TIPS for All Editing:

Naming files: keep it short, simple, and all lower case

Add the html designation to the top of all files, the browsers like it.

If possible, don't mix htm with html files - it makes it hard to remember when you are maintaining the site or moving the site.

Make sure you have start-point file listed as index.html (or .htm). Browsers select the index file as the default page.

 
 
Using Simple Editors
that don't require a knowledge of HTML

The easiest web page to build: use a template of a page you like. Make sure you are using a "bug free" template. Save File the page and then check the code with an HTML validation program or through a validator web site like NetMechanic HTML Validation

You can save most web pages that you view by using the 'File-Save' feature in your browser, but if you try to save a file that has www in the file name you will be disappointed.

You can pull the file into Composer or Frontpage Express, or view the source code, highlight the information, and press your Ctrl key then 'C' key (shortcut for copy) and paste the data into an editor or notepad file. Find the way that works for you.

Remember, pages are copyrighted, so use saved files as start points or learning and create something original.

If you are using Netscape navigator with Composer, you and edit the page simply by selecting Choose Edit Page or Edit Frame from the File menu (under Edit). The current Navigator window becomes a Composer window containing the document you were viewing. You can also drag the Location icon and drop it on the Component bar.

Then you can work with the page in the editor or save the page to a file folder and work with it later. Again, be sure to abide by copyright restrictions just like you would with print documents.  
 

Using Netscape Composer

Netscape Composer has a fine tutorial built into the program. Use the templates and build your site quickly and easily -- if you've done your preliminary homework!

 
 

Using Front Page Express

Internet Explorer has a fine tutorial built into the program .Use the templates and build your site quickly and easily -- if you've done your preliminary homework!

 
 

Using Publisher 98

Again, the quickest way to learn how to build web pages with this program is to use the built in tutorial. Then just go ahead and make a few pages. You can have a simple web site done in a morning if you can use the pre-made templates. However, your flexibility is limited. If you have to build the page from scratch, you might find Front Page 98 a better choice.

 
 

Using MS Front Page 98

Start with the Basic FrontPage Tutorial or the built-in program tutorial. Add some knowledge from Tips for working with Front Page. Of particular interest is the article on how to save time using Front Page.

 
 

When would you need an HTML editor and other software tools?

        Maybe never - but it sure helps me!

A Note from Cyber-Sierra I work with several HTML editor programs and I recently added FrontPage 98 to my web page tool set. I still prefer the flexibility of working in HTML which I find lacking in WYSIWYG Editors, even programs as fine as FrontPage 98. The vast majority of my work is done using HTML editing programs. If you are constructing a small web site of 10 pages (files) or less, and are not updating very frequently, a WYSIWYG editor should be sufficient. If you are handling lots of files, you'll eventually need a regular editor or some professional help. The decision as to which Web Page Editor to select really depends on your objectives, your comfort level at working with new computer programs, and the time you have available to get the job done. All programs, even very simple editors like FrontPage Express and Netscape Composer will take some time to learn to use effectively. If staff is going to develop and manage the web site, then training time should be calculated into the web site cost. JLS - Cyber-Sierra

 
 

HTML Editor - Free and very good :

• Arachnophilia Home Page

• More shareware Editors (with reviews) and other Internet Tools can be found at: Tucows.Com including:
  • Graphics Editors

  • File Transfer Programs

  • Zip File converters