Frequently Asked Questions about Web Design
Q.  How do I design my websites?

A.   You need a place to "compose" your website just like you would need a word processing program to write a paper.  You actually have several options - each with pluses and minuses.

     
    Composing Program Pluses Minuses
    Netscape 
    Composer
    • Not as many features as available in other types of programs
    • Takes some practice to become familiar with how to use the program to design web pages
    • After designing the pages, you still have to go on-line and find some free web space OR you can publish on WKU's server 
    • You have to FTP* the files onto WKU's server * File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Free Download for Educators - Download WS_FTP (LE) from this site.  You will need this FREE software to transfer files to the WKU (or edtech) server.
    FrontPage 
    or FrontPage Express
    • FrontPage is a menu-driven program that is easy to use with some practice
    • FrontPage Express comes free with Internet Explorer
    • Has many features not found on Composer
    • Gives designer GREAT control over the design of the sites
    • You have to FTP* the files onto WKU's server

      • * File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Free Download for Educators - Download WS_FTP (LE) from this site.  You will need this FREE software to transfer files to the WKU (or edtech) server.
    • Takes some practice to become familiar with how to use the program to design web pages
    • Sometimes MSN does not offer FrontPage Express in its free software updates
    • FrontPage (the "big" version) is expensive to purchase and you would STILL need to find some free web space 
    Other Options: 

    WORD
    • Office 2000 has a feature that allows you to SAVE a document as a WEB PAGE.  This automatically supplies the HTML code necessary to publish on the Internet. 
    • You can publish onto WKU's server with this. 
    • Don't plan anything fancy with this. 
    • You will need the FTP program described above to be able to publish your pages to WKU's server. 
Q.  How many web pages are required in all and what do I name them?

A.  There are seven (7) REQUIRED pages but you are welcome to do MORE than that.  An example might be adding a button for your Philosophy of Education.  Your pages should be named as follows:
 
 

Title of Page
HTML File Name 
Homepage  index.html
Literacy Vignette vignette.html
Literacy Action Plan lap.html
Resources and Bibliography of Recommended Literature resources.html
Q.  How can I find out about my WKU email account so that I can publish on WKU's server?

A.  Go to this website and look for the information you need: http://www.wku.edu/Webmaster/
Q.  Where is that on-line Composer Tutorial you showed us in the training session?

A. Netscape Composer:  An Introduction

Composer Tutorial 

Learning and Using Netscape Composer
 

Montanta State Univ. Composer Tutorial 
 

 
Q.  Who can help me if I get stuck?

A.  Pam Petty has offered to help students with whatever technical support she can provide - that does not mean she knows all the answers to all the questions ... it means you are welcome to ask and she will do her best to find out for you. 
Q.  Will I make a lower grade on this assignment if I ask for help?

A.  No.  This assignment is about learning, not about punishing those who ARE learning.  You need help ... ask for it.  You are guaranteed success on this assignment. 
Q.  How do I get my Vignette (or other text files) onto a page in Composer? 
A.  1.  Click "New Page" while in your file manager in Composer. 

2.  You can set your background now or wait until later. 

3.  NOW, go open your Word (or other) document where you typed your vita; COPY that page (control "A" (selects all), then control "C" (copies). 

4.  GO BACK to your opened VITA page in Composer, put your cursor on the page and click one time.  Then hold down the control key and the "V" key at the same time ... this will PASTE the text onto the screen. 

5.  You may need to redo some bolding, centering, etc. but that is it.  When it looks like you want it to look, click save, and type in the file name (vital.html, vignette.html, etc).  Waa-Laa. 

Q.  What should I do if I have tried and tried and am losing my will to live?

A.  Email Pam Petty and attach the html (Composer) file you are working on.  Include a description of what you are trying to accomplish. She will go in and patch things up for you.  No problem.  While she is working on your files, do one of the following:  a) take a long walk; b) take a long bath; c) read something totally unassociated with school; d) call your best friend; e) eat chocolate (personal favorite). 
Q:  How do I make LINKS in Composer?

A.  If you are trying to link the buttons on your index page to the other pages you have designed (vita, vignette, etc), do the following:

1.  Highlight the button or text you want to link (example:  highlight VITA).

2.  Click on the LINK button at the top of the screen (looks like a link in link fence).

3.  When the pop up box opens, key in (or better yet PASTE) the URL you are trying to link to. 

4.  Click OK at the bottom of the screen - the pop up box will disappear.

5.  Now, make other links, continue to edit, or just click SAVE and your index page will be updated ... GO to your URL on the INTERNET ... click on the buttons you just linked and they should take you to your new pages.  REMEMBER:  You must "publish" this page on the Internet before it will appear there. 

MOST COMMON ERROR:  Folks are linking the buttons correctly and then going back their index file page IN Composer expecting to be able to click on the button and go somewhere .... your page is in FILE form there, not LIVE on the Internet.  Open another window in Explorer or Netscape ... type in your URL for your index page and THEN try clicking the buttons. 
 
 
Computer graphic found at:  FortisGraphix