Recently I set out on a quest to find a software program that would allow anyone to easily create a home page without having to learn HTML or other computer mumbo-jumbo. This mission took me through many Web creation programs like CoffeeCup, FrontPage, HotDog, HoTMetaL, and Homesite. The search ended with my first look at Cool Page. It met all my criteria: cost effective, full-featured yet easy to use, simple positioning of text and graphics, and easy posting to the Web. If you don’t know HTML and you don’t want to learn, this is the program you need!
Cool Page even had one bonus feature. It is a program that allows you to grow. It is perfect for beginners yet full-featured enough for advanced users. Start off with the Standard Version and, if you really get into Web page creation, you can upgrade to the Pro or Webmaster Edition.
With Cool Page, Web documents are created just by dragging and dropping pictures and graphics. Use images from your own computer or select images from the programs extensive Object library. The program allows images to be resized on the fly. Text is typed into a text box, which can then be dragged to any position on the page. Use the easy interface to choose colors and add buttons and links, and, presto, the Web page is complete. The WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface allows you to view your document just as it will appear on the Web.
To actually post your Web site, you simply fill in information like the address and host name that you receive from your Internet Service Provider. Connect to the Internet, click on the Publish Page button, and you will have your very own Web site on the Internet for everyone to view. If your Internet Service Provider doesn’t give you free Web space (many do), you can post your new Web site to one of several free hosting services like Tripod, GeoCities, and Xoom. Cool Page supports HTML 4.0, so your Web page will look good no matter which browser your visitors are using.
Cool Page includes a cache of templates, plug-ins, and add-in objects. The object selections include buttons, backgrounds, animations, icons, and clip art. All are high-quality, usable selections. Cool Page also has an extensive help system.
The fully functional Standard Edition of Cool Page is a free download, but the free edition places a Cool Page button and Web Search on your Web site. The free version will also give you an opening splash screen that asks visitors to purchase the program. Purchasing the Standard Edition will eliminate the splash screen and allow you to remove the Cool Page button and Cool Page Web Search element. It is definitely worth the $28 to eliminate these, as well as to be eligible for technical support. In fact, it is worth the $28 just to support such as useful, well-written software program.
The Standard Edition is all that you need to create a workable, visibly appealing Web site. Use it for business or as a personal Web site. Cool Page is also perfect for creating a family Web site where you can post photos and family information. If you want some additional features, there are two other versions to consider. Here are the features of each of the three versions:
Purchase of the Standard Edition ($28) gets you the following advantages:
· Unlimited usage of e-mail support
· Remove Cool Page ad, Web Search, and popup ads
· Use all font typefaces installed on your computer in seven standard sizes
· 600 more objects for Objects window
· 56 more Applets for Objects window
Purchase of the Pro Edition ($49) gets you the Standard Edition advantages plus:
· Use all font typefaces installed on your computer in all sizes
· 150 more sounds for Objects window
· Text show in place of images while images are loading
· Yellow tool tips that popup over images and status message at bottom of browser
· Frame sets
Purchase of the Webmaster Edition ($79) gets you the Standard and Pro Edition advantages plus:
· Events that allow unlimited effects, such as images that change on mouse over, sounds that play on click, objects that move on click, expanding menus, etc.
