Should I get Expression Frontpage?

[Alan Zengel]

I have a new computer with Vista Home Premium. My FP 2002 (SP3) doesn't
work well, for example, the preview function will not work.,

I am willing to get a new version which I understand goes by the name
"Expression". If I get expression, will it read the web I developed using
FP 2002? Which version of expression would be best for me - I don't intend
becoming a web designer by profession, I simply want to put up an updated
version of the web for my son's store and be able to periodically update it.
I see there are versions - Studio 2, Web 2, Blend 2, etc.

Alan Zengel

 

[Trevor Lawrence]

In-line

I have a new computer with Vista Home Premium. My FP 2002 (SP3) doesn't
work well, for example, the preview function will not work.,

I have read about problems with Vista and FP. Others may be able to tell you
more, but AFAIK, they are not great.

I am willing to get a new version which I understand goes by the name
"Expression". If I get expression, will it read the web I developed using
FP 2002?
Yes

Which version of expression would be best for me - I don't intend becoming
a web designer by profession, I simply want to put up an updated version
of the web for my son's store and be able to periodically update it. I see
there are versions - Studio 2, Web 2, Blend 2, etc.

Web 2 - that is what I have anyway, even though I haven't used it much as
yet because FP still does the publishing well and HTML and JS can be
handcoded.

But I am grateful to still be using Windows XP

 

[Rick Sparks]

Alan... As someone who's been through this, here's my 2 cents.
Expression Web, although similar to FrontPage, requires that you learn to
write code. MS will justify this as necessary because then your webpage code
will be "cleaner".... but the bottom line is: you'll have to learn HTML and
CSS.

If you just want to keep using FrontPage, I'd suggest you get a new computer
with XP (Dell sells them.... you have to go to the business computers (anyone
can get) and get a Vista downgrade option.... Vostro units are nice and good
prices too)/
There are lots of other good reasons to stay with XP (search on 'vista
sucks' for more info).... but this is a really good one in your case.
.... and a web hosting company that will continue to support FP Extensions...
they are out there, but you have to look.
There really are no other good alternatives that are user-friendly without
learning to write code ... with maybe the possible exception of Namo
WebEditor.

I hope this helps,
..... Rick Sparks

 

[Tina Clarke]

I have a new computer with Vista Home Premium. My FP 2002 (SP3) doesn't
work well, for example, the preview function will not work.,

I am willing to get a new version which I understand goes by the name
"Expression". If I get expression, will it read the web I developed using
FP 2002? Which version of expression would be best for me - I don't
intend becoming a web designer by profession, I simply want to put up an
updated version of the web for my son's store and be able to periodically
update it. I see there are versions - Studio 2, Web 2, Blend 2, etc.

Alan Zengel

Hi Alan

Expression is the suite of products under that name... the one you want is
Expression Web 2.0, there is a 60 day trial you can obtain.
You should make sure that you collect and use the registration key or your
trial will end before the full trial period
http://www.microsoft.com/expression/products/overview.aspx?key=web

That way you can try before you buy Your fp02 entitles you to an upgrade
price as well $99 (or there abouts).

Because you have not used fp03... the learning curve might be a little
greater when it comes to dwts (dynamic web templates) which are basically a
super template with areas on it that are editable and non editable to which
you attach your pages.. so that when you want to make a change to one
section of it in the non editable area (which might footer or header.... you
make one change on one page and save and the attached pages are updated ..
and bingo ... all done)

Expression Web Dynamic Web Templates Ebook (f ree)
http://any-expression.com/expression-web/ebooks/expression-web-dwt-ebook.htm

You do not say how you are using fp at present (I have all the versions
except frontpage express and fp97 on vista ultimate and they all work
normally - previously had them on vista home premium and they were ok there
too) if you are using themes shared borders and nav bots - did you know
having cleaning code helps you in the search engines? (see google
guidelines)

You don't have to learn css and html to the extent someone else is
suggesting. I wish I had had ew when I first started out. Set up the correct
way

Free Setting up Expression Web 2.0 Ebook (NEW)
Free Setting up Expression Web 1.0 Ebook (Revised)
http://any-expression.com/expression-web/ebooks/setting-up-expression-web-ebook.htm

You will find ew guides you when something is wrong with the code.... it
also has a much better css editor (the one in fp is the same in all fp
versions and if one uses fp I recommend using topstyle lite as their css
editor) even if your using themes (the more modern one's you will already be
using css and if like me you use simple css styles here and there as I did
when I was using fp02....your already on the learning path to getting a
little more out of your website. The CSS editor in ew is merely a pressing
of buttons you don't have to write any code ... its the same in fp ... only
the editor is easier to understand in ew.

Expression Web (and fp03) has split view which means you can see the code as
you write in the design view (normal view) which means that you learn
without knowing it.

I have a expression web list which you can join to ask questions while you
check out expression web 2.0 trial.

Or you can join the frontpage group which has a bigger membership and people
who use both while migrating from one to the other.

We discuss FrontPage and Expression Web
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/frontpage/

We discuss Expression Web
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microsoft-expression-web/

You can at any time move back and forward between the two applications with
your site (close the site in one before opening the other) One should always
backup of course... but I have never had any problems.

Preview as you know it does not exist in expression web... this is because
preview in fp does not render the page correctly.... with ew you can save
the page and press F12 and view the page in the browser or use the menu
selection and preview in mulitple browsers at different sizes.... then if
your unhappy with your change just press the undo key...ew will remember ...
it is not fixed in stone as long as you don't close the page.

hope this helps somewhat.

Tina
****Migrating from FrontPage to Expression Web Class and Ebook****
Register for the 30th August introductory first class at half price right
now
http://starttoweb.com/classes/fp-ew.php