while. But it is messed up again.

Is there much learning curve with Dreamweaver? I have heard wonderful things about it, but have never had the opportunity to try it. If there is no other option I might try to talk my Mom into getting it for me (after all it is her website I am building).

Tess · #4 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008

We write all of our stuff in Dreamweaver from scratch, so I would say yes there is a learning curve if you're going to approach it in code.

There is a 'design view' in Dreamweaver where you can add things to the web page without knowing code, but I've never used that feature so am not sure what to say about that side of the program - maybe someone else who has can pitch in a few cents about it?

theessentialva · #5 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008

I know basic html and am learning CSS. I would be willing teach myself a crash course in web design. That is something I am planning to do anyway. I guess it'll be a weekend of learning for me.

lanelt · #6 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008

I've heard nvu.com recommended but can't say anything about it other than I've heard other people talk about it. It's an opensource program.

VagabondetteVA · #7 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008

I use Dreamweaver too and I know *very* basic HTML and tend to use the split screen so I can see both code and design. I love it. There's a learning curve, but I think it's not bad.