Lesson 6 - Other Stuff
Before starting full speed on your web site project, there are a
few more things we will cover.
- Use of other software
- Ethics of web publishing
- Working with your client as you go
- Using java applets
Other Software
There are many tools available to assist you in in putting
together an effective web site.
For example, the pull down menus used at the upper right of this
page are made using a small FrontPage 'add-in' program (cost - about
$25). Future editions of FrontPage should have this kind of
menu building utility built in. Web sites that use shopping
cart systems usually have similar 'add-in' software that is not part
of the HTML editor.
While you may not have access to these sort of software packages,
you probably do have access to others that can be of potential
benefit. As shown previously, Microsoft Word or Word Perfect
can be used to make title graphics. Spreadsheet like Microsoft
Excel, Corel Quattro Pro, or Lotus 123 can be used to make tables.
FrontPage can use an MS Access database to generate a dynamic
information page for your website IF your server supports it (has
FrontPage Extensions installed).
If you need information on your website that intended for
visitors to print out or view exactly as they are, such as a paper
form or report, this can be done with a PDF (portable document
format) file. Adobe Acrobat is used to create PDF files.
Files made in Word Perfect (9 or later) can be 'exported' to PDF
format.
Ethics
The web can be a very impersonal place. You wouldn't
consider stealing from a friend or a stranger on the street, so why
should the web be any different? Some web authors will give you
permission to use their work if you ask, especially if it promotes
their web site or their cause..
The web is a very PUBLIC place. Your web site can be seen
by anyone in the world. Remember that you are working for a
client, and do nothing that would embarrass your client or bring
about possible legal issues. Keep your personal opinions in
check when you are building a web site for others.
Working With Your Client
Stay in contact with your client throughout the web design
process. Frequency of contact should depend on the progress of
your work, but always consult your client before you make any major
changes, especially if the changes involve prior understandings.
One method of keeping your client posted it to go ahead and
publish the pages (as outlines or examples) and provide your client
with links in an email so that your page proposals can be viewed by
the client. If you postpone linking the pages from your main
page, the public will probably not see them even though they
technically could be seen if the URLs were known.
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