Ghost In The Machine

Blogging With Windows Live Writer

Posted by on May 11, 2008 at 5:15 pm.

I thought I’d give Microsoft’s Windows Live Writer (WLW) a whirl.  If you are a blogger and want to use a desktop editor rather than your current blogging platform’s editor – in my case – this may be something you want to check out.  I’m composing this entry (offline) with Live Writer and already I’m finding this very intuitive and easier to navigate than my WordPress editor. 

Here’s a screen shot of the main edit window

2008-05-11_WLW

I like the layout because all of the options are available without having to scroll up and down the page.  The screen shot was quicker to add because I didn’t have to upload it to my server, than import it into the body of the post.  With WLW I simply clicked on the ‘Insert Picture’ icon, select the file from Windows Explorer and it’s done.  There are also options to add hyperlinks, tables, maps, video and tags.  Plug-ins are also available, although I haven’t gotten that far yet.

Here is an example of a map inserted via WLW.  It uses M.S. Virtual Earth.  You can add a pushpin, map title and use road or aerial views.

Map Example

At this point I believe I’m a converted WLW user.

The basics of getting started with WLW:

  • You’ll need to sign up to get an account (free) with Windows Live. 
  • Download the WLW desktop program
  • Install the desktop program
  • Know the path to your WordPress xmlrpc.php file

System Requirements after the jump…

System Requirements

Operating system
Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later, or Windows Vista
(Windows XP Professional x64 Edition is not supported.)

Processor
Minimum 800 MHz processor

Memory
Minimum 128 MB of RAM (256 MB or more recommended)

Browser
Internet Explorer 6 or later

Internet connection
Internet functionality requires dial-up or broadband Internet access (provided separately). Local or long-distance charges may apply.

Display
Minimum 800 x 600 screen resolution (1024 x 768 or larger recommended)

Prerequisite software

Microsoft .NET Framework*

This component is required and will be downloaded and installed if it’s not already on your computer.

*This component is not required when installing on Windows Vista.

  • http://www.junkdrawerblog.com Kathy

    I love WLW! Been using it since Lee (tarheelramblings.com) turned me onto it. I never liked the WordPress editor. WLW is more flexible and visually appealing to me. I'm a huge fan.

    • http://www.geakz.com Geakz

      Hey Kathy. I was wondering if you knew about WLW or not. I was hoping to turn someone onto it – good to know you were all ready there. I can't remember the last time I downloaded something that not only made a process easier, but also had the GUI that makes you *want* to spend time with it. I'm really digging it so far.