AS soon as you begin thinking vaguely about having your own web page,
make up your mind to learn something about HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language)
which is the techie-speak/code which browsers and web sites depend upon.
No matter what route you choose, knowing some basic HTML will be a huge advantage. (And yes, I do know about plunging into one of those instant web pages, having been there, done that and ended up dissatisfied.)
Furthermore learning about HTML can be fun, with the assistance
of some free software downloaded from Pinsoft,
called Teach Me HTML. This cute little program takes only a minute
or two to download to your Desktop
Then, whenever you have a spare moment and instead of playing Solitaire, open it and take yourself step-by- step through one of the seven lessons.
You are literally told which key to press (and any hang-ups are the result of pressing the wrong one). When you have completed all the lessons you will have entered the basic HTML code for Headings, Lines, Paragraphs, Links, Lists, Images and Text Presentation. At the end of each lesson you are invited to click on 'Browser Preview' which gives you the chance to gloat over what you have done.
Even better, after you have done this several times you will find you are beginning to remember most of it - painlessly.
Another useful program available from Pinsoft is their Web Page Tutor which you can get on trial for 30 days.
If you are a complete novice it is a good idea not to download Web Page Tutor until you have learned some of the ropes with Teach Me HTML. You can keep Teach Me HTML on your computer forever - whereas the 30-day trial period for Web Page Tutor seems to pass very swiftly.
Copyright 2001 Sheldene Chant
Another easy to understand book that shows you how to get the most
out of the World Wide Web and your browser of choice. If you're looking
for an excuse to spend more time online, this book will give you plenty
of opportunities. Learn effective search techniques, utilizing bookmarks,
etc.
