| WebPlus X4 (PC CD) |  | From: Serif
Category: Software
List Price: £79.99
Buy New: £51.99
as of 29/7/2010 20:40 BST details
You Save: £28.00 (35%)
New (2) from £51.99
Seller: Amazon.co.uk
Rating:  38 reviews
Sales Rank: 84
Format: CD-ROM
Platforms: Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows XP
Media: CD-ROM
Operating System: Windows 7/Vista/XP
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 4.8 x 0.4
UPC: 703115683068
EAN: 0703115683068
ASIN: B002S52V48
Release Date: November 20, 2009
Shipping: Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 38
 Good Solid Package January 10, 2010
Bob
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
Like most recent web design packages this one tries to cater for everyone from beginner to advanced and it mainly succeeds, it is the latest upgrade in the series and builds and improves on previous WebPlus offerings, it is worth mentioning that there is no X3 version and the series went straight from X2 to X4 which is Windows 7 compatible together with XP and Vista.
On a beginner level there are a number of complete templates where all you need to do is add text and away you go. This is fine if a template suits your needs and you like the design. There are other templates available in the resources pack, at additional cost and if you do not find the one you like in this Serif supply extra template packs. At this level you can have an up and working website hosted on the Serif server in only a few hours (hosting is currently free using the suffix ".webplus.net" but the documentation does not state if this free hosting is indefinite)
At the next level Serif provide a number of themes which are essentially outline web pages which contain to photographs or text but have appropriate frames to populate. This gives more flexibility than templates but needs a little more work however one of the advantages of X4 is that as you add or remove pages the navigation buttons automatically link the pages so you do not need to keep track of basic linking although you can always change the links.
At a more advanced level you can do pretty well everything with X4 including adding your own scripts and HTML pages or snippets.
If you do not have a host that allows server side scripts then Serif have an ingenious arrangement where you can use "smart objects" on their server even if you do not host with them, among these smart objects are Blogs, Forums, Hit Counter, Resource Booker (this allows for online booking of hotel rooms etc etc)
Among the many things this version of WebPlus can do are the ability to import Word format text and open office format, the ability to import RAW format pictures, inclusion of YouTube videos, podcast feeds, 2D/3D filter Effects, Tables and Calendars, Database Merging including .mdb, dBase and the ability to create photo database using EXIF fields. Remote content management which allows content to be updated from a remote computer that does not have X4 on it. Access control including CAPTCHA, Google Maps, Google Analytics and Google AdSense together with all the usual ecommerce arrangements.
Overall a great package which caters for most needs although to use some of the advanced features there is a fairly steep learning curve. There is comprehensive documentation supplied with the package with more being available on line from Serif's web site. This documentation is also available in printed form in the "User Guide" and the "Resources Guide" this software comes in a number of packages so check if either of these books are included if not they are available separately but the resources guide is rather expensive.
Well done Serif! February 3, 2010
Kevin Thomson (UK)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
Quite simply incredible value for money. No HTML code writing is required and the software allows you to create websites quickly with drag and drop features. If you can use MS Word then you can use this software. I've been using it for a while now and it hasn't crashed once and doesn't appear to have many annoying quirks often found in software. I think Serif have a hit a great niche here; for people who don't have time to learn HTML it's perfect. Although easy to use, Webplus 4 has a rich and extensive feature set that makes sure the designer is never limited by the software. Of course the software won't make your website for you and if you're looking for such software you'll be looking for a long time. Some time and effort is required learning the software. The point is not that it will make web pages for you but that it allows YOU to makes web pages easier than any other software I've used.
The addition of Google analytics is most welcome as I use it in all my websites and now I don't have to insert it manually.
The software won't let you change the HTML code it has generated but you can insert additional HTML or Java snippets either hand written or pulled from the web. I've added Flash, Java, widgets, YouTube, extra HTML code without any problems.
I found the inbuilt FTP equally as easy. Input the account details and updates no problem.
Some users express concern at the amount of code the software generates but I've never noticed any performance issues with my pages.
My only complaint is that too many pages displayed in Internet Explorer have a yellow exclamation mark and "done but with errors" text, which can only be the fault of Serif as Serif generates all the code and this happens on pages I haven't added code snippets to. For someone running a professional website this doesn't look good. However the page always displays and functions properly.
Fantastic Product (so far)! January 5, 2010
Mrs. M. J. Frobisher (Egham, UK)
16 out of 17 found this review helpful
Hi -
At this stage, I review WebPlus x4 with a little caution as I am yet to actually publish my new website. But I am very very pleased with my progress (not knowing any HTML) and just how professional it is looking so far.
This is an excellent product and I would suggest that it is under-priced! This is targetted at people that have absoolutely no website build technical knowledge, but do know what they want and the content. Don't get me wrong, it is an incredibly complex piece of software - but be patient with yourself and take it slowly and you will get great results. I have 3 pieces of advice for anyone looking to buy:
1. Do buy the excellent Resource Guide and work slowly through the well-written tutorials - I would suggest that without doing this, you don't stand a chance.
2. Build your first website using one of the templates that come with the software and alter it. I found that by doing this I moved along quicker, but I was also able to see how the designers had put pages together and was able to replicate some of the actions.
3. Understand that it does have quirks. I found the user forum on the Serif website invaluable and found most of the answers to my questions there - would recommend you join as soon as you get the software, there is a huge community of experienced users out there.
So far, I am very impressed - now the work is down to me....
SERIF WEBPLUS X4 SERIF WEBPLUS X4 : Web Design and Editing Software November 15, 2009
N. NEWMAN (Oxford, oxfordshire United Kingdom)
17 out of 19 found this review helpful
Nicholas Newman 10 November 2009
Serif's new WebPlus X4 (PC CD) provides the answer to most people's web editing needs. Webplus X4 is designed for those users seeking well designed, functional, and intuitive and user friendly software. Its friendly, easy to read, colourful layout, makes it comfortable to use for those with less than perfect vision.
Webplus x4, is packed full of user friendly features, that are aimed at saving time and effort in web designing and editing. Even those with less than perfect eyesight will find it comfortable to use. It means for instance, not wasting hours performing such mind numbing dull tasks as writing and checking of code for errors to create navigation bars. Other features include photo editing software, web gadgets for adding flash, video and podcasts.
What is great about Webplus is it offers the user plenty of choice. You can design a web site from scratch or you can modify one of the 50 design templates (in six categories) that come included in the package. Each template comes with several different types of page already developed, including Home, Contact, Products, Article or Links. There is also a choice of colour schemes available or you can always design your own colour scheme for your website if you wish. As for guidance on using Serif Webplus x4, the software itself provides plenty of useful advice, also further help is available on Serif's own web site, and here you will also gain access to instructional video and PDF tutorial.
For those seeking to create a business website, Webplus X4 comes with some useful features, including a wizard for creating a secure e-commerce site that enables potential customers to buy products or even book a table at a restaurant. Also, you can add Google Maps, Google Ads to earn revenue to your site or even sign up to Google Analytics to discover who is reading your site.
What will please many users is that within the package Serif includes 18 months free web hosting. Useful if you want to see how your new website looks in practice.
For those seeking a professional looking web presence on the internet, Serif X4 should meet most people's web design needs.
Marks out of 10/10
A Well Deserved Five Star Rating. February 22, 2010
C. Watts (UK)
10 out of 11 found this review helpful
Serif seem to go from strength to strength, evidence of that is found regarding their software products. For instance examining Serif WebPlus X4 has been a revelation I remember when this application came on the scene in the early days and it was exceptionally limited in what it could achieve, what a difference now though.
Aside from all the features of WebPlus X4, Serif themselves offer a hosting service as well as video tutorials and other resources to enrich the user.
Serif WebPlus X4 takes a desktop publishing approach to website design, and why not? After all they have the hugely successful PagePlus X4 application that I have to say is one of the best Windows applications in desktop publishing offering exceptional value for money available to consumers and prosumers alike. In fact to some extent if you have used one product you have used them all as far as Serif development is concerned.
The important emphasis is that website building is achievable for just about anyone using this product, you do not have to have a working knowledge of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) even if you are not sure how your layout should be, there are plenty of templates to choose from and then customise to your satisfaction.
Serif regularly release a new version every year and X2 was prolific of features but X4 has even more. Lets take a brief look at some of them.
New Features
QuickBar Builder - Ribbon style bar situated at the bottom part of the workspace to provide easy access to features that you can drag and drop in to your projects such as text frames, images, flash photo gallery and more resources to enhance your web pages.
PhotoLab - Importing images into your site designs may be one thing, but to present them correctly is another issue, thanks to the new PhotoLab you can now correctly adjust and add effects to these pictures without leaving the application. A standout feature is the ability to remove backgrounds using the new image cut out studio.
Online Bookings - Like PagePlus X4. Serif are gearing there products for the business user, especially in the case of WebPlus X4 those in business of managing hotels, guest houses, sporting facilities and other essential services. The new interactive Resource Booker takes care of all the complication so you can provide an efficient and convenient service for all your online visitors.
Content Management - So your main site is up and running however one of your associates notices some spelling mistakes or some other errors or typos, the ability to correct it from another computer with an internet connection would be most convenient. Thanks to this new feature these scenarios and other types are taken care of.
Google Maps - So you have a contact page with all the relevant details, however if you are in business and its important for clients or customers to visit you then a map maybe very useful, you can now import and customise Google Maps to fit that criteria.
There are a few more new features I have not mentioned, Quick Publishing is great for small updates to your site, you can also add Google Analytics to your website.
The Main User Interface
The New PhotoLab
Serif have not just introduced new features they have also improved certain features that were existent from before, here is a list of them:
Site Navigation Use one of the customisable navigation Bars
Graphic design Offering built-in drawing tools that enable you to shape, use effects and style.
Word Processing You can now import Word documents as well edit text like a word processor.
Animated Photo Galleries Includes 12 new flash Galleries.
YouTube Videos Includes the new AutoPlay for instant viewing.
Professional Templates 40 Templates gives the user plenty of scope for ideas.
The features and benefits of this fine product offer the user a great deal of scope as to what can be achieved. if you are new to this product then dedicating time to explore the workspace as well as the built-in Show Me How bar and making good use of the Serif help system found on their website will help to speed you along to progress to make this the application for all your website creation needs.
Conclusion
When looking at software for a specific purpose a potential user wants to know the following :
Are their enough features to produce the desired results Yes and much more!
Is the application difficult to use ? No, good help and support system available!
Is it going to cost a lot of money ? No
Really this is the first time I have had a good look at this software product from Serif for a good long time , and the emphasis is on the word Plus because you get so much from this application in the way of features and benefits. Professional results are achieved without the inconvenience of masses of time learning how to use it, An excellent help system is available in the form of video tutorials, PDF's online resources. Leading to a well deserved five star recommendation.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 38
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