MicroDIY

How to Build and Develop Your Own Web Site

Building Your Own Web Site - Step-by-Step Guide

Here you will find some help building your own web site and you will also find some useful links to get some inspiration. I have tried to include articles for the beginner and more experienced web developer. A good place to start any new project is to take a look at how other web designers have gone about their web site design.

Introduction
Welcome to the world of 'Building your own Web Site'. This project makes for a very interesting venture and investment. The project is broken down into five parts, each covering specific topics as they are likely to arise during the building of your web site. Like all the other booklets, I will cover each topic in as much detail as is possible to cater for everyone. Here is a brief overview of each topic the project will cover:

1. Part 1
2. Part 2
3. Part 3
4. Design your own Favico
5. Favicon Template Sheet

Part 1- Getting Started – Planning ahead, what you need etc.

This covers the basic concept of what a web site is and what can be put there, such as, 'how the files are structured' and what exactly constitutes 'valid web site files' that can be accessed by a visitor to your site. This section will help you understand how a visitor's browser access files and how other file types are used for specific purposes. Choosing which software to invest in and other materials you might need

Part 2 - Going ahead – search for name, costs, buying a package, etc

Now we come to the point of buying a name and web space. How to go about finding a 'Host' that will sell you the space you want for your web site and how to begin to construct your site and organise your folders etc. Each step will be clearly shown using '1&1 – which in my opinion' is the best for on-line web site creation and hosting. My site was up and running in just three weeks – buttons; banners and content for the first project. No time wasted on learning a lot of code! All thanks to 1&1 web page templates.

 

Part 3 - Dreamweaver – Getting your site, creating your template from 1&1's pages, using CSS sheets, etc,

Dreamweaver MX software is not cheap, but gives you what you need for a fully functioning web site, and gives you full control with all the bells and whistles, if you want them. How to use the software to begin to build your first web site and have success within days – yes days! To do this Dreamweaver can download the basic site you first created on-line at 1&1; it is easy!

Download Basic template in html with graphics

How to create a Favicon.ico

Here is a topic many of you will have spent some time researching - 'favicon.ico'. I have looked just about everywhere on the internet to find simple straight forward explanations as to what they are and more importantly - how I can do-them-myself! I have seen companies charging $75 to design one for you. They are those little icons you see in your web site favourites list. What drew my attention to them was the number of 'Not Found' listings on my web site statistics. To find out what was looking for them and then ' how do I put one there ' was the start of a very long search. So here you are - all you need to know and how to design one for yourself is here. You will need to download the following files: - ( right click on the file you want then select - download).