I wanted to share the website builder that I used to build my website and the kicker is ....... it's FREE.

Kompozer

Kompozer replaces Nvu (if you are familiar with it). There are several tutorials to use Kompozer (and Nvu) - just Google it. There is also a support forum (still named Nvu) Kompozer/Nvu Forum. I went to it often and usually with a few searches was able to figure out what I needed to know. I never had to post but it seemed that responses were usually quick and supportive.

I discovered Kompozer through my hosting forum at Bluehost. With the software being free, finances tight, and it being recommended by techs that have used it long term (some who also assist on the Kompozer forum), I decided to try it.

With minimal HTML and zero CSS experience with the exception of Codehead's classes here - which I HIGHLY recommend - I was able to create my site. Definitely not without many headaches and lots tears but I finally finished it. Well, finished is not a term one can use with a website, but you get the gist.

I did purchase a CSS template to start out with. I wish I had just found a free one since I pretty much deconstructed the entire template and just ad-libbed.

You can create a website by using a CSS template or HTML. Kompozer does have it's own template system but it was recommended not to use it because then you MUST use it in order to make changes. If you get to the point in your VA practice where you purchase Dreamweaver or another software you will not be able to edit what you created if it is a Kompozer template.

I was able to use another software to edit what I had created in Kompozer using the third-party CSS template. Midway through designing my website, I discovered the Dreamweaver freebie, tried it - was completely frustrated by it and went back to Kompozer.

Please note ..... the software can be buggy at times. There were many times that I had too many pages open and it would lock up. I learned the hard way to save often.

Overall ..... I highly recommend this software. If you do not have CSS or HTML experience I recommend that you read through a few tutorials before you begin using Kompozer. This is one that I started out with Tutorial.

Happy coding and cascading!

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Kim Alvis, Managing Director
Cardinal Point Business Associates

Hi Kim, thanks for that info. I have, in the past week downloaded NVU software and I have been looking at templates to use for my site. The tutorial site looks as if I may be using it a lot as I am fairly new to web design and HTML.

Like yourself, I have been following Codehead's tutorials here on the forum. Saying that I must go over the last tutorial for tomorrow.

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Vicky
www.c-vas.eu

Thanks for such a comprehensive review. It's nice to have a site/product recommend and to learn a little bit about from someone who has used it or is familiar with it.

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Kimberly
Social Media Specialist

Another good free one is Aptana. I am learning to build sites from scratch, and have found this to be a great tool. It was highly recommended from the writer of HTML, XHTML, and CSS for Dummies. The CD that came with the book had the program on it, but you can download it for free also. He also gave a review of Kompozer, but said this one is the one that he prefered, so I tried it since it was on the CD and I didn't have to download it.

I just currently finished my second website using Aptana and all is well. I have created html and css with it. I have also been able to edit php, so I am happy.

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Kellie Stotsky
The Essential Virtual Assistant
www.theessentialva.com