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Windows Live Writer

Discontinued
Reviewed by ConsumerSearch
Windows Live Writer

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • No code expertise needed
  • Off-line writing, editing
  • Backs up posts
  • Publishes to your host
Cons
  • Windows only

Blogs are a good way to start publishing online, since blog software is simpler to use and often free. Reviewers say Windows Live Writer makes it easy to write and edit your blog on your computer, then publish to Blogger.com or other blog hosts. Reviews say Windows Live Writer provides loads of features and is easy to use -- but it's only for Windows users. For Mac users, reviewers recommend Infinite Sushi ecto 2.3.4 (*est. $18).

We found the best comparison review of Windows Live Writer at About.com, where the weblogs guide rates BlogDesk.org as well. Publishing expert Robin Good provides a video review of the beta version of Windows Live Writer, along with a very detailed written review at MasterNewMedia.org. Paul Stamatiou's review on his eponymous website is also quite detailed, with lots of screen shots plus comments from more than 100 readers.

Our Sources

1. About.com

The blog guide at About.com recommends Windows Live Writer as the best blog software tool, giving it a near-perfect rating (higher than that of BlogDesk.org) and praising it for including "a vast number of features." The reviewer prefers offline blog editing because it's not only convenient, but gives you a backup copy of your posts. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: Review of Windows Live Writer as an Offline Blog Editor, Susan Gunelius

2. MasterNewMedia.org

Publishing expert Robin Good provides a video review of the beta version of Windows Live Writer, plus a reprint of a very detailed review by Amit Argawal, covering the major features with lots of screen shots. Argawal notes a glitch in publishing titles, probably corrected in the full version.

Review: Windows Live Writer: Video Review, Robin Good, Aug. 15, 2006

3. PaulStamatiou.com

This review is extremely detailed, with lots of screenshots, but rather outdated since it covers the beta version of Windows Live Writer. The author is not usually a Microsoft fan but says Windows Live Writer really deserves praise, and more than 100 readers add comments -- most in agreement.

Review: Windows Live Writer Beta, Paul Stamatiou, Aug. 14, 2006

4. And He Blogs (blog)

This enthusiastic review (by another skeptic of Microsoft) praises Windows Live Writer as easy to use, with a host of convenient features. Several readers add comments with additional praise.

Review: Windows Live Writer You Made Me Love You, Andy Rush, Sept.10, 2007

5. TheTechBrief.com

This brief but well-illustrated review calls Windows Live Writer "an awesome tool" and describes the author's experience using it with a WordPress blog. One drawback (at least to this beta version) is that you must open a new window to work on two posts at the same time.

Review: Windows Live Writer Review, Jovan Washington, Oct. 30, 2007

Web Design Software Runners Up:

WordPress.org Free

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Serif Webplus Starter Edition Free

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Squarespace $8 per month

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