Web Content

Although content is primarily text it may also include diagrams, images, links to documents, etc. There are two types of content: Static and Dynamic. Static content is a constant form of content that only changes when you physically modify the web file. Dynamic content is anything that is derived from another source and can be modified using specialized tools or applications.

Methods of Maintenance

For each page in your website you will have content which will require different levels of maintenance. Contact information, for example, will rarely need to be modified whereas upcoming events may change daily. High levels of maintenance warrant dynamic content and special tools, such as the Content Management System, to update them.

Web-based Tools

Tools designed and developed specifically for your web site. These tools are usually stored on your web server with your web files. See the Web Tools section for more information.

Pros	Cons
Modify only necessary content without worrying about the design surrounding it Customized features to fit your specific needs such as calendaring, list of press releases, or teasers for the content within the site. Since the tools are web-based you can modify your content from any computer at any time without installing software or updating software settings.	Putting your content in a database which is accessible via a web page means your content is more vulnerable to hackers.

Text Editor with FTP

Download the most current web files from your web server using an FTP program such as SmartFTP, WS-FTP, CuteFTP, or the FTP protocol in Internet Explorer, manipulate content within the files using a text editor such as notepad, and upload the changed files back to your web server.

Pros	Cons
HTML is clean and organized You have complete control over code	Requires basic knowledge of HTML It is a hassle to upload files before seeing the changes

WYSIWYG (wîz-E-wîg: What You See Is What You Get) Editors

Software such as Adobe Dreamweaver allow you to modify your web content without knowledge of HTML. You can modify your site as you would a word document including images, formatting styles, and pre-designed templates.

Pros	Cons
No HTML knowledge required Image integration is relatively simple What you see is what you get (sometimes)	Software knowledge required Software installation required and is not transferrable or accessible everywhere Previously designed code or ASP "include files" may be unknowingly changed by the software thus negating your warranty or support contract