Help! I Have to Make a Web Page!
By Jim Hobbs, Online Services Coordinator, Monroe Library, Loyola University New Orleans
My teacher assigned us to make web pages! Now what do I do? Don't panic!
Take a deep breath and relax. If your assignment isn't due tomorrow, you've got some time.
What did the teacher ask you to do?
- I have to make one (or more) page(s) and turn it in on a disk.
- I have to make one (or more) page(s) and put it on the Web.
They both start the same way. Number 2 has an extra step.
Here's the outline of what you're going to do:
- Create a new folder on your flash drive (or your computer's hard drive) to save the pages.
- Learn how to use software to create web pages (easier than it sounds; if you can use a word processor, you're fine).
- Gather images: take photographs, scan images, or use clip art.
- Create your pages and save them to your new folder. (This includes adding pictures.)
- If you have to put your page(s) on the web, publish them.
Doesn't sound so bad, does it? Let's start!
Got your flash drive yet? If not, go buy one in the bookstore in the Danna Center or at the circulation desk of the Monroe Library or some other place. We'll wait while you do this.) Why does this matter? It's just easier to start work with a fresh, empty storage area. And, if you're using pictures, they take up a lot of room. Write your name on the drive in case you leave it in a computer (you'd be amazed how many we find in the library). Or create a new folder on your computer for the work.
What software do I use?
There are many programs out there from simple to complex. Some just edit pages (like HTML-Kit) and others manage web sites (like Dreamweaver). We teach SeaMonkey, a free, easy-to-use program. Here are some simple exercises to help you learn SeaMonkey.
Where do I use it?
The computers in the Monroe Library Information Commons, the other computer labs in the library all have SeaMonkey. You can read the Creating Web Pages handout for information on it. For additional help, contact Jim Hobbs at 504-864-7126 or hobbs at loyno.edu.)
Really important tips for creating pages - be sure to read!
- Keep all files (pages and images) in one folder on your flash drive (or in one folder your computer).
- Absolutely, positively, do not use spaces in file names. Use a dash or underline if you need to separate words. Why? Unix computers choke on file names. If you publish pages on Loyola's server, they will not work. This goes for web pages and image files. If you got a graphic from somewhere else, check its name. Change it if you need to.
- If you do use pictures from someone else's web site, be sure you have permission, unless the site says somewhere that it is ok to reuse them without permission. If not, you are violating federal copyright laws. See the Legal media handout.
- Follow the university's web content guidelines. Basically, nothing commercial, obscene or libellous. Use your head.
- Check your pages in another browser, like Internet Explorer to be sure they look like you think. Start Internet Explorer, click on File, drag to Open, then Browse for the page you want.
Publishing your pages
Your pages and their images will have to go on the university's web server to be seen by others. See the handout on publishing pages.
