SMIG Personal Pages

If you're thinking about putting yourself on the Web, some of these links may prove useful in teaching you how and giving you access to the tools you need. Start with making sure your browser is the best it can be, then learn HTML from the pros.

Get the Basics:

• Browsers
  
• Netiquette
  
• HTML
  
• Graphic Optimizing
  
• Promote Your Home Page
  
• Miscellaneous:
  

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Browsers

Ok, first things first: Your browser.

Browsers come in all varieties and disk sizes, and each has its pluses and its minuses. We recommend to first find out what your computer can handle, and then asking your friends and co-workers to see what they prefer. Or, you can be more bold and download one and test it out.

• BrowserWatch - (This is an important source for the latest information on browsers. Check here periodically to make sure your browser is as updated as can be.)
  

After you've gotten your browser, you should check out some of the following resources and optimize your experiences:

• NCSA Mosaic X Resources
• Mosaic Tutorial
• Spyglass Home Page
• The Netscape Communications Universe
• MacWeb
• WebSpace
  

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"Netiquette"

As many people know, there exists an unwritten standard of behavior on the Internet. Called "Netiquette", it has survived since the ancient times, when only computer geeks lived on the web, and thrived for the unsuspecting "newbie" (The new person in their domain) to break their unwritten codes, and into these modern days when everyone, from the Smiths to the Jones, and even the family around the corner is on the web.

Information about Netiquette

Additionally, you might want to take the time to make sure your page will meet the SMIG Personal Page Content Guidelines, before you set it up.

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Introduction to HTML

Hyper-Text Markup Language, or HTML, as it is more commonly called, is the official programming language of webpages. Don't be fooled by the term programming language, because it is much easier than anyone first believes.

The following are some pages that will help get your feet wet, as you prepare to create your very own homepage:


• A Guide to HTML.
• Create it 101.
• Web Weaver's guide.
• For some Basic HTML Help.
• The Basics of HTML.
• HTML Guide (in Spanish/en espaņol)
• SGML/HTML Resource Centre
• HTML Secrets...
• Why validate your pages?
• Bad HTML style.
• Top ten mistakes of web design.

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Graphic Optimizing

To add even a little more action to your web page graphics, you may want to consider adding some animated GIFs. If so, then you'll want to visit one of these hot spots for an incredible selection, gathered from all around the Web.

Gif89a Animation Gallery

Mikey's Animated GIF Collection

The Animation Zone

When you think you're ready for some serious Web page graphics, you'll want to visit Jeff's pages. He'll show you some great ideas on how to create your own custom made graphics using common shareware utilities.

Others to visit:

• More graphics tools
  
• LViewPro
• Vision Ray Tracer
• Gif Construction Set - You can make animated gifs with this program.

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Promote your pages

• Visit the  How to Promote your Page section.

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Misc.

Erik Fuller’s Computer World is one of the best all-purpose tech sites we’ve seen. Be sure to catch his Netscape and Windows95 daily tips, and his winsocks page, where you are able to get some of the most popular interactive software available.

If you’re new to the Internet, this site is a must-visit. You’ll learn the basics of netiquette and navigating the Web.