"Look Ma, I did something useful on the web today"

One of the latest fads to hit the Internet is having your own web page. In many cases, it means learning about HTML (Hyper-Text Markup Language), the language used on the Web. It's really not as difficult as it seems, and there are plenty of resources to help you learn whatever you want to know to create fantastic looking pages.

Before you can start, you need to have a place to put your pages. Most of the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) allow their users a certain amount of space to have a home page for free. There are also hosts that will 'rent' you space. And there are other places that offer non-commercial pages at no charge. Geocities is one, and AngelFire is another.

Once you have a place for your home page, think about what you want to create. Then start typing. You can use any text editor that will save text in ASCII format, for example, Notepad and DOS. There are also many excellent web editors available as shareware that make your task a little simpler.

WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editors allow you to enter information without knowing HTML codes. A good one to try is AOL Press. The obvious advantage to these editors is that you don't have to learn the codes and tags. However, a big disadvantage is that these programs can limit your options and creativity.

Programs such as HotDog require the HTML tags, but offer a drop and drag menu that will add the codes for you, and let you use a Preview option to see what your pages will look like. Use a search engine like Yahoo or Alta Vista to search for 'web editors'. You can compare programs, and choose one with the options that best suit your needs.

With a place for your pages and an editor program to use, you're ready to begin. To become familiar with HTML, the best source is other documents already on the Web. When you see something you like, and want to know how it was done, choose 'View' on your browser, and then choose "Document Source". You will then see a page of the tags used to make it appear a certain way.

All of the HTML tags are in brackets < >. Anything inside the brackets tell the computer how to format the information that follows. Whenever you add a command in brackets, you'll also have to enter a tag to end that command. This is done by placing a forward slash inside brackets, before the command. Here is an example:

tells the computer to start centering the text, Page One. The </CENTER> tells it to stop centering.

When you look at a page, you don't see the commands, but you are looking at the results of the commands. This includes everything from italics, centering and title to color and font of the text.

A bit more about colors. If you are using HTML, you need to know the 6-digit code for the color you want to use. To know the correct code for a given color, it is best to look at other pages, or use some of the resources available. Color Serve Pro shows color wheels like this sample here. When you are at this site, just click on a color, and it will give you the corresponding color code. Color Manipulation Device is a program you can download at no cost. Both are great, but I feel the ColorPro Monitor has a wider selection of brightness and contrast. There are color charts available at some of the tutorial sites I've listed below. While using the tutorials, you'll also learn more about headings and fonts.

What would a web page be without graphics? You may have some clip art or graphics that you wish to use. If not, there are countless sources for free graphics on the web. Take a look at Free Animations and Graphics for your Web site.

Art for web pages must be in the .gif or .jpg format. This means you may need to convert an image file's format. Using Paint Shop Pro available free at the JASC site, you can change the format, make transparent gif's, change size and many other things.

If you wish to use photographs on you web page, but don't have a scanner, check with local print shops or go to ECR Scanning. The ECR site offers two free scans. The code used to insert images is:

As you go, you'll learn more about sizing the images, etc. Almost every page has links. By clicking on links, you'll be taken to another page. Creating a link is also a simple procedure. Suppose you want to link the words "Go Here" to another page. All you need is the URL of that page and the following tag:

Again, notice the </A> tag to end the text you want linked.

Once your pages are complete, you'll have to upload them to their destination. Each ISP host may have different requirements, and it is best to contact the one you are using for full instructions.

As I mentioned, there are tutorials available for those of us that are just starting our on-line adventure. HTML Goodies is a very complete tutorial. It contains a list of tags, links to resources, a color chart, and best of all, it is written for the average non-techie to easily understand.

For even more detail, try Bare Bones Tutorial to HTML , NCSA Beginner's Guide to HTML, or the Introduction to HTML. All of these tutorials also include more complex and advanced tags, like frames and tables.

Just remember, when you break it down into steps, it's easy to create a web site that is pleasing to the eye. Take it one thing at a time, have fun and enjoy the new experience. If I can do it, anyone can!

Read another woman's story on how she learned to develop web pages.