 Web Sites
So you want to build a web site - and you don't know where to begin? This information should help you along the way to publishing on the web.
The Basics
There are four things you need to develop a web page or web site:
- A message or something to say
- Development tools
- A web server
- A tool to move files from your computer to the web server
We'll assume you know what you want to say and focus on the three remaining technical points.
Development Tools
 Unless you're using a template-driven service like MySpace, you'll need to generate HTML code. HTML is a mark-up language that tells web browsers how to display information. The code is not that complicated (to make text bold, you simply surround it with bold mark-ups: In this sentence, the last word is shown in bold <b>text</b>).
Most people don't have the desire or time to learn this quirky computer language. Fortunately, there are some great tools that do the coding for you. Most of these programs work like word processors. The end result is functioning HTML code.
 Which tool to use? It depends. If you are a programmer or you plan to create highly complex web sites, consider a tool such as Adobe/Macromedia Dreamweaver. Dreamweaver can do almost anything you want to do in a web page, but it has two down sides: it is very expensive and it has a very steep learning curve (expect to spend years learning all of its functionality).
 For the non-programmer who wants to create a simple site without any whistles or bells, there are programs such as Adobe/Macromedia Contribute. Contribute is easy to learn (you can learn all of its functionality in an afternoon), however you can't build complex or dynamic sites. If you have big plans for your web site, you may find Contribute too limiting.
There are other commercial web site development tools such as Adobe GoLive and FrontPage (you should note that the FrontPage extensions are not supported on the Otterbein web servers). There are also a number of free and low-cost development tools.
If you plan to include graphics or photographs on your web site, you will possibly need a scanner and/or digital camera as well as some graphics software. Consider programs such as Adobe Photoshop for high-end work or Adobe Photoshop Elements for simple graphics.
The Server
 Next, you will need a computer that can serve (push) the files to the Internet. You can set up your own server (not recommended and certainly not allowed on the Otterbein network), use a commercial web hosting service, or if you;re a member of the Otterbein community, you can use your free web folder on the Otterbein web server.
FTP Program
Most HTML programs include a built-in tool for moving files from your computer to your web server. When setting up this connection, use the same log-in information that you would use to connect to your web folder.
If your HTML program does not have built-in FTP, you can use a stand-alone FTP program such as CuteFTP or WS-FTP. Mac users can use Fetch.
Other Things to Consider...
Developing a web site takes time and patience. Now way around it. One way to expedite your site development is to sign up for a web site development course and/or to buy some "how to" Dummies books on the subject (we're big fans of the Dummies books here in the ITS department).
Finally, don't forget about site maintenance. Building a web site can be hard; maintaining it takes much more time and more patience.
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