Newbie needs an education!

Hello everyone,

Thank you for allowing me to post on your forum. I have a few websites on which I've used templates created by other designers. The first was HTML with tables and CSS, but I didn't know what I was doing and instead of using the CSS I was changing attributes in HTML. I learned about the importance of CSS with that experience. I was better prepared for the second one, but was taken aback when I found the graphics were sliced from another program. I did NOT get the file that contained the entire image so it was very difficult to reassemble the pieces to change what I wanted. That was my first introduction to slicing and up until that point I had no idea what it was.

I REALLY need to get serious about figuring this out as I hope to earn some money (I'm a stay at home, homeschooling mom) setting up local businesses with websites. I'm creating sites for my friends so that I can learn the proper way to do this. I figured I'll start with a template and then try to customize it to suit the needs of the business. I have Adobe Photoshop & Dreamweaver CS4 and I just need to learn how to use them...easier said, than done!

I have found a wealth of information online and have learned about slicing in Photoshop, but the part that I need the most help with is the actual coding. For example, if I'm using a template that has nav buttons on the side and then the same nav buttons on the bottom as text can they be linked together somehow so if I change on the other also changes? Also, what about the other pages in the site?....How do those get linked?

I don't expect someone to hold my hand in the coding process, but if there are recommendations for books, online tutorials, etc. that can help me learn all of this I would love to have the information.

I get so confused with div tags, classes, floats, etc.........I think my brain is making it more complicated than it needs to be so something written on a beginner level would be best for me!

TIA
Deb in MA

 

Welcome to the forum. there is a 'work from home mums' movement (sort of) which might help you. I know some of them earn plenty, but most don't!

 

Hello and welcome!

 

I realise that is thread is a few months old but incase people stumble across it i thought id put this in there...

I learnt how to Write HTML Code and CSS free all from one website. http://www.davesite.com/

This site is awsome at teaching begingers how to use html from scratch!

I recommend all begingers to at least take a look at this site before they go and buy any books or pay for any learning material as it may just save you a few bucks that you can spend on hosting your own site instead.... once your done learning that is!