| |
How Do I Create a Page?
Now the meat of the matter...just how does one go about creating
a web page? Web pages are written in something called 'hypertext
markup language', hence the 'html' at the end of many web addresses
(including this one, which I've named how.html). Common ways to
create web pages are:
Straight text editors
Although difficult and cumbersome, they certainly allow for flexibility
in page design. Not recommended for anyone but the masochist or
professional web developer.
Free products
If using Netscape, simply click above on File, then Edit Page,
and you enter the web editor software that comes with the program.
Although not as all-encompassing as the commercial products, it
is a fine product for the casual web editor, and indeed is what
was used to create these pages. To start a new page, again select
File, then New. From here you can either create a blank page,
or use one of Netscape's templates available on their own site.
Again, relatively easy and quick, although basic.
Commercial products
Products such as Microsoft's FrontPage and Macromedia's DreamWeaver
are complete, although often-times overwhelming, packages with
excellent tutorial support. Creation of simple pages, often from
a myriad of templates and wizards takes minutes, and publishing
capabilities are included. Furthermore, user classes are often
offered at major medical centers, and certainly at university
computer centers. Note that the products can be costly (DreamWeaver
4.0 is advertised at $299).
Web based site design
Many sites (Netscape, Yahoo, AOL) allow users to create their
own websites, and basic pages can be created with a minimum of
effort and resources. The main disadvantage is that the sites
remain very basic, and usually free of graphics.
A note about graphics
Everyone wants their first page to have the impact of the Gutenberg
Bible, and graphics seem to be the way to capture the mind of
the viewer. Unfortunately, graphics can bog down a page, and slow
loading to a crawl, especially for those with slow modem connections.
www.starwars.com is a beautiful page with video, sound, changing
graphics, and gorgeous photography, but think of who their target
audience is. The simpler the better. Java scripts, animated video,
and pages of graphics are attractive to look at, but content is
where you want to concentrate. Creating a nice header/logo for
your organization is a fine idea, but leave the 360 degree interactive
tours of your headquarters buildings to Nintendo.
Committee on Electronic Media and Information
Technology
For more information, send email to Keith
Ruskin or Roy Soto
|