I like my software simple. If it's too complex or difficult to figure out, I don't use it.
For example, I have tried a lot of different programs for creating my web pages. These include:
- Namo Webeditor
- Microsoft Frontpage
- Dreamweaver
- NetObjects Fusion
- Hotdog Pro
- CoffeeCup HTML Editor
and a variety of other commercial, shareware and freeware editors. Each time I tried one of these, I found it too complicated. What are all these "panels" for? How to I see the underlying HTML code for my page? What's a "web"? How do I begin to use this package? I just couldn't get answers to my questions easily.
Now my hard disk is bulging from the growing number of HTML editors I got from download.com and then abandoned.
A couple of years ago, I discovered EditPlus. It's a very simple and easy-to-use editor. Yet is also has plenty of sophistication if you need it.
You can use EditPlus both as a text editor and as an HTML editor. This nifty piece of software has an internal preview capability so that you you get a quick check on your HTML code. It also has a spelling checker, word wrap, and a word counter. It even includes FTP functions so that you can upload your web pages to your host provider.
I wrote this article, formatted it for publication, added HTML code and published it on my web page using EditPlus.
So far, I haven't read a manual for EditPlus and don't feel I need to because the program is so intuitively easy to use.
I admit that you need to learn some HTML if you want to create and edit your web pages with EditPlus. But I get nervous when I try to create a web page with one of those designer packages where the HTML code is hidden from view.
I keep going back to EditPlus after trying those other complicated web design programs.
If you want to test it, you can download a trial of EditPlus from http://www.editplus.com. The cost of the software is minimal (only about $30) and well worth it.
Why can't more software developers follow the KISS philosophy? Keep it Simple, Stupid! I'm convinced they would capture more of us simple-minded users if they followed this principle. Then it would be Keep It Simple, Smarty!
Kempton Smith reviews computer software. Drop in to http://www.kemptonsmith.com
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