This article serves as a comprehensive guide for those who are new to the world of website creation. It provides a step-by-step process to help beginners navigate through the initial stages of setting up a website. This guide is based on my personal experience as a novice who only started exploring the digital world in July 1999. Back then, I didn't even know how to send emails. However, I have since learned valuable tips from various sources, including the Jaydee newsletter. This guide aims to help beginners get started on their journey to becoming proficient in website design and promotion.
The first step in creating a website is to set up a file where you will store everything related to your site. Once you have this file, open a blank web page on your browser. If you're using Netscape, you can do this through COMPOSER. After opening and saving a page, insert an image for the sake of this example. To do this, go to INSERT, select your image from the menu, and add it to your page. Then, go to FORMAT and choose PAGE COLORS AND PROPERTIES to select a color for your page background. Finally, place a button at the bottom of your page. Buttons are used to link your pages.
Repeat the process above to create a second page with a button. Choose LINK on the main menu and link your first page to the second. Then, go back to the first page and link the button there to your second page. Do the same for the button on your second page, linking it back to the first. Test your links in the preview mode on your browser. If the links work correctly, you're ready to upload these example pages to your site.
To upload pages to your site, you will need an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) engine. This software enables you to transfer your pages (files) from your hard drive to your site. For beginners, the most recommended FTP engine is the WS-FTP PRO 6.5. You can download this from Tucows, a site that offers a wide range of software for computer enthusiasts.
Once you've downloaded and installed the FTP engine, you'll find two yellow icons on your desktop. Double click on the top one, the FTP-pro, not the FTP-explorer. Fill in the boxes with your server address, your username, and password, then click on QUICK CONNECT. This will bring up a split screen. The left side of the screen shows what's on your hard drive, and the right side shows what's on your site.
To upload, choose your web page file in the left-hand box, click and open it. You will see the entries for the web pages you have just designed. Highlight the first one, then click on the arrow pointing right in the middle of the two screens. This will upload your page to your site. Repeat the process for the second page, and your site is up!
This guide provides a very basic step-by-step process, and there's a lot more to learn. However, it's a good starting point for beginners. Good luck on your journey to becoming a proficient web designer!
