What's the best way to start in web design?

[CrazyWolfman]

At the moment I can do just about anything with a computer except for web design. Considering I'm on a very low budget, what's the best way of getting good at it? Also, what programs would you recommend (cheap ones) which work on a WYSIWYG basis, and where can I get one from? I've spent a great deal of time with computers so I usually learn very fast, thus I'm essentially after something with a good deal of potential rather than something which is initially very easy to use.

[vehelpfulguy]

You can download Serif WebPlus 6.0 for free from here.

http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/

It is an older version but Serif hope by using it you will buy a later version or some of their other software.

[vehelpfulguy]

Microsoft are plannning to take on Macromedia Dreamweaver with a set of products called Expression.

They are all in beta and you can download them free from here.

http://www.microsoft.com/products/expression/e n/default.mspx

The Web Designer component is full function (it is slated to replace Front Page)

[vehelpfulguy]

This is an excellent site with loads of tutorials.

http://www.w3schools.com/

Start by just learning HTML and progress from there.

[vehelpfulguy]

This is a great little book to get you going. It is about �10 but worth it.

http://www.cookwood.com/htmlvqj/

Very basic intro to HTML and CSS which gives you a good foundation.

The only product you need is Windows notepad (or other text editor).

She supplies all the files you need (like graphics) on a web site.

[vehelpfulguy]

The same lady wrote this, a bit more complex than the other book, but still written in a great style with a few tutorials in it.

http://www.cookwood.com/html6ed/

[vehelpfulguy]

The product all the experts use is Macromedia Dreamweaver.

(Actually Macromedia just merged with Adobe so I think it is now called Adobe Dreamweaver).

You can download a 30 day trial from here.

http://www.adobe.com/products/dreamweaver/

You may also be able to buy a computer magazine in somewhere like W H smiths with a trial version of the full product on it.

It is a complex product but will be worth learning.

[vehelpfulguy]

Basically you need two products to get started.

One to create the HTML, either WYSIWYG editor, or a HTML or text editor.

The other a graphics package like Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop Elements.

Once you have both of those you can begin to put together a simple web site.

Start by learning the HTML language (even though you said WYSIWYG it is still important to know HTML)

Then learn about Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).

The HTML file is where you put the actual TEXT of your web site.

The CSS file is where you specify the LAYOUT of your web site (colours, fonts. size of text etc).

That should be enough to get you started.

[CrazyWolfman]

Blimey vehelpfulguy! You are indeed a very helpful guy, so thankyou very much. I hadn't expected such a prompt reply, nor such a good one, I have had some experience working with HTML language so I hope it won't take too long to master.

[Shamruth]

Its just simple make use of this site http://www.thewebpole.com/twp/website-tonight/ & build a website , Recently i had built a pleasant website making use of the site mentioned above ...

[Roland]

The defacto software is Dreamweaver from Adobe and they have GREAT tutorials online and all for free: http://www.adobe.com/devnet/dreamweaver.html