Web Authoring with KompoZer

Web authoring is the term I use to describe what one does with KompoZer. KompoZer is a WYSIWYG HTML editor intended to allow novices to create attractive, informative and compliant web sites. I call them web authors and web authoring is what they do.

Web Authoring or Web Design?

Some folks feel that “web design” is a better term than web authoring for describing the activity. Clearly there is such a thing as web design. Wikipedia defines web design as:

"...a process of conceptualization, planning, modeling, and execution of electronic media content delivery via Internet in the form of Markup language suitable for interpretation by Web browser and display as Graphical user interface (GUI)."

Wikipedia does not offer a definition for web authoring but their definition of the other thing, web design, is right on. “Design” connotes knowledge and professionalism that is not necessarily present in web authors. A web designer should “plan, model and execute” particularly if paid to provide the service. A web designer should account for client side and server side processing to achieve the goals of the site. Novices probably lack the technical background to understand a lot of that but with the right tool they don’t need to.

Novices Aren’t Stupid

KompoZer is a continuation of Nvu. I have designated it as the official bug fix for the free, open source software known as Nvu. The promise of Nvu was, “Now anyone can create web pages and manage a website with no technical expertise or knowledge of HTML.” The “anyone can” part may overstate the ability of a WYSIWYG HTML editor but I happen to believe it is 90% accurate.

Novice web authors aren’t stupid they just lack technical background. We don’t understand all that technical stuff but are often accomplished in our respective fields, have advanced degrees in something and even have grandchildren. The group also includes folks with none of that who are simply eager to get their ideas or interests on the WWW.

To call KompoZer a “bug fix,” official or not, understates the developer’s contribution. KompoZer works the bugs out of Nvu, adds additional features, and changes the vision statement slightly. “KompoZer is designed to be extremely easy to use, making it ideal for non-technical computer users who want to create an attractive, professional-looking web site without needing to know HTML or web coding.” That is probably 100% accurate.

Web Authoring

The KompoZer web site defines the application as “…a complete web authoring system…” That definition also continues the Nvu line, which is probably where I got the term “web authoring” in the first place. A definition of web authoring may not defend my choice of the term over “web design.”

Web Authoring. A category of software that enables the user to develop a Web site in a desktop publishing format. The software will generate the required HTML coding for the layout of the Web pages based on what the user designs.

Web authors are people with something to say but a printed medium isn’t good enough for their purpose. They want to give the rest of us an opportunity to see their creativity, ideas and interests. Web authors may not know how to use the full capability of computing technology available for a web experience but with the right tools they will be able to establish their presence on the web.

I happen to think KompoZer is a great web authoring tool and that anyone who can use a word processor can create a web site. KompoZer is also a great learning tool so that those of us with no technical background can master some of the bells and whistles that enrich the visitor’s experience.

The lower right column of this page has links for a free download of KompoZer and the KompoZer User Guide, an instruction manual on how to use KompoZer to create a web page. The upper right links you to other topics of interest regarding KompoZer, WYSIWYG HTML editing, and KompoZer tutorials. One of these days I may figure out how to develop the Wysi web site and Wiki. Meanwhile it seems more important to provide you with links and encourage you to get your place on the web.

Go ahead. Download KompoZer and give it a try. You can do it.

Wysi

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Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays is a heartfelt wish for all to share in the joy of the season.

I’m not sure how widespread the use of the greeting is worldwide but it is the politically correct greeting in the US this time of year.

To Christians residing in the US “Happy Holidays” is a euphemism for Merry Christmas. I guess the 76% of the population who are Christian use it so the 25% who have other beliefs are not offended. Maybe the others will join in the commercialization of the event if they are not offended.

Happy Holidays and Season’s Greetings denigrate the event and contribute to more commercialization in my view.

I do offer my heartfelt wish that all of you who stop by (and your neighbors) share the joy of the season. A shorter way to say all that is simply, Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas means we celebrate the humble birth of the Christ child who grew to spread the word of God. Merry Christmas means that for a brief period, maybe just a heartbeat, there is peace and goodwill across the planet.

Merry Christmas. May you share that moment.

Wysi

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KompoZer on Vista

One good thing about Vista is that KompoZer is reported to run on it. I say reported because I don’t use Vista and with any luck won’t have to use it. I have seen reports that say KompoZer works on Vista and other reports that say FrontPage will not. I hate to rely on reports and would rather tell you that I have seen or done something rather than just reporting but that is as good as this one gets.

Hasta la Vista, Baby

About a month ago I told you why the “Bad Vista” logo appears on this blog. Not more than two hours after the blog was published my counter reported a hit – the first ever, from Redmond, Washington, where my good friend Bill has his headquarters. I can still update my XP and no unusual cars have been reported in the neighborhood. Let’s try again.

One of the many things folks regard as bad about Vista is the lethality of the Windows Genuine Advantage routine. I installed one of those on my XP. Of course it was optional but unless you agree to the option you can’t get updates. I couldn’t get an update anyway because my copy of XP, factory installed by HP, was not genuine. That same thing happens but with greater consequences on Vista. So much so Microsoft has pulled the plug on an objectionable part of the new WGA.

'Kill switch' dropped from Vista
Microsoft is to withdraw an anti-piracy tool from Windows Vista, which disables the operating system when invoked, following customer complaints. BBC

The BBC article says Microsoft claims the WGA routine has led to a dramatic drop in the number of pirated copies. Microsoft sure put a happy face on that one by leaving out that there is a general lack of enthusiasm for Vista. People aren’t anxious to steal it either.

Another article, sorry but I forgot the link, reports that corporate America has been slow to upgrade to Vista. A large number are said to be seriously evaluating open source alternatives. In all honesty they did that with XP but one of today’s concerns is the potential for hardware upgrades just to run Vista. That concern is serious enough that MS has provided a hardware evaluation tool. I don’t know if corporations have thought through the other issues. I have.

Rant, Less Than 1.0

OK, so that wasn’t much of a M$ rant but that isn’t the purpose of this blog. The purpose here is when you ask Google about free, WYSIWYG HTML editing, or free web authoring software, I tell you to go get KompoZer. The purpose of this blog is to encourage novices to express themselves on the web by using KompoZer to create web sites and pages.

But it is a blog and it does express opinion (mine). It does comment on relevant events. I think admitting they have gone too far is a big, relevant event for Microsoft and today’s news important enough for a comment.

Unlike some folks I don’t hate Bill and Melinda for becoming filthy rich at our expense. I do think Bill & company went too far in tactics but that’s life. The mob became filthy rich by going to far at the expense of others and they didn’t even start a foundation. The point is this, the WGA stuff is all unnecessary.

If the price for Vista or Office were set at a reasonable level there would be lower incentives to pirate the software. We would benefit even more from the software if smart guys with good intentions could get at the source code. Bill and Melinda would be able to enjoy their life and not have to work so hard at shedding their ill-gotten gains through foundations.

Another Good Thing About KompoZer

Another good thing about KompoZer, besides the fact that it runs on Vista, is that it is free, open source software. A smart guy with good intentions woke up one day and decided he could make our lives easier by working the bugs out of Nvu. He did that and continued on to give us KompoZer 0.7.10.

If I had any brains I would help him. All I am able to do is to let you know that KompoZer is out there and that it is a good web authoring tool. Get it and put your ideas on the web. You can do it. Go get KompoZer and get busy.

Wysi

p.s. Hope you aren’t running Vista and will look at other posts while you are here.

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Why Download KompoZer?

WysiNote: This post was originally published in December of 07 and began with: KompoZer downloads continue at a brisk pace. November’s downloads again topped 100,000 copies. If you have made your decision to download KompoZer go get it. If you are looking for reasons why read this post.

I have updated the information to February 2009 and changed the title from "KompoZer Downloads." At the end of 2007, 100,000 downloads was news. Today downloads of 150,000 per month are more common and there is active development underway. Just more reasons to download KompoZer.

KompoZer Downloads are Free

KompoZer is free, open source software. KompoZer can be downloaded from links at the Project site, KompoZer.net. Be sure to select the most recent version, which at this writing, is 0.7.10. Folks are still downloading earlier versions.

Version 0.8a1 was released for Linux and Windows in February 2009. The developer states the "alpha" version for Windows may be buggy. If you use Windows you are better off with 0.7.10 unless you want to participate in testing.

KompoZer Download by Operating System

KompoZer is cross platform and runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Get the right version for different Linux distributions as well.

One of the main drivers for 0.8a1 was a change in the latest Linux operating system that caused KompoZer to become unreliable. Even though it is an Alpha version, 0.8a1 may be the best version to use with GTK214.

KompoZer has Language Packs

KompoZer is available in 13 languages. The language packs install as extensions. Links and instructions are provided by the project site.

KompoZer is Documented

One of my novice concerns when searching for a WYSIWYG editor was whether an instruction manual was available. The manual for KompoZer is complete and concise. The User Guide was developed for Nvu and has been updated to reflect KompoZer features.

Should I download KompoZer?

Anyone, from novice to pro, will find KompoZer useful in creating and maintaining web sites. KompoZer is a continuation of Nvu and is a WYSIWYG HTML editor. That means the novice does not need to understand either HTML or cascading style sheets (CSS) to be able to create a web page. More experienced web authors will find KompoZer useful as well. You can use as much or as little of KompoZer’s capabilities as you like. The HandCoder extension, for example, allows editing with your favorite text editor.

Other groups that will find KompoZer beneficial are:

• Nvu users. KompoZer corrects Nvu bugs and adds new features.
• KompoZer users with earlier versions.

I have been in both groups and upgraded from Nvu 1.0 to KompoZer 0.7.7. I know that “upgrade” sounds strange but I have discussed that issue here and the KompoZer developer has as well. I then made the upgrade to 0.7.10 which was, for me, a major improvement in the application.

What are my upgrade risks?

Moving from Nvu or an earlier version of KompoZer presents no risk to your investment of effort in your web site and pages. If you are upgrading from Nvu you do not need to remove Nvu to install KompoZer. I had both KompoZer and Nvu on my XP and ran one OR the other with no problem. KompoZer can read Nvu created pages and allow you to modify what is there with no problem.

Believe it or not I have had trouble moving from one version of KompoZer to another but that turned out to be a quick fix.

The first time you run KompoZer it creates a prefs.js file to record your preferences. That file can become corrupted and is the cause of most KompoZer crashes I know of. (CAUTION: Mozilla products, including Firefox, create a prefs.js file. Make sure you find the one in the KompoZer folder or directory.) If you are experiencing KompoZer crashes, find and delete the KompoZer prefs.js file. KompoZer will make a new one so you can reenter your preferences the next time you open KompoZer.

The prefs.js issue seems to have gone away with version 0.7.10. There was no reason to keep N|vu especially in view of the improved CSS editor In KompoZer. N|vu continues to be offered and I see notes from folks who continue to use it.

From FrontPage to KompoZer

Neither Nvu nor KompoZer support frames. Frames have their own set of problems and are not easily viewed by search engines. Anecdotal evidence shows most folks just give up frames and re-code their pages. The developers saw no reason to address frames because frames are not a favored authoring technique. However, Nvu (and therefore KompoZer) was created to replace FrontPage and Dreamweaver.

From Dreamweaver to KompoZer

Dreamweaver is the dream machine of editors according to what I've read. I don’t know why one would change from Dreamweaver to KompoZer. If you lost access to the company copy and had to shell out the big bucks that Dreamweaver demands would be a good reason. My bet is you would give up some functionality but after all we are dealing with an output-- web pages, that can be created with Notepad. I have never used Dreamweaver but have seen it discussed in relation to KompoZer. I hate to use the old quote but all I know is what I read in the papers.

You are encouraged to donate to the KompoZer project if you appreciate the work that has gone into it DONATE TO KOMPOZER.

The Price is Right

KompoZer is free, open source software. FOSS is a wonderful thing and the way things should be. It is nice that KompoZer is free but it would be worth buying for its capability. KompoZer is a great tool for building a web site and for learning about web authoring. If you are looking for a WYSIWYG editor to get your ideas on the web, KompoZer is what you are looking for. Download KompoZer and get busy.

Wysi

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Nvu Development, December 2007

Nvu was released in June of 2005 as version 1.0. Users continue to search the Web, basically without success, looking for news of additional Nvu development. Nvu was a great step forward and there has been continued development if you know where to look.

Nvu is an open source, cross platform, WYSIWYG HTML editor. The concept behind Nvu was to take what had been done as part of suites and release it as a stand-alone application. Nvu is open source which means you can get the source code and make your own version. But even though Nvu is open source, “Nvu” is a trademark of Linspire Corporation, sponsors of the project. That is a continuing source of confusion.

Nvu Development

I haven’t found a definitive number of Nvu users but it has been said to be in the millions. The 1.0 release had lots of problems but even so there continues to be happy users looking for continued development and Nvu new releases.

Because of the trademark issue (and maybe some sloppy marketing) new updates to Nvu have gone unrecognized by many. In fact, the first update came after Nvu 1.0 was released and I read the delivery message as, “You could have easily made this thing (Nvu) work.”

KompoZer is Now Official

The successor to Nvu is KompoZer, basically the work of an individual. The first release of KompoZer was announced as the “unofficial bug fix for Nvu.” Indeed it did fix some bugs but many of us awaited the "official" bug fix or the next version of Nvu.

It didn’t take me long to realize that Nvu had been abandoned and even if I considered it a classic HTML editor I moved to the unofficial bug fix. There was a time when the community thought KompoZer was abandoned as well. Not true: KompoZer development continues.

I’m not sure how one produces an "unofficial" bug fix or how the fix becomes official. I could take KompoZer, as is and sell it according to the rules of open source. Since that is true it seems I would be empowered to call it an official bug fix. OK, KompoZer is now the official bug fix to Nvu.

Version Numbers

Getting beyond the unofficial-official issue, I had concern over trading in my Nvu 1.0 for KompoZer 0.7 something. That seemed like a step back and caused me to perceive increased risk. Just landing from Mars I hadn’t figured it out yet.

In case you just got here let me assure you that:

1. Nvu shouldn’t have been released as a 1.0,
2. KompoZer should have been released as a 0.7,
3. Upgrading from Nvu to KompoZer is painless, and
4. The current version, KompoZer 0.7.10, is a nice product on the way to becoming a real 1.0.

We didn’t notice any glitches when playing with the WYSIWYG function. Running lean and mean lets KompoZer compete more than adequately with better-known competitors. zdnet

KompoZer Download

The KompoZer Web site now defines KompoZer as: "...designed to be extremely easy to use, making it ideal for non-technical computer users who want to create an attractive, professional-looking web site without needing to know HTML or web coding." KompoZer is all it is said to be and has clearly surpassed Nvu in capability.

This blog is not part KompoZer or Nvu development. We think KompoZer is a way for new web authors to start their web site for free. Links to KompoZer Download, User Guide and other points of interest are provided in the right column. Download KompoZer and get started on your first web page.

Wysi

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