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For example...
While reading some earlier posts about page margins, I came across a reference to using the following attributes in the body tag for IE6:
bottommargin=0 rightmargin=0
I've already been using the 4 well known attributes to cover our butts in NS and IE, repectively:
marginwidth=0 marginheight=0 leftmargin=0 topmargin=0
I especially depend on horizontal margins set at zero. So do I really need these new attributes? What will IE6 do to my pages if I don't use the new attributes?
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Which leads me to 2 primary questions...
1st Are there any other HTML issues that need to be addressed to keep one's pages rendering as intended in IE6 and NS6?
2nd Since I haven't yet gotten my feet wet in CSS, I suppose this might be a good time to do so. I've stayed away from CSS for the same reason I gave up on DHTML--too many browser compatibility issues. Can you suggest some VERY BASIC ways to use CSS that are free from compatibility worries?
--Gene
Are there any other HTML issues that need to be addressed to keep one's pages rendering as intended in IE6 and NS6?
Css is definately the way to go. Drop the tables based layouts unless you absolutely have to support nn4 and just keep reading here... there's lot's of css discussions on a daily basis.
Search for 3 column layout with css on the site search and you'll find some good stuff....
Nick
That being said, Netscape 4.x is dying, so go forth and learn CSS. It is the way of the future, and it is not difficult.
If you are using a WYSIWYG tool, it's even easier (if less reliable).
Nick
Just as Nick_W and Moonbiter have stated, the time is here to begin learning CSS - it's far easier than you might believe. The best way to begin is simple... Have you ever gone to a party or large gathering and been introduced to seemingly hundreds of people all at once?
Even with name tags, it can be pretty unsettling. CSS is much the same: stick to small gatherings for now and you will not only remember the "name tags" but you will be able to match-up the faces... ;)
It is a common occurance for those just beginning CSS to attempt too many stylings at once. Take your time, ask questions for things that seem confusing and experiment! Remember, with css, YOU are in control. Take a light-hearted approach and have fun. The rest will fall neatly into place.
OK I'm going to nibble at CSS, (just a small party). But I still want to use old fashioned Tables for my design layouts for now. Taking Moonbiter's advice, I'll start with font, color properties, bg color, and setting margins on the body element.
How does that sound?
--Gene
I started learning web authoring about a year ago and learned CSS before HTML. I didn't know a div from a table but was using a WYSIWYG editor to create pages and hand coding style in the head.
It might seem a bit like the cart before the horse but it also seems to me that CSS will eventually become completely cross browser. HTML will be the cart and CSS the horse.
Even after working with it for almost two years, just when you thought you were ready to move up to novice level, you find out there was a better way to do it. I've done lots of research on css and most online searches lead right back to these forums, so don't go anywhere.
I learned much more when we started using Adobe ImageReady and the export as css option. The code is lean and validates right from IR, its great. Anyway, you'll find yourself rewriting your css daily if you hang around here too much. Get ready for sleepless nights and browsing with 4 different browsers hours on end...
Right now you are comfortable creating table layouts - so next time you begin a page, continue doing what you do - but! as you work along, try building a CSS version at the same time.
You will still be building within your "comfort zone" but will also be learning via side-by-side construction. Nothing will provide a better, or more powewrful example of the elegance and power of CSS than a direct comparison.
The beauty is, if you get "stuck" on certain points of construction, you will be not feel so constrained, or pressured: you can take your time to find the solution.
CSS is far, far easier and much more logical than any table based layout for use in page design. It is gauranteed that once you begin to "feel the power," you will never go back... ;)
I shudder to remember the table layout now, but it wasn't that long ago that they were second nature and I would no sooner thought of using css than a pot of strawberry jam.
Can't get enogh of it now ;-)
Nick
