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Ok, you have an idea and a vision for sharing your knowledge
on the web. As long as you have little patience, and an attitude
to stick with it, even you can create a web site. You don't have
to know HTML, although it is helpful. You don't have to be a
computer artist, just resourceful. You don't have to be a computer
programmer, you just need some of the same tools they use.
There are a large number of tools on the market that can help
you get started. Some require HTML knowledge, some use a browser
type interface and create the code behind the page for you. Others
do a bit of both and are often considered advanced editing tools.
But if you want some suggestions for an average novice or an
advanced developer, the following tools are all you really need
to create a good well functioning site:
- An HTML editor. We recommend Adobe's
PageMill,.unfortunately Adobe has discontinued the product.
But if you can find it, it's easy to use and allows you to test
and track your pages within the tool. What they've replaced it
with is Adobe's GoLive. This
is a repackaging of Adobe's PageMill, however it has a great
many new features, making much of the new development technology
easier to code. But it also has a bigger price tag too, retailing
for about $200. Try searching through one of the many online
auction sites for bargain prices, such as ebay.com
or egghead.com. I've been able to get PageMill version 3.0 for
$10-$40. You can purchase GoLive at any local computer store,
or download the most recent version from the Adobe web site.
- A graphics editor. We recommend Paint
Shop Pro. Again, it's inexpensive, and easy to use it's basic
functions. Like any graphics tool, the more you practice and
use it, the more you'll learn and the more you'll be able to
do. The current version offered by JASC includes a graphics animator.
These 2 tools in one, is all you'll need to create and customize
your own site graphics.
- A web browser. Although many HTML editors come with
their own internal testing browser, nothing can replace a full
functioning browser to help you test your pages. Our personal
preference is Netscape or Mozilla. This allows you to switch
back and forth between your page creation and testing at the
same time. You can download the Netscape
browser for free from their web site.
- File Transfer Tool. Most web hosting services provide
a tool for transferring your pages from your PC to their host.
Some of them are well developed and function easily. Others,
are actually a pain in the behind. AOL's FTP is a perfect example.
It requires the developer to name the file to be transferred,
than transfer the file to their servers...one file at a time.
But there are alternatives. One of the best is a freeware package
called WS_FTP,
by ISPWitch. It comes in a 16 and 32 bit version, and functions
like a File Manager. You can upload multiple files at the same
time, manage your web environment by creating, deleting or renaming
directories and files. At the time of writing this, you can find
a safe download-able of this software on Lycos.
- Domain Names.
- Creating your domain name. A domain name is your address
on the web. For instance (yahoo.com) is a domain name. Your domain
should be something that identifies the content of your site.
It's your visitors first perception of who you are and what you
offer. Think about how you look at domain names when you're searching
the web for information. When you're looking for medical information
and the search returns a domain called "beerdrinkers.com",
would you go to that site first for the information you're seeking?
Most registry services can provide you with suggested names if
the one you're looking for is taken. But there are some things
you want to keep in mind. If someone has a domain called awardstoday.com,
but awards-today.com is available; it may not be a good alternative.
The general public isn't used to dashes, underscores or other
characters in a domain name. Letters and numbers are more often
the norm.
Also, if you register a .com name, you might also think of registering
the .net and .org versions as well. This helps protect your presence
on the web from copycatters. For instance, PagansPath.com, PagansPath.net
and PagansPath.org all point to the same website. These additional
registrations for the .net and .org are typically referred to
as "parking a domain". The .com is the main advertised
site, but all three can be used to access that single web site.
- Registering your domain. There are many hosting services
that offer you cut rate deals on registering a domain name. Some
offer to manage the domain for you. If you are creating your
website yourself, I don't recommend these services. If you want
to make changes later down the road, it could cost you an additional
fee, or delay your ability to make changes from a day to a week
or more. Instead, register your domain at Network Solutions (netsol.com) (also known as InterNic).
These are the people who keep track of all domains. Even when
you go through a service provider, they have to send information
to NetSol. So you might as well do it yourself.
In addition, you have the option of setting up a free domain
management account to manage changes to your domain through out
it's life. I highly recommend this. Wither it's changing your
address, owner name, or moving from one host to another, you
control your domain. And NetSol does make it easy to do.
Also, if you really get into this and begin to register more
than one domain, the NetSol management account will allow you
to mange all your domains in one place. Something that's VERY
useful.
- Hosting Service. Now once you have a domain you need
a place that will host your website. This is where things get
tricky. The best solution is to do a search at HostFinders.com
for the type of host you're looking for. But be careful and read
the fine print. What looks like a good deal because it's cheap,
isn't a good deal because there are hidden costs involved. So
don't just look at the price. For information on what you should
be looking for in a basic web host, I've put together a small
list of Hosting Features.
- Search Engines. Search engines are the first way to
get your site out there in the world. There are many ways of
advertising, from banners, web rings to buying add space. But
submitting your site to various mainstream search engines is
really the first step. Each search site has it's own requirements
for submission. So you'll have to read their requirements and
follow their instructions. You can also buy submission services.
These companies take your information, provided by you, and submit
your site to a number of web search engines simultaneously. But
do your research, some of these services can be expensive. If
you're going to be creating web sites for others, you might consider
investing in your own submission engine. There are many to chose
from. The one I like is called SubmitWolf
by Trellian Software.
All sites should be aware of how search engines spider (or search)
your site to add to their search database. You can manage what
they spider by adding a text file to your main directory, see
Robot.txt files listed in the advanced section below.
Now that you have the tools, let's go to
the basics. The following is a brief tutorial that will take
you through the beginning concepts of the world wide web, to
designing your site and developing good functioning pages.
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