Forum Moderators: mack
Don't despair. If you already have an understanding of html and how a webpage is constructed in three days, that's not a bad start!
Firstly, Frontpage and Dreamweaver are ways to make it easier for you to design a page without having to get stuck straight into the html code. Dreamweaver tends to have more advanced features than Frontpage (which may be more difficult for a beginner).
One thing I would advise you to do is to keep reading the books and following the tutorials in the programme.
However, at the start, ignore all the stuff about the server models and dynamic languages, and only start with CSS once you are confident about building a basic html page.
Try using each tag <p> <li> <a> and see what it does and what limitations and advantages there are. Make a simple page using tables. Now make one using <div>s (Dreamweaver calls them layers).
And a tip at the beginning. Keep the screen in split view (Code/Design view) so you get used to seeing what effect your actions are having on the code.
Good luck and don't be afraid to ask questions...
One mistake we almost all make at the beginning is trying to transfer an entire graphic design onto the web page. Firstly, it doesn't help with the search engines (for various reasons). Secondly, it often makes the page unnecessarily slow to load. And thirdly, with just a slight change in looking at the way of doing things, you are able to create good-looking pages with reusable graphics.
For example, instead of having five buttons all looking slightly different, use one button graphic as a background to all five links and make the words text. Or, sometimes possible and even better, try to use a repeating small slice as a background. Likewise try to see where a graphic can be replaced by a repeating thin slice.
You will see that you are able to use the background property for certain items within DW and, as you become happier with the programme, to control these by way of CSS. Have fun!
I used Front Page for years and the html code seems to "eat it self up - like a cancer." So we just switched over to Dreamweaver. We took a course in it to make the transition smooth - or at least as smooth as it could be.
I have know people to "take to it" right away but I think they or you would be missing on its full potential with out some structured study. FP and DW are pretty amazing programs and I don't think you can ever learn it all.
Also you will have to know the basics of HTML code to “correct” the code of these programs, so you got a lot to learn. But it is not daunting and it is fun and rewarding. Enjoy.
<html>
<head>
<title>Hello World</title>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Hello World</h1>
</body>
</html>
time, and trial and error cannot be enough?
This is the best way to learn. Experience and practical application of what you know are two of your most valuable assets.
There are quite good tutorials that come with all macromedia software - Also, I found when I was learning, to have someone else around who was already experienced made life a lot easier.
and now that I have your company...I feel even better
I was relatively inexperienced when I joined - this place can (and will) teach you all you need to know ~ I still count myself as a minnow but you will find that everyone here has something to learn - even the folks I consider as sages ;)
Ta
Limbo
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As for books for Dreamweaver/Fireworks - I wouldn't waste your money - there is very little you cannot find on the net in the way of educating yourself - there are excellent tutorial sites and forums for macromedia. The graphics and wysiwyg forums here are excellent. I suggest you spend your money on a very comfy chair ;)
