I want to learn how to build a web page. My husband uses Word (which doesn't seem to work very well). We have FrontPage but don't know how to use it. I want to get some books and learn a program, but what's the best one for a newcomer to web design?

It depends on what sort of web design you are planning to do. For a simple, personal website, frontpage is fine. There are better ones out there (dreamweaver, golive, etc.), but they can be pricey. All these programs are called WYSIWYG programs (What you see is what you get)...In other words, they provide a simple, MS Word-like interface to create the HTML markup needed for a web page.

I simply have to say (I think it's hard-coded in my DNA) that if you plan on doing much with web design, you should just learn HTML and CSS and do your web pages in a simple text editor (like notepad.) You have more control over your pages, you don't have to learn a program, and your code tends to be more neat and readable.

It's been argued that a good WYSIWYG program like dreamweaver helps you learn HTML...If that's true, more power to it. Best of both worlds. I will say that dreamweaver's code tends to be much neater and maintainable than frontpage's.

As far as books go, they're pretty unnecessary. All the resources you need are online. There are loads of HTML tutorials at htmlhelp.com. In 4-6 hours, you'll be well on your way to being able to create web pages without the use of a WYSIWYG crutch.

Best of luck,
-SN

Try:

http://www.pagetutor.com/

It got me started when all the "easy" programs didn't. It's one of many free tutors and it's downloadable.

Word works fine, but you will not learn HTML (besides, it writes a lot of XML tags into its HTML). Frontpage, last I looked, was a poor teacher as well - you actually need to know how to correct its mistakes and additions. Dreamweaver is popular, but not for learning.

You don't need any kind of special editor or program to write HTML, as has been alluded to. It does not matter what you are doing, professional or not, you do not need anything but a program like Notepad and a browser for HTML. That said, HTML is simple and CSS is simple enough that you can learn them in your spare time.

"but they can be pricey."

Dreamweaver 3, if you can find it, is probably under $30. If you like it, pay more for the upgrade and get the freshest thing, but version 3 has all the core features you need to learn and use HTML. Try eBay.

If you want a book, just get a cheap one, discount even. Make sure it talks about HTML 4.0 or 4.01. If you must get an expensive book, try the O'Reilly book. There is a web designing from scratch book from O'Reilly as well which you might find helpful if a lot of things confuse you. HTML is not programming (it's formatting), so don't worry about anything but how it looks and if it looks just about the same in most browsers.

I have never seen a good tutorial on CSS, unfortunately. Still, be sure to try it.

I prefer Quanta, however I don't believe there is a port to Windows.

I used to use 1st Page 2000 (freeware for Windows). It has several modes like beginner, expert, etc. http://www.evrsoft.com/

ceddington,

I am a newbie to web design. (I posted the first post in this forum... "Cascading Style Sheets")

SN also advised me to learn HTML. I took that advice and look at what I can do now:
I can do bold text, I can do large text. I can do large red text...and small blue text.
learning HTML was the best advice I took. (SN... I can see you smiling!)

I found a great online tutorial here. I highly recommend it!

SN, I still use Dreamweaver, but it's nice to know what I'm looking at when I "pop open the hood".

Thanks ~ SullyD

anonproxy,

BTW, the tutorial site I just posted has a section on CSS.

SullyD

"I think it's hard-coded in my DNA"...

I needed a good laugh this early AM, thanks SN. :)

I agree, no need for a fancy program. Grab you a good tutorial on HTML (freely available) and crank up your system's default text editor... be it notepad, TextPad, or VI. Writing from scratch gives you more leverage and control in your design.

"It's been argued that a good WYSIWYG program like dreamweaver helps you learn HTML..."

Ha. If anything, it hinders the ability to learn HTML because it does it for you. Although, you could learn HTML via looking at the code the WYSIWYG generates as examples (although it could be confusing).

IR

The BEST in webdesign:
Http://www.coffeecup.com

Man... I have used their software for years! It only keeps getting better. They have awsome pre-built java scripts and such to help make things easier. There's so much cool stuff, all I can say is try it for yourself! Plus, *ALL* updates are FREE! They have additional cool programs like menu builders, CSS builders, and such. I highly recommend using Coffee Cup HTML Builder. They also have a WYSIWYG program...but I am sad to say I am not very impressed with it. Otherwise, their software is the way to go.

Electric Mayhem

Electric Mayhem

Electric Mayhem

btw, dont ask me why my name appears three times at the bottom... hell if i know why it put that in the post.

Electric Mayhem