Website advice please

Chuckurbarla

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Chris
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Hope somebody can help or point me in the right direction. I want to embark on creating my first website and I've noticed that there are very firm opinions on here about the whole web experience.

I'm a complete newbie with this and I don't expect to get it right first time, or even second but I would very much appreciate it if somebody could give me a couple of pointers to stop me making basic howlers.

I have found heaps of information during my searches but I've only ended up confusing myself. I am only talking about a small, non commercial site.

Specifically answers to questions like:
who to choose for hosting?
which program to help in writing it (Frontpage or something else?)
why is IE a problem when developing a site?
Is using a laptop going to cause any surprises?

If there is a well respected source of tutorials you could point me to I would be overjoyed.

thanks in advance for taking the time

Chris
 
who to choose for hosting?

There are tonnes of people who offer hosting - I use www.servage.net - I find them to be reliable, well priced and the support is very good.

which program to help in writing it (Frontpage or something else?)

Whatever you feel comfortable with, I personally use Dreamweaver

why is IE a problem when developing a site?

IE doesn't conform to certain web standards, it also has some of its own standards that other web browsers have problems with understanding.

Is using a laptop going to cause any surprises?

None whatsoever :)

If there is a well respected source of tutorials you could point me to I would be overjoyed.

Start here - http://www.htmlgoodies.com/tutorials/getting_started/

In my opinion, its more fun to learn what HTML is and you get more enjoyment when you're building your pages. It also allows you to figure out problems. Try building a webpage in notepad using some of the tutorials on that website (its how I got started back at school) and see just how easy HTML is to code.
 
I would avoid frontpage like the plague. Many webhosting sites use site builders which might help you for first attempts, but if really want to do it from scratch, the preffered program is Dreamweaver, though personally, I prefer Microsofts Web Expression [yes, there actually IS an MS program that i like ;) ] - all the ease of frontpage without the foibles and as felxible and advanced as Dreamweaver...well, nearly, certainly good enough for basics.

Hosting... umpteen packages available. I use dataflame.co.uk for hosting several sites and they have been excellent support wise, reliability and price wise. Although having said that, for the first time ever today [in over 3 years] one of their servers, the one that hosts my photography site, is down. But as they mailed me to inform me, and promised restoration asap, I ain't complaining, its never happened before in 3 years with them. Everyone will have their favs in this area so probably best to shop around.

Tutorials I cant comment on as I have never used any, but maybe look at getting one of the dummies books for yourself - they do at least use easy to understand language and a logical sequence.
 
Yeah the HTML for dummies is a good book if you want to learn the hows and whys of the code. whatever application you use (dreamweaver/frontpage) will also have a for dummies book.
 
Steer clear of 1&1. Gave me duff info on sign up and I think the interface is crappy.

I have heard good things about www.easyspace.co.uk and looking at the packages are damn cheap + offer goodies that others don't.
 
It must have changed in the last 10 years, it was top notch when I was at school ;)

W3 schools looks good :)
 
Thank you for your replies ladies and gentlemen, very much appreciated and very helpful.

Chris
 
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