To start
your first web page you need just a few things.
You need
some tools, an idea, and a place to put the page.
If
you're reading this, then you most likely already
have an idea,
so let's get
organized. You'll need a place on your computer to store
the files
until you're ready to upload them and also to have them handy
for further
editing. So, let's get started there.
Getting started
First
make a folder to store your files. (this can be done either on the
root of the drive or in your documents folder.)
Next,
make some folders inside of that one. (label them according to
contents i.e. Images, scripts, etc.)
Now you can begin downloading files that you want
for your site. (images, javascript, templates, etc.)
Get a
webhost. You'll need a place to put your pages once you're finished.
Get the tools you'll need to build and maintain
your website. (A list of my favorites are on the tools page.)
The tools
First you'll need a couple of editors. A WYSIWYG
editor and a text editor. I personally like the wysiwig editor in
Open Office
and whatever simple text editor that is included with the Operating
system. In Windows I use notepad, in MAC OS I use Simple Text, and
in Linux I use Kedit or Gedit.
Next you'll need an FTP client. That is the tool
you'll need to transfer your files to your website. In the Mac os or
Linux you should already have one installed, but most likely you
will not have one in Windows. My two favorites are WSFTP-LE
and Filezilla.
Both are free and Filezilla is cross-platform.
Another tool that can come in handy is Irfanview,
an image editor for Windows, however you can also use whatever paint
program is available for your operating system or I-Photo in Mac OSX
or The GIMP in Linux.
Hints and Help
When looking
for a webhost get one that is on Linux or Unix servers.
If you are
new to this then get a free webhost to start.
Also make
sure your webhost provides stats so you can fine tune your site.
When
making your page keep it simple. Most people in the world still have
dial-up connections.
Make an
outline of what you want to accomplish with the page and stick with
it. You can always add more pages.
Don't pay
for things that you can get for free if you look for them. Everything
that is done on this website
is done
using free tools, images, forms, scripts and other free items that I
have collected over the years.
An easy way
to get started is to use cheatsheets and copy and paste. Check the
reference pages.
