When I started learning web design in 1999, I was a bit lost on what programs that I would need. Its turns out that you don’t really need that many programs to build a nice website.
The most important program that you will need is Notepad. If you have Windows, then you already have this program. Notepad is used for coding your HTML. Sure you could use Dreamweaver, but that codes things for you. I am not a fan of Dreamweaver because I like to type my own code. Dreamweaver is an WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor.
You will also need a program for graphics. I have used Paint Shop Pro in the past. I now use Adobe Photoshop CS4. There is also a free graphics software called GIMP.
In order to get your website onto the web you will need an FTP client. There are many of these all over the internet. Some are free. I personally use FireFTP, which is an add-on for Firefox.
- Notepad or Dreamweaver
- Graphics program. ie. Paint Shop Pro, Photoshop
- FTP client. ie. FireFTP
That’s it!