Signumsoft HtmlNavigator Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

On this page we publish all relevant product questions. If you can't find your question just drop us an email: htmlnavigator@signumsoft.com

There are so many CMS out there. Why did Signumsoft even start to develop a new one?
To be honest: We really didn't want to! First we were just looking  for a simple CMS to manage our own page. And there are absolutely great products out there. But nothing was simple enough for us. Not that we are stupid :-) but we like a straight forward and most simple way. So we had to design it our own. I guess that's how life is. Signumsoft HtmlNavigator was designed with simplicity in mind as the most important factor.

What is the idea behind Signumsoft HtmlNavigator?
Just imagine: You enter an office where single documents with different formats are scattered all over the place. Now you start to define a structure over these documents. With the structure and the content of the documents you have enough information to build a home page. This is exactly the approach of Signumsoft® HtmlNavigator.

What's the difference between Signumsoft HtmlNavigator and other CMS software?
HtmlNavigator stores content data not in a database. It just links to existing html files, or MS-Word documents on your local disk. This makes handling of data very transparent. A further benefit is: by linking to existing html files you can store and manage content completely CMS independent. In fact HtmlNavigator never modifies any source file. It just reads out of it and builds the pages.

Can I manage more then one home page with Signumsoft HtmlNavigator?
Yes. Unlike many other CMS with HtmlNavigator you can manage at the same time as many home pages as you want.

Can I use Signumsoft HtmlNavigator in my company as document or knowledge management tool?
Yes! In fact it's a smart way to do so. Files my be scattered across your local network. With HtmlNavigator you just define a structure over these files. With the files and the structure, HtmlNavigator can build and publish your company's knowledge for example on the intranet.

Why did you implement all this Microsoft Word stuff?
There are to facts to consider: First: Web designers don't use MS-Word to build html pages. Second: All home users know and use MS-Word to write text. In order to reach out for both parties we implemented both options. In fact: you can even combine html files and MS-Word files in the same home page. What ever the source of your data is (html or MS-Word docs) both can be used.

Is really the complete Signumsoft.com home page managed by HtmlNavigator?
Absolutely yes! We do not only sell this product but we use it ourselves. So there is no trick. :-)

How is the structure defined?
The structure definition itself is a human readable xml file. We chose this form to make everything transparent. Try to rename the .nav file to .xml you'll be able to open it from your file explorer and see the structure.

Do I need to learn a lot before I can start with Signumsoft HtmlNavigator?
No. After installation you can build and publish your first page just with a few clicks. HtmlNavigator is designed as logical as possible. Basically we removed all unnecessary and complicated things. HtmlNavigator is shipped with a help documentation. Or you can download it for free: HtmlNavigator.chm

How will Signumsoft HtmlNavigator handle links from one document to an other document?
When the page gets 'precompiled' HtmlNavigator detects and transforms links. It's smart enough to know where the links are located on the server. It can handle both absolute and relative link paths.

Can I work offline and first play around before publishing?
Yes. HtmlNavigator works without being connected to the internet. The product is designed in a way that you can test and preview your home page without a local server installed.

Does Signumsoft HtmlNavigator use php or MySql?
No. No database and no scripting language is required. This makes handling quiet simple.

Can I change the theme, layout of a page my self?
Yes. HtmlNavigator links not only to html content files but also to html layout files. In order to modify the layout just change the html layout files.

What kind of internet server do I need?
Any FTP Server is fine. No software extensions and no database is needed. Before publishing, pages are locally 'precompiled'. That's also great news for high traffic web sites.

How many hierarchical navigation levels can I define?
As many as you wish. There is no limitation.

Do I need additionally an ftp client?
No. Everything you need to to publish your page is implemented in the software.

Can I as Webdesigner offer my services together with Signumsoft HtmlNavigator?
Yes. In fact you can combine very easily your existing services and your know how with HtmlNavigator. This combination will convince your clients even more. Just buy an additional copy of HtmlNavigator for each of your customers and help them setting up their page. They'll appreciate your work.

What Microsoft Word Versions are supported?
HtmlNavigator supports Microsoft Word 97, Microsoft Word 2000, Microsoft Word 2002 and Microsoft Word 2003.

On which systems runs Signumsoft HtmlNavigator?
Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows Millennium, Windows 2000 and Windows XP