Need something to build/maintain multiple web sites. Very small websites with just a few static pages each. I like the idea of themes in the Visual Site Designer but the HTML Editor says it works with multiple projects.

If your sites are already out there, it would be best to use the html Editor. That is because you can't import existing sites into VSD. The Editor also has themes.

If you are building sites from scratch, it doesn't matter which of the two apps you use.

Robert, as Inger stated if your pages are already established and you want to stay with those designs then the HTML editor is the way to go, But if you only have a few pages on those sites and there's no techie stuff going on in the background then VSD will be just fine as you can rebuild the sites quickly. I would take the trial version for a spin and see how you like it.

Inger, you stated above that existing sites cannot be imported into VSD. Does that include flash templates? To what extent, if any, does the HTML editor support existing flash files and templates.
I have several packages with html/css/flash templates and need to know what your company's software can do before purchasing them.

The HTML Editor is precisely that...it won't open flash templates. Eric suggested you do a trial run with the VSD...I suggest that you do the same with the CoffeeCup HTML Editor so you can see for yourself what it's capable of.
I reiterate...you cannot import html site pages into VSD and as it doesn't sound if you want to start everything from scratch, the Editor might be the best bet to begin with.

I'm in a learning mode and do that best if I can use proper software to practice what I'm learning and experiment. I've used FrontPage 2000 & 2003 and want to learn more.

I am not sure what you mean by "proper software", but I would most definitely define the HTML Editor as "proper software"...

Jim, I would think that you can open a flash page in the html Editor, but you can't edit the flash elements in it. For that you need some flash editing software.

BUT - Why are you so keen on flash when a lot of software companies now are developing software that can do the same nifty things by means of HTML, CSS, javascript and php? Are you aware that all the 'I-gadgets', like Iphone, Ipad and whatever else Apple produces starting with an I are not able to open flash elements? And these I-products are becoming more and more common.

If you are in the learning mode, as you say, go for HTML5 and CSS3, with which you can do much of the same as you do with flash, and you will be able to view it on the I-thingies as well.

And as for 'proper software', I've never come across software that is more 'proper' than the html Editor. It does exactly what you tell it to do, no more, no less. We have seen enough of those apps that have their own minds and add some code by themselves, so that you don't know what you end up with.

I have worked with FP for years and I can honestly say from personal experience that HTML editor is far better and easier to work with. Not only that you can do far more with the HTML editor then with FP as it is more up to date on html and css. If you are learning html/css or html5/css then HTML editor is the right software for you as using the code tap on the left hand side will save you time and also help you in the learning process. HTML stand as high as dreamweaver or any other software on the market and it is by far cheaper then most of the software on the market.

Furthermore, it is very difficult to optimise a flash website for google. As Inger said, learn html5 and Css3 and a lot of what you can do in flash you can now do with Css3.

Download the trail version and see how you feel about the software