Design Template for Client to Update

None, really.
Just don't make a template.

There are issues when updating with Frontpage as many of the members here will know. Frontpage has limited control over HTML layout. This is fine for simple HTML pages but often complex structures are hard (if not impossible) to control with FP.

From my experience, FP has trouble with more advanced web techniques such as using style sheets, style tag & javascript code. When you insert these elements FP shifts them around and often they do not work anymore. Forget FP if your page has DHTML. FP has a very sour relationship with DHTML elements.

I would recommend Homesite as an HTML editor that is if your client can acces it. It has total control over HTML and will not move elements around. However if your client insists on FP then I would tell him/her to ALWAYS make a backup copy before making any changes.

Michelle-

The main thing to avoid if at all possible is allowing the client to mess with the actual html file if you're using DW & they're using FP.

A couple of options here.

1) You can use SSI to call a text file for the content of the page.

2) You can use something like this- http://www.hyperpres.com/fw/SiteEZ/SiteEZ.html to do the same thing in a more complex way.

In either case the client only has to mess with a text file. There are some obvious limitations to this scenario, like needing to change graphics, etc., but those issues can be worked out with a little bit of thought.

hth

Hi,

I presume your client wouldn't want to play with the HTML, javascript, etc. Place your content into a *.js file or within a database table. That way he/she will not be able to play with anything that matters. For example, your images, selection options, text, etc. can be placed into arrays or table columns.
As Lloyd said, FP just loves to chew up code -- it's part of microsoft's "I know better" policy.

Vinny

Thanks to all who replyed.

I am very new to Web site development and so happy you are here.

MichelleB