This is where I spotlight cool products and companies that I use. All the really cool geeks use this stuff. If you're not already using these products, and patronizing these companies, then you... are... SLACKIN!. Get with the program! You need this stuff. Go get it... NOW!

( Why are you still here? )

SOFTWARE | COMPANIES

Software: HTML-Kit

HTML-Kit, developed and distributed by Chami, is by far the best HTML editor I have found. If you're looking for a GUI editor like Microsoft Frontpage, look elsewhere. But if you're used to editing your web pages in Notepad and you want real power at your fingertips, get yourself a copy of HTML-Kit. Here are just a few of the many features I love about this product:

Automatic indenting.
Text completion - type <table, hit space and it fills in the rest of the HTML for a skeleton table.
Syntax highlighting - for HTML, ASP, PHP, Javascript, etc.
Built in HTML-Tidy - which cleans up and formats your HTML code.
Toolbar buttons for inserting code - select some text, click the Bold button and <b> tags are placed around that text.
F1 syntax help - by connecting you directly to W3C, Microsoft, PHP, or other appropriate website, and displaying the online help for the command currently under the cursor.
Code snippets & template support.
Preview window.
On-line, ftp workspaces - a tree view collection of as many on-line sites as you wish allow you to edit web pages in place.
And an extensive (and well utilized) plugin architechture - many additional features (including spell checkers, word counters and offline help files) are offered by plugin developers.

And all this for free. Yes, that's right - HTML-Kit is freeware, although with a feature set like this I'd say that paying the pre-register fee ($25) for the upcoming business/commercial version is well worth it. I use HTML-Kit for all my web development work now.

Companies: Stardock

I first became aware of Stardock Corporation, Inc. back when I was running OS/2 as my primary operating system. At that time, they were one of the few significant companies that were developing high quality, commercial software for the platform. I didn't have the money for their productivity enhancement applications at the time, but I did purchase a copy of their Myst-like game; Avarice. As the OS/2 market started to decline, Stardock expanded into developing softare for Windows - primarily by porting their existing OS/2 applications. Soon they were developing applications in parallel for both platforms.

With the virtual demise of OS/2 as a viable market, Stardock now develops productivity and visual enhancement software primarily for Windows platforms. You may have heard of Microsoft's new skinning capabilities in the next version of Windows; WindowsXP. Well, Stardock has been providing applications that let you change the look and feel of Windows for years, along with several other useful utilities and applications. Their flagship product; Object Desktop Network provides a veritable goodie basket of products, along with the ability to try out and provide feedback on products and features under development if you desire. The subscription model that ODNT is marketed under provides you access to all new updates and products distributed during your subscription term. It's a purchase model that I think works exceptionally well with their products.

Stardock also provides a wonderful sense of community - through newsgroups and websites - where you can discuss their products with other users and converse directly with the employees and even the CEO of the company.

And Stardock's not just limited to productivity software. They've also launched a game network based on the same model: Purchase a one-year subscription (for the same price you'd pay for a single game, I might mention) and get their three flagship games as well as access to additional games and any upgrades they are developing. Only being a casual gamer, I haven't actually tried out the Drengin Network but you can visit their site for more information.