Mac or PC Users!

I primarily use Macs, but I have a PC to check the sites out with other browsers. I use Open Source linux software for website development. The open source software (as this forum) is free, although I have paid for template subscriptions. It allows me to focus less on code (although you probably will end up learning some--You certainly want to get familiar with html, css, sql, and php), and more on content.

I primarily use bbedit to hack the code and make adjustments, and an ftp client (fetch). I have Dreamweaver, but I find that I don't use it nearly as much as I used to. Of course I use image editing software (PhotoShop and Fireworks).

Don't worry about whether or not the host deals with Mac--it doesn't really matter if you know how to use your mac. I prefer linux servers. You can also set up an "environment" on the Mac (Windows too) to run the software locally on your on local computer.

Most hosts have simple installers from a control panel, that allow you to install open source software by entering info into a few fields, and the click of a few buttons to get you up and running in a few minutes. It's really quite easy. These control panels are fine to get you up and running, but you will want to learn to install the software manually. You can customize your site more as you learn more.

I started playing with this on a whim one winter Sunday afternoon. I found a host, registered a few domains, and started playing. I had this forum up and running by sunset.

Steve