I want my own Web page!

That's why most of us are here, right? It's because we want to have our own page out there on the World Wide Web. We want to be able to tell our friends and relatives where to look for us in Cyberspace!

But how do you begin?

There are many ways--some are easier, some are harder, depending on what software you have and how "technical" you want to be.

In the olden days (like 2 years ago!), about the only way to make a Web page was to use HTML code (a programming language that Web pages still use). Like a computer programmer, you would actually write your own code, and then Web browser software (like Netscape or Internet Explorer) could view it as a real Web page.

Now, there are much easier ways to build a Web page. There is a lot of software that uses the WYSIWYG system (that stands for What You See Is What You Get). So, instead of typing in bizarre little computer codes, you actually build your Web page right on the screen, and it looks just like it will look when it is posted on the Web.

I strongly encourage you to learn at least a little bit of HTML. Even though it is old-fashioned, it is fun to know what the "guts" of a Web page is like. If you learn to do HTML code this way, you will have a much better understanding of how the software programs work, and how you can make them do what you want them to!

Here are the steps toward starting your own Web page...

1) Scan photos.
Most everybody wants to have photos on their Web site. So first, you'll need to have your photos scanned OR, if they were taken with a digital camera, they should be ready for the Web.

If you do not have your own scanner, you will need to team up with someone who does. You may be able to find somebody in the Montana 4-H Webmasters by sending an e-mail to our list-serve: 4hweb@listserv.montana.edu. Or, find a friend in your area who will help you.
Or, use a search engine to look for "scanning." There are a lot of companies that will scan your photos--you mail them the photos, and they mail a disk or e-mail you the electronic scans of the photos. The costs will vary, though! Be sure to check out what they will charge you first!

Scan the photos and save them in a Web-compatible format: JPG or GIF. Sometimes, your scanner will allow you to select one of these options. Or, you may need to scan them in some other format (such as TIF, PICT or BMP), and then use draw/art software (such as Photoshop, PaintShop Pro, CorelDraw, etc.) to switch the format to GIF or JPG
Do not save the photos at a huge size or at a high resolution. They will take up too much room in your files.

Once you have your photos scanned and ready to be viewed on the Web, proceed to step 2.
*NOTE: You can definitely begin your Web page without any photos--it's just that most people like to put photos on their Web page.

2) Choose what software you will use to make your Web page. Here are some options:

MOST CHALLENGING:

Try learning HTML the old-fashioned way through the Webmasters lessons
Or visit WebMonkey for kids www.hotwired.com/webmonkey/kids/

CHALLENGING: Use Web page-building software. Some options are:

A Web-page editor that comes with your computer or that you have purchased, such as HoTMeTaL, FrontPage, PageMill, WebMaster, etc. There are tons of different software programs that will help you!
Netscape Composer, which comes free if you are using a newer version of Netscape Navigator. Check out a Composer tutorial at http://www.more.net/training/materials/composerhtml/
Download a Web page editor from the Internet. Use your favorite search engine to look for "Web editor," or "freeware." You may have to search around awhile before you find exactly what you're looking for (and at a price you want to pay, like FREE!)

EASIEST: Use a tutorial that walks through all the basic steps of building a Web page. You will not have as much control over how the page looks, as you will be using a template. However, you will have a Web page quickly and easily. Here are some options:

www.netscape.com -- click on "Home Pages" and then you will have to sign in as a member. Membership is free.

3) Figure out where you will post your page and then post it onto the World Wide Web.

All Montana 4-H Webmasters are allowed to post a page on the Webmasters site at MSU. Contact Suzi for directions.
Or, check with your local Internet Service Provider (the person you pay for your monthly e-mail service.) You may be allowed to post a page for free.
Or, use a search engine to look for “free Web hosting,”
Or, try out

4) When you are done with your page, let us know and we will make a link from the Montana 4-H Webmasters page. If you have questions at any stage, e-mail Suzi. Good luck!

To see the pages that Montana 4-H Webmasters have already created, go to
http://www.montana.edu/4hweb/pages.html

Send an e-mail to Suzi

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