Web Design 101

Tidbits and Stuff is going to teach you how to create a website using software that you have on your computer right now. No need to buy (or have your parents buy) new software. This project should not cost a dime.

First let's collect the tools that we're going to use.

You're going to need the following:

1. A computer (the one you're using right now will do).

2. A web browser (the one you're using to read this right now is sufficient). I'm using Internet Explorer. Yours may be Netscape, Mozilla or other browser.

3. A text editor. For our purposes, we're going to use Notepad. It should be on your computer already. You can use Word, Wordperfect, or any other text editing software that you feel comfortable with, but I think Notepad will work just fine.

4. A storage shed to put all of our tools and our web site (I'll show how in just a minute)

5. Fingers - the ones you're using to click the mouse will do just fine

I'm assuming that you've already located the first two things on the list. If you haven't found a text editor, I'll help you find it. First of all, I'm working on a computer that equipped with Microsoft windows software. If you're using something other than Microsoft windows, I'm not sure if my directions will work, but let's try.

Finding Notepad:

To find Notepad, click on the 'Start' button on the bottom left hand corner of your computer screen. Scroll to 'All Programs' and look for the menu item 'Accessories'. Accessories will open another set of menu options. One of them is 'Notepad'. Click on it to open a new page.

Creating Our Storage Shed:

Now lets create a our storage shed. The storage shed will be a folder on your computer desktop. I put mine on my desktop because it's easy to find. I tend to be forgetful and I sometimes forget where I put things (you guys are young so you don't have that problem). You don't have to put it on your desktop. Feel free to put your tools anywhere that is comfortable for you (and approved by your parents).

To create a desktop folder, right mouse click anywhere on your computer desktop. Click on the 'New' menu option and then click 'Folder'. It will create a folder on your desktop. Let's name it Web 101. Or, you can name it anything you want just a long as you remember what it is and where it is.

Here's my folder:

In this folder we're going to put all of our website files.

Now that we have our storage shed (folder) and tools, (notepad and web browser), we're ready to begin. If you're ready, let's take the next step.

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Definitions:

• Text Editor: Any program that will allow you to do the most basic word processing. Word processing is computereze for typing on a sheet of paper.

• Desktop: The desktop is the what you see when you first start your computer, before you open any programs.

• Web browser: The software you use to view web pages. It converts the code (the stuff that I'm about to teach youo) into a viewable webpage with pictures and links.

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