I use an HTML editor to design my web sites. I use to design them from scratch but I have found it is much better to use a template. If you do it will make your site look more professional. With or without a template you will need an editor. I have used many HTML editors. You may want one that has a WYSIWYG feature. That means “What you see is what you get.” My editor has this feature but I never use it. I'm too much of an HTML freak, not a very good one, but still a freak. I use the “preview” function of the editor to see what my sight will look like.

There are many free HTML editors. You might want to try one and to see if you find it satisfactory. I have used the same HTML editor for years because the company has good customer service when I need it. It is not free but it I want good customer support and templates from my service service. There are many options so name your poison. Many sites have comparisons of HTML editors.

So what the heck is HTML? It is the hypertext markup language used by web browsers. Yes, browsers don't speak English or Dutch or Hungarian. They “speak” HTML. Well, actually they don't speak at all but they can read HTML. Now your editor will put the HTML code you need in your document. I can't put HTML in this article because it will make my editor ill but there are codes that inclose paragraphs, headings, tables and what have you. Just search for HTML codes in your browser and a great number of articles will come up telling you more than you want to know.

I do recommend that you read a free HTML tutorial on the Internet. With that you will be on our way.

Your template will give you your home page called “index.html” which will have links to your other pages such as “About Us” and “Contact Us.” You can add as many pages as you like to create a site that fits your desires.

You can look at the HTML on other sites but it may just confuse you. Some of the HTML jocks use stuff you will not have seen before. In your browser select View and then Source. Just click the “x” button to make it go away.

You will need to send your newly created web pages up to your server. Where in the heck is that? Well, you need to host your domain and then follow the instructions for uploading your files (pages). In order to transfer files via FTP, you must have an FTP client installed on your PC. You can find many free and useful clients on the Internet. Search for "FTP client" in your favorite search engine or search for free downloads and reviews. Your HTML editor may come with an FTP program. You may be able to edit files right from your FTP program as needed.

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