The Best Simple Software For The Busy Webmaster

Here are a few programs I can't do without. They're free, and make being a webmaster much easier.

CGI-Telnet http://www.rohitab.com/cgiscripts/cgitelnet.html

A cgi script that allows you to run commands on your server, even if your web host won't give you telnet access. Also good for getting at files generated by other scripts that are owned by user 'nobody', instead of your username. Ever tried deleting them? Well, now you can.

AXS Visitor Tracking System http://www.xav.com/

A very fine hit counter. Fairly simple to set up, if you use footer files on your site. Gives detailed information. Much better than the stats software that came with your web-hosting account.

Swap.pl

A Perl text replacer script. Handy if you're not familiar with Unix commands. Make sitewide changes in seconds. The original author's site doesn't list it any more. Can still be found via a search engine (hint, hint).

FTP Explorer http://www.ftpx.com

The charm of this software is that it looks a lot like the Windows shell, and thus makes FTP'ing a little less intimidating for the novice webmaster.

Putty Telnet/SSH Client http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/

A simple-looking, but sophisticated, freeware telnet and SSH client. Can be run from a floppy disk. Useful for the mobile webmaster.

Email Remover 2.4

Not currently available from the author's website, but can be found by Googling for a file named 'eremov24.zip'. This is an email account checker. It can be run from a floppy disk and can check multiple email accounts. Allows you to highlight spam and delete it, and download emails if need be. WARNING: It has a bug. Do not change the order of the emails in the software window before deleting; you'll end up deleting the wrong ones.

RFTP 32 Version 0.99

Again, not currently available from the author's website. This is a self-contained FTP client that can be, you guessed it, run from a floppy disk. Search around for a file named 'rftp.exe'.

If you don't see a pattern emerging, then let me elucidate: the last three programs can all be run from the same floppy disk. You can leave your laptop at home, and work on your your site from internet cafes.

The only thing left would be a WYSIWYG HTML editor that you can run from a floppy disk; that would be asking for a lot. However, the Mambo content management system http://mamboserver.com comes with one pre-installed. There's also a WYSIWYG plugin for the blog software WordPress http://wordpress.org/.

Either is a useful addition to any website. You can keep it updated while on the road.

T. O' Donnell ( http://www.tigertom.com ) is an ecommerce consultant and curmudgeon living in London, UK. His latest project is an ebook on conservatories, available at http://www.ttconservatories.co.uk. T. O' Donnell freeware may be downloaded at http://www.ttfreeware.co.uk.

In The News:

pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Owning Your Own Web Site Is A Must

Owning your own website is a must if you are... Read More

Use Feng Shui Techniques To Design a Harmonic Website For Your Business

By following feng shui guidelines and techniques, you can build... Read More

20 Tips to Creating a Profitable Website

As an online Entrepreneur you require a successful website.One that... Read More

Copy Editing: 10 Powerful, Mind Blowing Secrets For Writing A High-Impact Ad

No matter what product or service you're promoting, unless you... Read More

6 Tips To Improve Your Business Website

There are six important characteristics that can play a major... Read More

If Content is King who is Queen?

It's been said again and again, when it comes to... Read More

Give People What They Want And Watch Your Profits Soar!

Do you know why the majority of people use the... Read More

Your Web Site Is A Wonderland: What Picassos Art Taught Me About Persuasive Design

Whenever singer John Mayer sings his romantic song, "Your Body... Read More

Color Scheme for Your Website?

Yes, in a world that is obsessed with makeover madness,... Read More

How to Use Sliced Graphics to Layout Your Web Site

The problem with designing your site as a graphic, is... Read More

Building Your First Web Site?

Before doing anything on the technical side, you need some... Read More

The Contrast And Similarities Between A Web Designer And Web Programmer

The concept of web designing based on the nature and... Read More

How Do You Make A Website?

No, that's not the real question. The real question is... Read More

Freelancers Bite Back!

The Internet has seen an explosion in so called 'lance'... Read More

How to Design Website Which Google Likes

Are you going to design or redesign new website or... Read More

3 Simple Ways To Dramatically Improve Your Website

Before you start worrying about marketing your website on the... Read More

404 Error - The Page Cannot be Found

A "404 Error" happens when the web server you are... Read More

Website Savvy: 10 Key Steps to Turn Your Customers ON!

"How to turn "slightly interested" customers into "I've got to... Read More

Why You Should Hire a Professional Website Designer

Your web site should always adhere to standards!A professional web... Read More

Effective Website Design For Massive Traffic

STEP 1:Do your homeworkPlan and think about your content. Think... Read More

Creating Your First Website? Your Options

Creating your own website is great fun! But how is... Read More

Web Designers Beware!

As a web designer, I have a personal interest in... Read More

Event Planning Must Include An Event Website

As part of your event planning you should seriously consider... Read More

You Too Can Have Fun With Sepia Images!

If you are one of those who wonder how people... Read More

Choosing Form Over Function Kills Your Site

Never put form over function. Why? Because it's crucial that... Read More

Designing Beautiful Artist Websites ? 12 Tips To Showcase Your Art

1. Who needs an artists website?Not everyone! If you are... Read More

What Drives Repeat Visitors To Your Site?

There can be zillions of reasons why your visitors return... Read More

Quality of Your Text Layout and Design

Why is the quality of your text layout and design... Read More

Simple Lines and Shapes for Your Logo Design

Geometric designs come in all shapes and sizes? and lines.... Read More

Using Server Side Includes to Simplify Your Web Design

An "include" file is a piece of code that can... Read More

Website Basics

The Basics You have a flourishing business ? everything is... Read More

Cheap Website Design In Birmingham

Due to the large number of people offering website design... Read More

Website Checklist

10 Basic Things Your Website Should Have ...__ all short... Read More