Webmaster software tools

Arelis link management software

Finding and managing link partners is time consuming, but Arelis makes it easier. It helps you seek out partners by retrieving them from leading search engines. It will then help you track down the webmaster's email address and help you send a link request, with standard message templates included. It doesn't send automatic link requests - they're ineffective anyway - it's more of a tool for webmasters who want to manage their links personally but efficiently. Download the Arelis free trial today.

Linkalarm link checker

Linkalarm is a hosted service that checks all the internal and external links on your website. It costs 1 cent per page checked (no matter how many links are on it), so if you've got a site of about 200 pages, it'll cost you $2 or about £1. It doesn't use any of your bandwidth and the reports can be viewed online or downloaded as an Excel file. Sign up for a free trial of Linkalarm.

Free software downloads

Here's a selection of software which I've found useful in the past. All programs are either freeware or have free trial versions available

• XARA 3D Text maker
• Eureka Email - new email client with smart junk filtering built in
• Opera - a browser packed with nice features which fully supports standards
• Irfanview - popular free image and multimedia viewer
• Wild Mood Swings / Alexa toolbar
• Google Toolbar
• JCreator LE - freeware Java IDE
• Real Player - this BBC version is said to have fewer adverts

Tools for webmasters

• Button Maker - Make promo buttons for your site online
• NE1.net - Offers free URL redirection with no ads in the form of yourname.ne1.net or yourname.r8.org
• Pagekits - extensive collection of page templates for sale to give your site a professional look
• Noa Soft - produces Web Support Messaging System for assisting customers using online chat
• Webmaster Toolkit - Online tools for Webmasters and Web Designers
• Advanced DHTML Popup - software for making DHTML windows to overlay on content
• Vstore - ad-supported free ecommerce platform
• Naltabyte - Liquid plug-in is a tag library supporting scripting games and presentations for the server and client
• Websmartz - template-based design program for creating flash intros and websites
• JustZIPit - free ZIP tool
• Big Yellow Zone - resources to help merchants use the VPASP shopping cart
• Appsoftheweb - site offering freeware, including lots for webmasters
• Geobytes - offers tools to make your website recognise where visitors come from geographically
• Links pal - directory of websites seeking link partners
• AlertBot - Web site monitoring service that tests website availability and performance, and alerts webmasters of downtime.
• Webmastersite - PHP scripts including links, gallery, formemail
• Amara Software - affordable Flash tools including Flash News Ticker, Flash Menu Builder and Flash Slide-Show Builder
• Docsmartz - converts PDF documents to Word or RTF