What is it? A web browser and editor in one. Who needs it? Anyone who must make frequent updates to a website but doesn't want to wait around for a webmaster, designer or other person in charge to make
changes for you. And if you're all thumbs when it comes to knowing about website design and upkeep, you're going to especially like this program.
Made by
same folks who developed
highly capable Dreamweaver web design software, Contribute 3 makes it easy to manage your website. First of all it has
familiar look and feel of Windows environment. You may find yourself forgetting momentarily that you aren't using Windows Explorer, since
basic browsing functions work more or less
same way.
When I first discovered Contribute, Macromedia was up to version 2. The latest version 3 (actually 3.1) Contribute update delivers powerful enhancements including Streamlined File Publishing, Breeze Server Connectivity, and support for Subsites. This free update is recommended for all Contribute users. And like most Macromedia products,
company lets you test drive
software with a free 30 day download available from its website (see link below).
What makes Contribute 3 especially useful though is
fact that you can make changes to your website (or any website that you have permission to change) and publish your changes literally with a click of your mouse. You first have to create a one time only connection by entering
appropriate user name, password and FTP address for
website. After that, anytime you want to make changes to pages on
site, you do
following:
1. Click on
connection dialog for that website in Contribute 3, which opens
website in
browser. 2. Click on EDIT, which allows you to start making changes. 3. When you're done, click on PUBLISH and Contribute 3 uploads
changes to your website.