Computer program help needed...calling all experts!!

[Scooter24]

Last month my parents got me several pieces of software for my birthday. I've been wanting to make my own web site for quite some time and now I finally have time to get around to it.

Problem is, I start the programs and end up staring at the screen trying to figure out what to do. Buttons over here, buttons over there, and the only menus that look familiar are File and Edit. haha...

Can anyone recommend a book or online resource to help me learn or at least know where to start?

The programs I have are:

Macromedia- Flash MX, Dreamweaver MX, Fireworks MX, and Freehand 10

Microsoft- Frontpage

Adobe- Photoshop, ImageReady, and Illustrator

Sound Forge 8.0

I'm assuming I have everything I need to get a somewhat decent site up and running. Thanks for the help :)

[Spinzonner]

1. Actually, you have a large number of professional-level tools

which can have a pretty steep learning curve.

There a large number of books covering Flash and the related tools. Try a bookstore or Amazon or other online source.

Are there any tutorials included in the Macromedia Suite ?

Frontpage is a single integrated tool with less power and so less intimidating. As with many products where Microsoft finds it can't control the market, it has somewhat lost interest and so is not likely to be worthwhile if you intend an indefinite growth path with professional ambitions.

Books are also available for it.

I'd start by going to a bookstore to see some books that appeal to your idea of instruction and level of knowledge and experience. Consider getting one that deals with basic web site design in addition to one that deals with the mechanics of contruction.

[velvet]

2. lucky you

That's some birthday present.

If you know nothing about building web pages then I suggest you first read up on the bare bones of HTML and CSS - here's one of many sites that provides a beginner's guide: http://www.htmldog.com/guides/htmlbeginner/ After building a couple of hand-coded, simple practice pages you'll have more of a handle on how things work and you'll find it easier to make Dreamweaver work for you.

Also, google "tutorials photoshop" or whatever program and you will be rewarded with hundreds of sites offering advice.

[Qanisqineq]

3. Adobe Illustrator? I am so jealous

I went through some classes on how to use Illustrator for scientific illustration. The last time I checked on the price of it, it was over $400. Ouch. There went my career as a scientific illustrator. :P

[Omphaloskepsis]

4. Start coding by hand.

Throw away Frontpage. Seriously, it produces shit code..

10 GOTO http://www.w3schools.com/html/html_intro.asp

Do that and then do the CSS one.

You are now armed. I use Notepad on Windows (bbedit on my Mac) and Photoshop. And Illustrator for vector work.

Dreamweaver fucks up mark-up. You will need to learn how to edit by hand. So start with making some simple pages in Notepad to learn the structure of HTML. It is easy. Now you should know how to tweak the code Dreamweaver spits out.

Visit the http://www.csszengarden.com/ to learn the power of CSS.

[DS1]

5. First, backup all your software. Off-site backing up is safest

so send me the CDs.

Next, get rid of Frontpage.

Next, use the tutorials provided in the Macromedia products, they are there for a good reason.

I recommend the "Bible" series of books for a beginner.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0764536567/qid=1117187181/sr=8-3/ref=pd_csp_3/104-7483938-4186334?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0764549316/ref=pd_sim_b_2/104-7483938-4186334?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance

etc

[mcscajun]

6. Also check into www.htmlgoodies.com

It's the beginner's site and a whole lot more for everything web-related, and you'll be able to study the primers pretty quickly, then use the subject-specific tutorials to gain the skills you need for the various elements of your proposed site.

It's Not Just HTML :)

[matcom]

7. Throw your FrontPage out

pick up the latest DreamWeaver Bible.

open Dreamweaver, hit F1

great online help system. use your Dreamweaver bible for reference.

have fun.

[tsakshaug]

8. Classroom in a book

For the adobe products. Nice step by step tutorials....
OR next time I teach photoshop at work stop by.

[Scooter24]

9. Awesome...

thanks everyone for their help. I bought the bible and will check out the websites this afternoon. Again thanks. :)