Cyber-Sierra Workshop 2002: Web Site Power
     

Basic Tools

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There are a few technical requirements for creating an effective Web site (source: One Northwest):

To build a web site you need tools.
  • Computer
    To develop a Web site, you should have a reasonably powerful computer capable of running up-to-date Internet and Web development software reliably.
     
  • Internet Access
    In order to publish a Web site, you need to be connected to the internet and be able to transfer files. Basic dialup PPP Internet access works fine.
     
  • Web space
    Check out NACD's web hosting packages. They have a vested interest in your web site success and are connected with part of your target audience. It that doesn't suit you there are tons of web hosting services.
     
  • Web Editor
    The latest generation of Web editors finally makes it possible to produce reasonably good Web pages without much knowledge of HTML. Learning the basics of HTML is always a good idea, and will certainly help you develop better Web pages with less effort.
     
  • Graphics Editor
    If your Web site is going to contain graphics (and virtually every Web site should), you will need to have a graphics program that can help you optimize your images for the Web.
     
  • Domain Name
    An Internet domain name is essentially the unique, "user friendly" name for each machine connected to the Internet; they make it easy to keep track of people, organizations and businesses who use these machines for email, the World Wide Web and other Internet services. Starting with a domain name is cost effective in terms of later remodels and flexibility of hosting.
     
  • FTP Program
    You need a way to upload your web site to the server. Sometimes this is already built into the web editor program or you can use a stand-alone program
     

Content Development

Got something to say? Content development for the web is not the same as developing text for a document. Reading from a computer screen is definitely different and requires some thought about presentation.

Plus, the "safe area" for Web page graphics is determined by two factors: the minimum screen size in common use today ( which is still 640 by 480 pixels), and by the width of paper used to print Web pages. Graphic "safe area" dimensions for layouts designed to print well are 535 pixels wide by 295 pixels high. to maximize screen usage, the maximum dimensions you should work with are generally 595 pixels wide by 295 pixels tall. These demensions come into play when using tables for layout, columns and graphics.

Some excellent references make this part of web design easier:

  • Writing for the Web
    Sun Microsystems shows how to double the usability of your web site by a simple set of guidelines.
     
  • Yale Web Style Guide
    An excellent, 60-page Web site devoted to good HTML and site design. This site is well worth the time it takes to review, covering all aspects of site development without burying you in details or tech talk.
     

Tools I Use:

I wish I could say there was one perfect tool for all web page editing needs. There isn't. I would encourage you to download trial versions of various programs and see which ones fit your style and work patterns. If you can use a free program, great. If not, pay for the programs that works best for you and get to work.

People always want to know what programs I actually use, so here's the list:

  • 1st Page 2000
    An HTML editor with 4 levels of expertise. It has a nice built in feature called HTML Tidy which can correct the most common coding errors. It's an outstanding program - plus it's free. I like it alot and use it quite frequently in building templates
     
  • Coffee Cup HTML Editor
    A very nice, popular HTML editor with a split screen view to see your work materialize in front of your eyes. I like a number of the add-ons they include in the program and the company is constantly improving the program. Try the free version. If you like it, it's worth the cost to upgrade to the professional version and future program updates are free which is a BIG savings in costs.
     
  • Dreamweaver
    Dreamweaver has both WYSIWYG and HTML interfaces satisfying both groups of users. Pages can be hosted on any server. An important feature is the availability of a free extension suite to meet 508 accessibility standards. Most people with some site building experience tell me they love it. I personally found the program very complicated. A Review of Dreamweaver illustrates the main product features and a comparison article discusses how the Dreamweaver extension can Check sites for 508 with audit-edit tools. Keep in mind that expensive does not equal 'better' necessarily. Dreamweaver may have many more bells and whistles than you actually need or be a perfect fit. You decide.
     
  • Tucows.Com
    Try a variety of paint programs before deciding on your final selection. Programs can be easy to master or so difficult it isn't worth the bother. Always try a trial version af any expensive program before investing, to make sure you'll actually be able to use it. Don't overlook older programs or earlier versions that may cost substantially less than the latest-greatest.
     
  • Purplus.Net
    This is an overstock store where you can snag some great programs at substantial savings. And, it is possible that buying an older product at a big discount then going for a newer 'upgrade' saves substantially over simply purchasing the latest version.
     
  • Coffee Cup Direct FTP Free
    Most HTML editor programs have an FTP program contained within them. If not, or if you ,like the convenience of a stand-alone FTP program, give this one a try.
     
  • Free HTML Editors / Free Web Editors
    This page lists free HTML editors, Web editors, WYSIWYG editors, web site builders, as well as specialized editors optimized for Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) or even the numerous web scripting languages such as PHP, Perl, Java, JavaScript, ASP, etc.
     
  • Openware
    A free cross-browser WYSIWYG editor that's packed with every rich-text editing feature you need.
     

Additional Reference Sites:

 

 

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