Member Avatar for MartyMcFly

I would like to make a website, and would be greatful of some trustworthy recommendations.

I would like a recommendation on what web design software I should use. I'm thinking of getting Dreamweaver MX 2004 second hand, and could be swayed elsewhere, but for no more than £100. Are there any good open source alternatives, I already have OpenOffice, but haven't looked into any options there.

Also I'd like to create a basic forum. Whats the easiest way to do this.

Also if someone could recommend a good Domain host to register with, for under £5/month and UK purchase if possible.

I know this is basic questions I should probably find out myself, but I'd really appreciate your expert advice.

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Dani AI

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This thread is from 2005, so a short modern update that keeps the original advice from and but gives a practical path for someone arriving today.

If you prefer coding (hand‑coding is still excellent): use a modern editor with syntax support, extensions and Git integration — Visual Studio Code is free, actively maintained, and a good fit for HTML/CSS/JS workflows. For simple sites consider a static workflow (write files locally, push to Git) and deploy on a free/static host — GitHub Pages, Cloudflare Pages and similar services take care of TLS and CI/CD for you. (code.visualstudio.com)

If you want a visual/designer workflow (WYSIWYG without a heavy IDE), look at purpose‑built visual editors that export clean HTML/CSS and fit into a modern toolchain — they let you design visually and still use Git or a static host to publish. If you already have a legacy product (Dreamweaver MX 2004), note that current Dreamweaver is a different, subscription product and modern alternatives are generally easier to integrate into current web standards and hosting. (pinegrow.com)

For community/forums: there are modern choices with different tradeoffs — lightweight PHP forums that run on cheap shared hosting, and more full‑featured platforms that expect a VPS/Docker (and give a nicer UX). Pick a self‑hosted option only after checking server requirements (PHP/MySQL or Docker) and consider a hosted service if you want zero maintenance. (docs.flarum.org)

Domains and hosting: domains are sold per year (not per month). For low cost and transparency, compare registrars (some offer at‑cost registration and included WHOIS privacy); for hosting, free static hosts or low‑cost shared plans can keep monthly spend under your target — just check renewal pricing, DNS control, and whether the host supports PHP/MySQL if you plan to run a dynamic CMS or forum. (developers.cloudflare.com)

Quick starter checklist

  1. Choose editor (VS Code) and learn Git.
  2. Pick site type: static (fast/simple) or CMS/forum (dynamic).
  3. Register a domain with a registrar that includes privacy and clear renewal pricing.
  4. Deploy to a static host (free) or a host that meets your forum/CMS requirements.

This preserves the original thread’s spirit (hand‑code or use a GUI) while aligning tools, hosting and costs with current practice.

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Member Avatar for DaveSW

I code all my html by hand, in software that is absoltely free, so I can't help you with the editor.

Forum software I suggest you get something like www.phpbb.com - all premade for you.

Domain names, well there's www.godaddy.com or www.oneandone.co.uk - both cheap.

Member Avatar for Dani

I would go with GoDaddy, definitely :) phpBB is also a good, premade php forum software. Just make sure that your host has php/MySQL support. Dreamweaver MX is a good option because of its learning curve - you can begin by using it as a WYSIWYG editor. When you feel comfortable / experienced enough to hand-code, it makes an excellent color-coded syntax highlighting web dev editor.

Member Avatar for MartyMcFly

Thanks for the quick advice. I decided to go to GoDaddy who had a better choice, and registered as well as getting some hosting space at the same time.

Also I ordered DWMX2004 second hand without box and instructions from Amazon, but thought for £65 it was worth the risk.

Certainly phpbb was exactly what I was hoping for, and may also try this at work for a working group forum.

Many thanks, David

Member Avatar for DaveSW

No problem - best of luck with your projects.

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