The Art of Balance:
Knowing what tools to choose when designing a website

First of all you need to decide how much time you have to invest. There are times when you would be better off hiring someone with the expertise in a particular technology that you may want to utilize. In the long run, you might end up saving quite a bit of money. Remember, time is money. How much money is your time worth? Make wise decisions.

If you have spare time on your hands and think you would enjoy the process of learning new programs and technologies, first itemize in the order of importance the programs you want to learn. Hire help for the technologies and programs you feel might overwhelm you at this stage.

Let's talk for a moment about WYSIWYG programs and how they can help you expedite the process of launching a website before the year "3000!" (that's a joke). WYSIWYG stands for "What you see is what you get." That means you can build a well-designed, content-rich Web site without needing to learn HTML or
master complex applications. This makes it much easier for the novice as well as the experienced person to design your elements, while the WYSIWYG does the HTML programming for you in the background. Although I must say I highly encourage you to learn some HTML basics. You might try "HTML for Dummies" a great book to learn the basics of HTML. Other sources such at VTCO video or CD training is also available.

Why do I need to learn HTML? As an analogy, let's say you are a professional race car driver racing across the desert towards the finish line. You might not have to know how to fix a flat tire but chances are you might not get to the finish line if there is no one there to help you in case you do. So, it would probably be wise to learn not only how to fix a tire but maybe even know how to adjust your carburetor. My point is: When you run into problems you will be able to figure out how to fix it, or at least know enough to be able to ask questions more effectively when seeking help. There are many resources on the Internet and on the news groups that can assist you.

Take the time to lay out your web page design and decide how you will link one page to the next. Remember organization is the key to a well-designed website. The easier it is for new visitors to get around the chances are better that they will re-visit your website repeatedly. Remember, repeat visitors are the backbone to a successful business.

Laying out your website takes careful planning. There are certain things you should consider doing before you begin laying out your web site. The most important thing when starting is goal setting and planning a strategy. If you don't know where you're going with your website, neither will your visitors. Define each area and limit your content to a specific topic per page or area.

Take the treasures I am offering you here. I have spent hundreds and hundreds of hours reading and reading, web site after web site, book after book.

So you don't have to reinvent the wheel. I am not saying I know it all by any means, Not 'one' person could possibly 'know it all' but heaven knows, I try!

Back to WYSIWYG's. I have tried dozens and dozens of programs and have found that for designing HTML pages Adobe PageMill is still the best value for your dollar. User friendly and intuitive, this program will allow you to design your pages visually and graphically without having to know HTML programming.
You can download a free 30-day evaluation copy from Adobe's web site at: http://www.adobe.com
Available for both Mac and PC.

Here is a list of programs I suggest you pick up. Some of these companies allow you to download a thirty- day demo of their programs.

Remember do not install one of these programs on your system until you have set some time aside to learn and work with that particular program. Remember, thirty days go by quickly.

Suggested Programs and Services for Getting Started

ISP (Internet service Provider)
A company that provides individuals and companies access to the Internet. The range of services offered by ISP's varies tremendously. You will at least need to start with a Dial Up Account. You can get one through Earthlink (*Register now and save $25!) or call them at (800) 395-8425.
Be sure to mention Registration Number elna10004 to have your set up fee waved.
(*$25 set-up fee waived for online registration only)

Browsers (browsers are programs that allow you to cruise the internet with a friendly easy to use interface)
Netscape or Internet Explorer

HTML WYSIWYG's
Adobe PageMill
Macromedia's Dreamweaver

Image Editing Programs
Adobe PhotoShop (Full version or light)

Gif Animation Programs
GIF Construction Set Professional for Windows

Macromedia Products
Flash 4 (great for creating fast downloading animated pages with Flash movies)
FireWorks 2 (great for slicing images and creating rollovers)

Video and Audio Streaming Software
RealNetworks
Quicktime
Vivo

File Transfer Protocol Programs
(FTP) - software that allows participating computer systems to transfer files over the Internet. you will need this to upload or update your web pages on your server.
CuteFTP

Domain Name Registration
Domain name - a unique name associated with a specific system on the Internet. For example, our domain name is "machtools.com". When you tell the Internet that you want to visit "machtools.com", it translates the name into our IP address.
Network Solutions "the dot com people"

Eudora (the light version is FREE, great program for managing your email)
Eudora light

The Art of Balance:
With the emergence of so many incredible technologies it is very easy to get absorbed in spending to many hours in front of a computer. Remember to take breaks and do yourself a favor and get involved in some form of exercise. Even your computer needs to be defragged now and then.
Invest in your physical future, not just mental building but health building. Try taking walks, Bicycling, dancing is my favorite. Check out www.dancedancedance.com for information on where to learn dancing in your area. It is also a great way to make new friends or rekindle the romance in your marriage or relationship.

Enjoy creating your new Web site, and remember, if you need help contact Arias Multimedia and Web Page Design at 805 494-8383.