Computers & Web Design
I wanted to put my family history online, but I didn't know how to set about making a website and so I used what I had, which was MS Publisher. I found that this was not the best programme to use but then I didn't feel I wanted to afford Frontpage. I used MS Word and managed for a while, but all the time searching for a cheap offer of Frontpage. Eventually I bought one and I was away...... I thought! Oh dear the learning curve was a bit steep! Much head banging and stress and yes almost tears ensued!
Having now succeeded in owning a web design package, I now found that affording to host a site was a tad expensive, so I tried free! Some hosts are fine if you can manage to put up with the adverts that pay for the free-dom! I would certainly recommend Tripod, if you need cheap.
I then discovered that free space came with Rootsweb. I had been a member of several of their genealogical mailing lists and so they were not new to me, but the knowledge that they offered free web space was great. I still use much space there, but by now I was hooked on web design and needed better or rather independence for my new and fascinating hobby. For this I chose my own ISP's web space for some time and then decided to try out the recommended 1and1.co.uk which I have found to be reliable and who have great support.
My ISP is Plusnet which is a very good dependable company and is based in Sheffield UK. They are knowledgeable and very helpful giving 24/7 support, and friends and I are very pleased that we went with them and have stuck with them. Long may they continue.
This is the second year running that they've been voted the Best Overall Broadband Provider in the uSwitch.com survey.
My online friend Martha Bagwell has a really good website which will help you with basic information on keeping your computer in good smooth working order.
Last but certainly not least is Pat Geary. Pat answered a query that I had on a Rootsweb Mailing List and she has helped me to learn so much. She is a special person and is still helping me and many others to build or amend code in their websites. Pat has several websites and has a great website for website help. Take a look at Genealogy Web Creations
Pat persuaded me to take Cricket Walker's Free lessons which have been absolutely great. Since then I have taken part in an online course with Cheryl Wise, and I continue to learn.
I have now progressed to using Microsoft's answer to Dreamweaver, though I suspect it isn't the complete answer, it is nevertheless a good program and way ahead of FrontPage. This program is Expression Web. You can also have this as an upgrade, if you own a MS Product. Buy it from Amazon, they seem to be the cheapest.
If you need mind stretching, try out some of these! I promise you will not be bored. Why not try a one page site to start with?