New! I have been working on a new web site, webcreation4newbies.com, a Mac and PC-friendly site which is all about web authoring, being a webmaster, getting a domain name, choosing web host, getting your own web site online, making web graphics, earning money from your site, listing well in search engines, and a lot of other things. Check it out!
I thought I would create a page to impart some of my knowledge about web authoring. I have been calling myself a "newbie" for so long, but I guess it's time to stop doing that. However, I am still a "newbie" at heart! So, because there are plenty of other "newbies" out there, I thought I would make an itty-bitty page with some info about creating web pages. Mostly, I will give an overview of this whole web-authoring thing, and give some suggestions about software and books. Plus, I hope I will provide you with some encouragement.
First off, making basic web pages is not too difficult! Otherwise, this site would have never been started! I got my first computer (ever) in late 1997, and by Feb. 1998, I had published "JR's Yosemite" on EarthLink! (The site you are reading now is a "mirror" of my Earthlink site—I am keeping a copy of it on this site, Bearclover.net.) That's only a few months from computer illiterate, to web page author. It was a pretty simple page - but still—it was a web page, and I had made it! ("WOW!" I was pretty happy about that.)
Fortunately, there are many free software programs to help you make your first page, and some good books too. (Okay, so the books aren't free, unless you get them at the library.) I have pretty much taught myself how to do this, with a bit of help from a web-page veteran friend. So, if I can do it, so can you, believe me. Just do not be intimidated, and take it step-by-step. And, (I must warn you) do not expect everything to go seamlessly. As you already know, with anything related to computers, it rarely does! (But, it is so much fun, the occasional aggravation is worth it!)
One could go on and on about software! And I know I have not scratched the surface of this topic. I know in my case, the first thing I did was get a book! One of the "For Complete Idiots" or "For Dummies" books covering beginning web page creation would be fine. Or else, I might suggest a book (for instance) about Netscape Composer, the free web authoring software that comes with Netscape Communicator. (Most books about Communicator devote one or more chapters to Composer.)
There are some good programs out there. I used to use earlier versions of Microsoft Front Page. I got into FrontPage impulsively, before I really knew what I was doing. Would I buy it now that I know a little more? Hmmm . . . can't say. Probably. It is fun, and very popular, and considered one of the best of its type. Heaven knows, it does some nifty things, (like their fun "Theme" templates—all the graphics, backgrounds, fonts, etc. automatically done for you!) But, I also like more control, so the excellent HTML editor HomeSite is something that I feel more comfortable with. I also have a special fondness for EditPad. It is "The best postcardware text editor available in the World." and the software designer who made it only asks that you send him a postcard in order to use his software. (He collects postcards!)
Recently, I have fallen in love with Dreamweaver. It's a little pricey, but you can find used copies on eBay for a (semi) reasonable price. Dreamweaver is a little nicer than FrontPage, I think. I have ported over some of my sites to Dreamweaver, (including this one.) At least version 3 or above of Dreamweaver is best, but newer versions are even better! Also, since I've purchased a Mac, I use BBEdit. It's kinda like the HomeSite for Macs! I've listed the software I like—I'll mention some that I don't like - NetObjects Fusion. Too weird. Not up-to-date on the Mac. Phooey on it!
Some freeware HTML (the code used to create web pages) software programs are available at www.download.com . Two excellent ones are Arachnophilia and SiteAid. They are for Windows and both are worth trying out. Another highly-regarded (oldie but goodie) is the free program is AOLPress. I also have tried Dida and it's fun to play around with. On the Mac side, there is the excellent BBEdit Lite which, alas, has been discontinued, but you can probably find it around somewhere. Perhaps my favorite program to "play around" with is Web Wizard, (for Windows). It asks you some questions, you fill in the blanks, and voila! A web page! However, Web Wizard is no longer free. Bummer.
Another way to publish a web page is with one of these "online publisher" (EarthLink, GeoCities and many others offer such a feature.) I think it would be a fun, quick and gratifying way to create your first web page, since the attraction of such programs is their ease of use, and "newbie friendly" quality. However, sooner or later you will want to strike out on your own, and get more creative and flexible. These easy online programs are also quite limited and restrictive.
You know, when I first started making web pages, the creation wasn't so bad at first, but when it came to uploading it---that got a little scary. (Uploading is the process of getting your finished pages from your computer to your web page provider's server, or computer.) But it shouldn't have to be scary! First off, there are a few basic ways of uploading your files to most web page space providers. Some web page providers (like GeoCities) allow you to use an online "EZ File Upload", which is as it sounds, easy. You just need at least IE4 or Netscape 3, which you almost assuredly have, unless you have a really old and creaky computer. The process of uploading with this method should be pretty easy to understand. Probably the most common way to upload your web page files is through a FTP program. There are several free ones out there, but the easiest is FTP Explorer. Another freeware FTP program you will hear about is WS-FTP. (They also have a "Pro" version that costs about 30+ bucks.) While WS-FTP was fine, and I still use it sometimes, FTP Explorer is easier, and friendlier. I would recommend it. You will need to get specific instructions from your web page provider on what FTP settings to use, and they will probably provide instructions on how to go through the whole FTP process, too. (If you want to spend money on a FTP program, and get a few extra goodies, I like Cute FTP.) On the Mac side, everyone seems to like Fetch, which you can download at Download.com, and other places.
I have a major book failing: I cannot stop buying them! It is genetic, I believe, other family members have the same weakness. I prefer the Web Creation books that have the large friendly letters in the title that say "For Dummies" and "Complete Idiots." One that looks especially friendly is Web Design: A Beginner's Guide. And, the new (as in not yet released as of this writing) Creating Web Pages for Dummies book sounds very promising. I also recommend any HTML/Web Authoring book by Laura Lemay.
I am often drawn to books that have a CD ROM packaged with them. They include shareware that you can try out before you buy. This is a good option for newbies, to get a taste of what's out there. Usually these books choose the better programs, so you don't have to go through a lot of "trial and error" to find a quality software program.
I also highly recommend "HTML Goodies" (and the companion site). This is one of the friendliest, easiest and most accessible books you will find on learning how to make web pages.
HTML, the code that is used to create Web Pages, really isn't that bad. Really! There are about 10 different "tags" that you will use most of the time, and they are not difficult to remember. Besides, with programs like AOLPress, GoLive, FrontPage, and Dreamweaver, you don't have to learn HTML unless you want to! But, frankly, I urge that you do learn the basics. You will be able to make minor corrections to your pages with less stress and less guesswork. (Knowledge is a good thing!) I would recommend a good book on HTML (it should give you the basic tags that you will need to know to get started, and explain what they do. ) The most recent version of HTML is HTML 4.1.
Internet Service Providers: (I.S.P.s) and your web page:
If you are already firmly established with an ISP, this advice will probably do nothing for you. I would not suggest you scrap your favorite ISP over the issue of the web space they offer. (After all, there are plenty of free web page services out there!) However, if you are still "shopping around" for an ISP, and want to get some info on how they rate, (web page-wise) well, I sure have my opinions!
Most ISPs that offer you dial-up (or broadband) service also give you web space. Some allow you to upload your files through FTP (my preferred method—EarthLink allows this), but some don't. Don't let your personal ISP's web space offerings deter you from looking around for a better deal. There are a ton of web hosts out there, many of them cheap or near-free, and they will offer you all that you need. (A good place to start for an ISP comparison is www.ispcheck.com or http://thelist.internet.com .)
Finding a Host that supports FrontPage Extensions:
FrontPage Extensions are these nifty things that make your web design experience so much easier. Front Page is very popular so most web hosts (with the exception of some free hosts) will offer the option of FrontPage extentions. FrontPage holds your hand and helps you make guest books, feedback forms, graphics "themes" for your site, and so forth. FrontPage is a very popular program and it should not be too difficult to find a host which offers FrontPage Extensions on their servers.
I really don't understand that technical aspect of FrontPage Extensions (at least not from the host or server perspective), but I do know that when you sign up for most web hosts, they'll ask you, "Do you want FrontPage Extensions"? If you have FrontPage and are intending to use it, say "yes." You may never need extensions, but if you do, your host will have prepared your web space for you, so the Extensions will work. If you tell them that you don't need FP Extensions, they won't do whatever special magic that is required to make the Extensions work (I think it's put some special Extensions files on your web space) and then you'll be out of luck if you ever change your mind and decide to go with Extensions.
(Ahem!) I have been guilty of trying out way too many of these services. They are a good place to start, are free, and often a lot of fun! To make is easier for you to compare the ones out there, I have made a list!
The one I have settled on is GeoCities. It is very well-known, and pretty reliable. I have found their banner-exchange program to get results in promoting your site.
Tripod, as I mentioned above, now offers FrontPage 98 server extensions, which is nice if you use FrontPage! It offers an ample amount of web space, and it is a pretty nice place to park your web page.
I've tried ZeroCatch and it seems to be pretty good.
It's been a while since I checked AngelFire. I used it a while ago, and it was was too complicated to use without going batty. I don't know if they have changed the way you upload files since I last used them. Give them a try, and tell me what you think!
I must also add, that some of these free web page providers have restriction on what content you can put on them. Mostly, they don't want offensive material (like porn) and many do not allow business sites.
Check out www.thefreesite.com for a listing of many other free web page places. New ones are popping up all the time.
I will refrain from giving you a sermon about making porn site. But I just want to tell you, there is no reason for a person looking for a free place to put their porn site to try to "slip through the cracks" and get their site on a place like Geocities. There are a number of places specifically geared towards hosting free porn sites. My point is, don't burden places like Geocities or Angelfire with your porn site. Sooner or later you will be found out, and someone, (like me!) will turn you in, and your site will be yanked, lickety-split! Geocities and other such providers offer a wonderful service to the rest of us, so please give some respect to their rules and requirements and stick to providers that want you!
Well, I think that these are all the pearls of wisdom I should impart about web authoring at this time. Because I have a rather long list of links related to this topic, I have set them on their own page. So, be sure to check out my Web Authoring Links.
NEW! I have created a comprehensive "Web Page Kit"---A tutorial on how to make your first little web page today. I give download links to some great freeware programs, and then step-by-step instructions on how to use them. I also have a small clip art page, with some free web graphics that you can use on your first page. Go on, give it a try!
I like to call myself a Web Page Goddess. And I am becoming a Domain Site Goddess as well! I just have so many web sites! Here is a listing of some of them. All these sites are currently edited using Dreamweaver MX 2004, on my Macintosh computer (Mac Mini, as it happens!).
One of my "first" real sites, on Geocities, started in early 1998. I have updated and tweaked this site to oblivion. It covers all my main interests - Yosemite, pottery and art.
A subsection of my Geocities site, a portrait tutorial site. Relatively popular (if you are into drawing!) Edited with my Mac and Dreamweaver.
Another kind of small site, (derivative of my Geocities site) on Mindspring. Started in mid-1998, also edited to oblivion on a variety of software programs, and computers! Most popular page on this site is about my six-toed cat Ambrose.
My first domain site—for my family, Dunster.com. It's not edited as much as it should be. I bought this domain only a few months after I first got a computer (back in 1998).
A subset of Dunster.com, the "Crappy Laptop" pages. It has been edited with Homesite, BBEdit (for Mac), and currently Dreamweaver MX. This section of Dunster.com has info and links for people who use older laptop computers. I even include some software downloads, and the nifty "Made on a Crappy Laptop" web page buttons.
My own "personal" site, Bearclover.net. This site is HUGE. I have tons of Yosemite photos there (and Yosemite wallpaper). My "pride and joy" right now, at least as far as content goes. It has lots of content. Sections on Yosemite, California photos, Photoshop (the ultimate graphics application!) Pottery, Art, and also has some Patriotic Wallpaper. There's a lot here to see. Edited with Dreamweaver on the Mac.
The biggest site of all: Portrait-artist.org. I guess this is my most popular site to date. Also edited on the Mac and Dreamweaver. I've pretty much settled with Dreamweaver, though parts of this site were edited on BBEdit. Hosted by EMax Hosting. Very reliable host.
My sister's and my pottery site, Greenverdugo.com. Edited on the Mac and Dreamweaver.
My latest site, DelicateFlower.org. A "sister" site to Bearclover.net, this site has a lot of my web graphics (especially patriotic web graphics). Also, some "linkware" - web graphics "sets" for webmasters who don't want to make their own "matching" web graphics. Check it out if you are looking for graphics to use on your own site!
Other Interesting Software (to get you started)...
Aaak! That Scary thing called HTML!!!
Why not send me some email?
