In short 'Create a new file' is a feature that allows members
to create HTML files from scratch. There are two tools to achieve this
[Standard HTML] and [Ez-Web]. They are both designed to help members
create a web page. The 'Standard HTML' is designed for those experienced in HTML (or those learning) whereas 'Ez-Web' is designed for those with no HTML knowledge.
HTML is a language that was developed and has grown specifically
for the Internet. It stands for HyperText Markup Language (aren't
you glad you asked!). Being a language, it requires a program to
translate the language/set of instructions to something
more meaningful for us all to understand and see. If you want to see
what HTML looks like, then from the menu bar of this page select
'source' from the 'view' menu (Internet Explorer [IE] screenshot).
Don't worry if this all looks like gobbledygook - at first glance it
always does (but pssst don't tell anyone - this is
a good way to see how others have achieved anything you see on the
web, like and would like to emulate!). But if you are
interested in learning HTML a list of some useful on-line tutorials
is included below.
Thankfully we do not have to understand HTML to view our pages.
This is what your 'browser' is for. The browser is a program that is
designed to translate all the HTML code and present it as the writer
intended. The most common browsers on the market are Internet
Explorer and Netscape Navigator. There are many other browsers on
the market but all have the same intention - to translate HTML.
There are many many other languages currently used for presenting
web pages but when wishing to present data virtually all use HTML as
the building block.
Writing in other languages (such as perl, php, asp) will require
advanced knowledge of HTML and other programming techniques. Case's Ladder User Homepages
will not support pages written in these langauges
(see permissible files).
Your first task will be to decide on a filename (remember if
you want this to be your 'frontpage'/'homepage' then the file will
need to be called 'index.html'. All your files will HAVE to end
with either ".html" or ".htm" if they are going to be viewed
correctly on the browsers of those wishing to view your file.
Keywords/Description. Values entered in 'keywords' are those
that search engines will pick
up and enter in their databases. The description should describe
your page. Search engines that recognize descriptions may display
them in the search results page, but be brief, some will limit to
the first 20 words or so.
Page Title: The title entered here will appear on the top of
the window with your page.
Background Color / Image: You can choose these values from the
options available.
Text color: Link color: Visited link: These values are the
"default" values for the entire file. All text (unless otherwise
instructed) will appear in the color chosen. The link color will be
the color showing all available links to other pages and sites.
The visited link will be the color of all links that you have
previously visited.
Now that you have set your default settings, it is time to
start writing some useful information! Afterall - there is no point
having a web page if you cannot have it saying what you want!
This help guide is not to teach you how to do so but how to carry
out the most basic elements available.
Your page will be put together in 'blocks' and as many blocks as
you require.
You should in the next box see a drop menu with Text as the
first option. Clicking the arrow will show other options available (Screenshot):
Text: If you wish to add some text to the page (and
most times you will!) ensure that Text is selected from the
drop-down menu and click on the words 'INSERT HERE' (Screenshot)
- this will open a box beneath and will allow you to enter the
text you desire. Your text will appear in one long line even if
you have new lines in the text box. To start a new line you will
need to select 'New line' from the drop down menu on the next
block.
Link: This option allows you to enter a URL that
when pressed will divert the user to that page. Enter the web
address in the box 'Link URL'. All web addresses must have the
'full' URL (URLs normally start with https://..... see URLs).
If you do not wish the whole address to appear as the link but
some other description then enter the required description in
the 'Link Text' box. Any value entered in the Mouseover Text
will appear on the Status Bar (the bottom of the screen) if the
user has the Status Bar on in their browser settings.
Image: This option allows you to enter an image onto
your web-site. You will need to enter the 'full' url for the
location of the file. If you wish to limit the size of the image
then enter the required dimensions (in pixels) in the
width/height box. Entering values in the border box will dictate
the thickness of any border entered. The Link image box allows
you to use the image to link to another site similar to the Link
option above.
Please remember that to incorporate images on your
web-page that are NOT yours or that you do not not have permission to
use is theft and a breach of copyright. You are asked to
obtain permission and any complaint received by Case's Ladder could result in
the suspension or removal of your account or the files contained therein.
New line: Hmmmm - sorry to state the obvious but this
will enter a new line in your web page!
Email Link: Choose this when you wish to have a link
for users to E-mail you. Enter your address and any alternative
text to create the link.
Start font: Allows you to change from the default
text settings. Your can change the color, the font type and
size. You can also choose how the text appears (normal, bold, etc.
and where it appears on the page).
End Font: Will reverse, or "turn off" the last font change made.
Horizontal rule: Allows you to add a line across the
page in varying styles.
After you have entered all the options you require - press
Preview File to see your handy-work. If you are happy press
the and the file will be saved for you.
Search the Internet for HTML editors or if you have Microsoft
Word and Microsoft Works they do have the facilities to "save" files
as HTML.
If you are a Netscape Navigator user there is an built-in editor
called 'Composer'. As with any editor or program you use once you
have saved your files you will need to 'upload' the files on the
server (see uploads)
Case's Ladder User Homepage Guide - Create a new file