Some hosts offer simple Web-based tools that guide you through the process of creating pages and images from scratch. Other hosts just provide the storage space for your files and you have to create everything on your own. Have no fear, as there are a variety of different tools on the market that will help you build your own Web pages without too much trouble. We have compiled a list of a few of the more popular choices:

Text Editors:
Use text editors for creating code by hand (i.e., the hard way):
• NotePad or WordPad, free with Microsoft Windows
• SimpleText, free with Apple Macintosh Computers

What You See Is What You Get (or WYSIWYG, pronounced "wizzywig") Tools:

No Cost:
• Mozilla Suite

Low Cost:
• Macromedia HomeSite - $100, $30 Upgrade
• HotDog PageWiz - $70
• HotDog Professional - $100

Some Cost:
• Microsoft FrontPage - $200, $110 Upgrade (or available as part of Microsoft Office)
• Microsoft Word - $230, $110 Upgrade (or available as part of Microsoft Office)
• Macromedia Dreamweaver - $400, $200 Upgrade
• Adobe GoLive - $400, $170 Upgrade

Advanced Tools:
For serious development:
• Microsoft VisualStudio - $800, $550 Upgrade
• Macromedia Studio - $1000, $400 Upgrade

Browsers:
Have multiple browsers, and different versions of each one, available for testing:
• Microsoft Internet Explorer
• Netscape Navigator
• Firefox
• Mozilla
• Opera
• AOL

Cross-Platform Utilities:
• Adobe Acrobat - $300, $100 Upgrade - for creating easily distributable text files independent of computer operating systems

Graphics Programs:
For photo and image creation and manipulation:
• Corel Paint Shop Pro - $130, $60 Upgrade
• ULead PhotoImpact - $90, $50 Upgrade
• ULead Photo Explorer - $30
• Macromedia Fireworks - $300, $150 Upgrade
• Macromedia FreeHand, $400, $100 Upgrade
• Adobe Photoshop - $600, $150 Upgrade
• Adobe Photoshop Elements - a more simplified approach - $150, $120 Upgrade
• Adobe Illustrator - $500, $170 Upgrade

Miscellaneous Utilities:
For freeware and shareware applications, such as FTP Clients (e.g., WS_FTP), Icon Editors (e.g., IconEdit2), and Newsletters (e.g., e-Campaign):
• Tucows
• CNet Downloads

All of the prices provided above are retail. You can do better online or with sales and rebates. Also, you may be eligible for an educational discount. Start by talking with your campus computer store. But, be careful. They may not ALWAYS be the least expensive method.

In addition to possible educational discounts, there are also a number of organizations that provide non-profit discounts on computer software and hardware:

• TechSoup offers a wide selection of donated and discounted technology products, including software from Microsoft's software donation program. For example. Microsoft FrontPage is available for a $7 administrative fee.

If there is Microsoft software that you need that is not available through TechSoup, then try purchasing your software from an eligible reseller on the Microsoft Open License Charity Program.


• TechFoundation provides discounted and donated technology hardware, software, and services to non-profit organizations.
• CharityAdvantage provides technology assistance to non-profit organizations through Web site development, computer donations, and computer purchase assistance programs.

Last modified: December 2, 2005