06/01/2008
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What is a Web template?
A Web site template is a ready-made HTML layout for Webmasters. Typically, Webmasters need to only edit the text and links in the HTML page, and they can then have a Web site up and running in a very short amount of time. Web templates make the creation of a Web site easier and faster. Web templates are easy to edit and customize using an HTML editor.
Examples of a Web templates can be found at Webmaster Templates
What is a CSS file?
CSS stands for "Cascading Style Sheets," and are used to control and manage font styles, font sizes, and Web site color combinations that are used in a Web page. In order to retain continuity of "look and feel" throughout a Website, all pages within a Web site will often refer to a single CSS file. The CSS file is typically contained in a separate file from the Web site, and the various Web pages retrieve the CSS file each time a Web page is displayed. CSS files make global appearance changes easy -- a single change in a CSS file will mean that any pages using that CSS file will automatically display the changes.
What is a Dreamweaver template?
Dreamweaver templates allow Webmasters to define "editable" and "non-editable" regions of a Web page. The "non-editable" regions can only be edited in the Dreamweaver template. Any changes made to the Dreamweaver template update any HTML pages that use the template.
What is more important -- Web design or SEO?
Web design and SEO (Search Engine Optimization) are not mutually exclusive. The best Webmasters are familiar with Search Engine Optimization techniques, as well as Web site and graphical design. It is difficult to have a successful Web site if you neglect either SEO or design. The two are intricately woven, and really must co-exist to achieve Web site success.
How much does a Web site cost?
It depends on many variables. Custom Web site design can range from $500-$2,000 for a single Web template. The price varies, depending on the complexity of the design. Webmasters can also use a stock Web template, which can cost as little as $10.00, or as much as several hundreds of dollars. Some stock templates are available for exclusive use, and exclusive designs tend to be more expensive. Web site content development and Search Engine Optimization can be even more expensive, and are ongoing expenses.
If a Web site is designed in Dreamweaver, can I edit it with another HTML editor?
Yes, most Web sites and designs can be edited in any HTML editor.
What is a WYSIWYG editor?
WYSIWYG stands for "What You See Is What You Get," so if you are using a WYSIWYG editor to design and create your Web page, you have a pretty good idea of how the page will look in a Web browser. Think of Microsoft Word -- when you change a font, you see the font change immediately in the MS Word document. The same is true in a WYSIWYG editor, in that you see changes immediately within the editor itself, as opposed to having to save the page and then separately load and view it in a Web browser.
Do you have to know HTML to design a Web site?
Knowing HTML is certainly helpful in Web site design, especially when very minor tweaks and adjustments are necessary, but it is not absolutely required for Web site design. There are a number of WYSIWYG editors and Web templates available, which can assist new Webmasters with the design process. Using a Web template and a WYSIWYG editor, new Webmasters are able to create a Web page by simply cutting and pasting content into a Web template.
What does HTML stand for?
HTML stands for "HyperText Markup Language." HTML is the markup language that typically resides behind the Web page. Information related to the Web site design is indicated by "tags." HTML is what is considered a simple markup language.
What is the difference between Dynamic and Static Web pages?
A "Dynamic" Web page is one that is automatically created "on the fly" as it is presented, while a "Static" Web page is pre-configured and not interactive. Dynamic Web pages will often pull information from somewhere else before displaying the page, so the page content is ever-changing. The information on a Dynamic Web page often results from a database query, such as "search" results. Another kind of Dynamic page simply pulls information from another source, such as a Web page that displays an RSS feed -- it's "Dynamic" because the page content changes each time the RSS feed is updated. The information contained in a Static page is considered "flat," and never changes until the Web master re-codes it.
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll, software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds, and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll audio recording and editing software.
© 2008 Sharon Housley.The views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.