Frontpage Extensions
Frontpage Extensions are software that lets Microsoft Frontpage clients talk to, or communicate, with web host servers. Frontpage Extensions are a proprietary Microsoft technology but it has not been all smooth sailing due to various security problems that have flagged the technology throughout its history. Frontpage Extensions use the HTTP (internet) protocol to communicate and for server side processing requires CGI/POST.
Most Linux based web hosts advertise Frontpage Extensions as a benefit of their hosting packages but what does it really mean and will you actually use it? Basically if your host supports Frontpage Extensions then you will be able to directly publish sites made in Frontpage right to the internet. This eliminates the need for FTP uploading.
The advantage to this obviously is that it is quick and easy to upload Frontpage created websites to the internet cutting out the requirement for FTP. If you use Frontpage to make your website then this feature will save you a lot of time. If you never use Frontpage then this benefit is one you will not be interested in regardless of which host you choose.
Microsoft FrontPage is a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) HTML editor. WYSIWYG editors allow you to literally see each and every step of the site building process rather than having to work with the HTML and other code. For this reason, Microsoft Frontpage is aimed at new and beginner webmasters who are not yet familiar enough with HTML, CSS, Javascript, ASP, PHP and other web authoring languages.
Frontpage Extensions Features
Some of the best and latest features of Microsoft Frontpage include:
- Built in HTML, CSS and Javascript features
- Insert email forms, hit counters and other tool with a point and click interface
- Resembles Office products; familiar interface
- Can display data from Excel and Access with easy integration
- Team projects are supported by assigning tasks
- Supports CSS based themes
FrontPage can generate valid XHTML so your site can comply with the W3C standards for website building.
If you enjoy using Frontpage for your site then make sure the web host you choose supports Frontpage Extensions as it will make your life easier when it comes to uploading your website to the internet.