Microsoft^® Expression Web FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Expression Web

Expression Web builds on FrontPage 2003 technologies to provide an unprecedented level of support for creating standards-based Websites. However, one of the objectives of Expression Web is to help you create high-quality Websites based on today’s standards and technologies. This means that non-standards-compliant features and functionality that were familiar tools in FrontPage do not exist in Expression Web.

Why do I have to change?

FrontPage is no longer supported. It is also no longer compliant with today’s web standards, As the internet industry has grown, the average website has gotten a lot fancier. Plus, the Internet industry is now moving toward standards-based Web design as defined by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Web developers and designers need a new tool to keep up with this change.

Will my FrontPage components still be accessible?

In Expression Web, your FrontPage 2003 components will still be accessible. You will be allowed to modify them but you will not be able to insert new ones.

How do I create forms in Coffee Cup?

The Coffee Cup Web Form Builder is a drag and drop program that creates some of the best web forms you have ever seen. Adding input boxes, text areas, lists, drop-down boxes, checkboxes, and radio buttons are a breeze and you do not have to know any code. Just put in your email address and upload the files.

What’s the first step I need to do in migrating from FrontPage?

The first step is to make sure you have the latest copy of all your website files. Put these in one folder. The folder must exist on the hard drive of the computer which you will use to edit the site.

What support options are available with each option?

Coffee Cup has a great support center with priority email support, access to an online software library, and the ability to chat live with experts. With Expression Web Support, you will be fully supported by Microsoft’s team of experts, complete with community websites and forums.

What option looks the most like what I am used to?

Expression Web has many of the same toolbars in the exact same location as FrontPage. However, Expression Web has added task panes, visual aids and CSS tools to their toolbars.

What works if I have a Database connection with my site?

FrontPage used the Database Interface Wizard, which doesn’t exist in Expression Web. However, you can continue to manage your existing database connection.

How much technical background will I need for Expression Web or Coffee Cup?

To use Expression Web, no technical background is needed. If you are familiar with FrontPage, then you will find that Expression Web already looks very familiar. Coffee Cup is another great option for those without a technical background.

How easy is it to test for web compatibility?

Expression Web uses an accessibility checker which will show the errors and warnings. Coffee Cup has an HTML editor that uses three different tools to ensure that you are using codes up to W3C Standards.

What about my themes and borders?

Neither themes nor borders exist in Expression Web. You can edit the ones you have, but new ones will now be created using cascading style sheet (CSS) tools, dynamic web templates, ASP.NET master pages. Coffee Cup lets you create new themes and borders with drag-and-drop ease delivered by a Visual Site Designer.