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Klinsmann
new user
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 7
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I am responsible for intranet web sites at work and leave the techie stuff to a web team. Now I want to take my understanding of what makes a good site and offer a service to improve other people's existing websites or create templates for them. But I am a complete novice and need to know:
- best web creation/edit tool for a novice that can have some depth to it, I think that means Net Ojects Fusion 8 or 9;
- how do I access others sites to manipulate them (with their consent)
- what basic skills and software do I need?
- also I'd like to create a website for myself, how do I obtain a domain name and web space on the cheapest basis possibe?
Thanks for any help.
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Whizwrinkly
regular
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 476
Loc: East London, England
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If you want to alter sites that have been created by other software you will have to do it manually in a text editor. Different design tools use their own little quirks and are almost impossible to open in different programs.
If you intend to use NOF, you will only be able to import sites that were also created in NOF and even that can cause problems.
To work on the basic HTML you will have to use Notepad or a texteditor like Nvu.
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Klinsmann
new user
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 7
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Sounds like I would be better off taking a look at people's sites and offering a replacement that I can draw up (copying and pasting relevant bits) into NOF. I am talking about replacing amateurish sites here though so the people I would deal with would have little to lose. Does that sound like a plan? Grateful for that advice, Whizwrinkly. This leaves one other outstanding question:
- also I'd like to create a website for myself, how do I obtain a domain name and web space on the cheapest basis possibe?
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emailuser
regular
Reg'd: Wed
Posts: 190
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Quite frankly - and given the type of question you have asked - are you sure your in a position to offer any sort of service to other people .
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Klinsmann
new user
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 7
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I have to start somewhere, and the sooner I know what is needed the sooner I can do so or start learning to do so. I can be a quick learner, I appreciate I would need to be. But I might add that if you look at many sites out there, people with perhaps better base skills knowledge often produce some real tat.
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TheFatControlleR
Forum Admin
Reg'd: Fri
Posts: 6663
Loc: Megatripolis
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There are no short cuts. By all means look at other peoples sites, but what you really need to do is visit a few tutorial sites, or buy a couple of books and start on the ground floor building a single page, then progress and learn.
Besides, designing the look of a site, planning it's functionality, and building it are three separate disciplines.
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 TFC
'Going to trial with a lawyer who considers your whole life-style a Crime in Progress is not a happy prospect.' - Hunter S Thompson (1937-2005)
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Dunx
regular
Reg'd: Tue
Posts: 142
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hi klinsman,
While I agree with the comments made by emailuser and TheFatController, as you say you've got to start somewhere.
Obtaining a domain name
Some hosts will offer a free domain name with their packages. Or you can register a name with a registrar, which is handy if you decide to change hosts at a later date. Although hosts will usually co-operate when changing.
I use UKreg to register domain names, take a look at their prices and don't pay any more for your name even if you decide to go elsewhere.
Hosting your site
There are thousands of hosts out there. Avoid 'free' hosting, it's usually unreliable and slow, most will place adverts on your site.
Some may look 'too good to be true', that's because they are. Look through the posts in this forum and you'll find some info about who's good and who to avoid.
Software
I don't use wysiwyg software, I find it too restricting, others will disagree. Any text editor will do, but for a fully featured html editor give HTML-Kit a try. It's available free from chami.com
Online tutorials are available at w3schools and html goodies
If you prefer a book this one: "Create a WebSite" is excellent for beginners. Published by WHSmith - ISBN 0-130-65279-2
PM me if you want some advice on at least one web host to avoid.
All the best - Duncan
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bolitho
Under One Roof
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predator
regular
Reg'd: Sun
Posts: 544
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I'd suggest that before offering to modify other people sites, you get a site of your own up and running. That way you can at least show people the sort of work you can do. It also lets you refine your skills before doing it for someone else.
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Klinsmann
new user
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 7
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Predator, thank you, exactly the sort of advice I am seeking. Also Dunx, I have that very thing in mind. I know I appear terribly naive, accurately enough, but I am confident I have potential in this field and want to give it a go, as a hobby at first. All your and others heklp on here saves a lot of fumbling about and woolly thinking.
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Klinsmann
new user
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 7
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Quote:
If you prefer a book this one: "Create a WebSite" is excellent for beginners. Published by WHSmith - ISBN 0-130-65279-2
All the best - Duncan
Well, I've ordered the book. I will follow all constructive advice and update you on any progress.
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Klinsmann
new user
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 7
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Book received, and I must say its very well written so I am creating my first ever website thanks to advice on here.
Out of interest, what is the future of HTML as compared to XML, I've read the latter is the future. Am I learning the right language? How different are they?
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Dunx
regular
Reg'd: Tue
Posts: 142
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Don't panic, what you learn with HTML won't be wasted.
Quote:
Writing XHTML requires that you follow the rules of conformant XML, such as correct syntax and structure. As XHTML looks so much like classic HTML, it faces no compatibility problems as long as some simple coding guidelines are followed.
A lot of XHTML looks much the same as HTML. You won't have to re-learn everything, many tags remain the same.
Take something simple like the break tag, which doesn't have a closing tag.
In HTML it's <br> in XHTML it becomes <br /> The / implies closing of the tag it doesn't require another tag to close it, (the space is needed before the /)
All the best - Duncan
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bolitho
Under One Roof
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Klinsmann
new user
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 7
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Thank you, Dunx, thats a relief.
I've now got a home page with links to 6 sub-pages, links back to the main page, an e-mail contact link, and a link to Streetmap in. Very crude, but because I know what makes a utilitarian website work, effective. Some playing about with presentation, a couple of pictures, and I'll take it to the company I wish to interest in it. And even if they don't bite a bit of re-writing and I have a foundation stone for other sites and my own site.
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