Web pages aren't just for geeks any more. If you're in business, the chances are good you'll be involved in building a Web site in one way or another. But what if you don't know HTML from H20? Or a browser from Bowser? I'll take you through the entire process of building a simple Web site, from the ground up, with plenty of pointers to other tutorials, reference material, and product reviews along the way. These lessons are meant to be read in order, but feel free to jump around as you please.
What is a Web site, and where does it live?
Before we start designing Web pages, let's figure out where to put them. We'll rent space at a commercial Web hosting service, and learn how to make changes to our Web site on our own.
What is HTML?
Another HTML primer? No, there are lots of those - This is even more basic than a primer. This is for folks who want to know exactly what HTML is in the first place, what it's used for, and where to go to start learning.
The Domain Name Game
Finding a particular Web site is like finding someone's telephone number. Every Web server in the Universe has a unique number that identifies it, called an IP address. For obvious reasons, nobody wants to have to remember numbers like this, so early in the development of the Web, the system of domain names was devised.
How do I add pictures to my Web site?
It's really not that tough. If you've got the picture, I'll show you how to put it on your page. The right way, so that it looks good, loads in a reasonable time, and doesn't reveal your inexperience to anyone.
Amateur Web Sites - the Top Ten Signs
So you're a beginning Webmaster. You don't have to advertise the fact. If you're a dog, nobody will know, but if you're an amateur, everyone will know - at least if you pull any of the boners listed here. If your experience of the Web is limited, you may not realize that something that looks neat to you may strike more experienced Net denizens as passé, trite, amateurish, annoying, or worst of all - deprecated!
Promoting Your Web Site
Here are the basics of search engines, link exchanges, mailing lists and other traffic-building tools.
Other Resources for Wannabe Webmasters
Beginning Internet Books
Read our reviews of the latest HTML primers and beginners' guides to the Internet.
Web Tools Download Page
Lots of freeware and shareware tools to get you started. Browsers, HTML editors, graphic utilities, and all kinds of handy software.
Beginning HTML Discussion Group
Questions and answers about HTML. Need to choose an HTML editor? Help with tables, forms, frames, and all that sticky stuff? Ask the experts.
