There are so many great Web Sites out there that provide great information about the Web and how to design and create great Web Sites. I have included many of the Sites that helped me, various useful links and information that I thought could help you to create your first Homepage.

I hope this Site proves useful to you and help you get a better understanding of the necessary aspects needed for Creating a Homepage. Please feel free to Email Me and I will try and do whatever I can to help. I have always found the Geocities Help Forums as a great guideline for problems that I had come across.

So, Good Luck - If this site proves useful to you, please, feel free to Sign the Guestbook. I like to know who I have helped! :)

The first thing to do is decide a 'Theme' for your site. It could range from anything of interest to a personal resume.
Once you have your 'Theme' you are then ready to create your site.

Before you begin to download anything from the Internet, I recommend you download

a virus detector browser plug in for nearly all browsers. I only suggest this because if you're anything like me, you like to download a lot of things from the Internet.

If you don't already have a File Transfer Protocol Client (this is something that allows you to transfer your files from your computer onto the you Web Server containing your Homepage)provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), here are a couple available for download:

• WS_FTP   for PC
  
• FETCH   for Macs

A few of the featured 'Free Web Space' Providers offer their own file transfer program.

To begin you will need an HTML Generator. This helps you to write your pages. Many of the free homepage services such as 'Geocities' offer a basic and advanced editor online which is an added bonus.
Personally I found it easier to use 'notepad' for Windows 95 to write my pages as it allowed leeway and helped make it easier to understand HTML. If you want to use 'Notepad' in Windows 95, a great place to learn how to use this is HTML Goodies or J Barta's Tutorials.
There is some great shareware HTML EDITORS out there so I guess it all comes down to personal choice.

Okay, you have your EDITOR, now it is time to learn how to write HTML, understand the language and what you can do with it. Also how to do Tables, Frames and Forms, Links, Tags, etc...

Once you get the basic idea of HTML, next step - adding some Graphics to jazz it up.
You can either make your own, use free ones on the Web, or scan graphics. Also Paint Shop Pro Tip links.

Have you ever come across a page while surfing and heard great music played? Why don't you add some music to your site?. Also great MIDI Links.

Time to sign up at one of the 'Free Web Space' Providers that you can find on the Web?.
If you feel you are ready to reserve your space on the Web, head on over to the Free Web Space Provider Section.
Most usually offer a limited amount of space and you are required to have a 'username' and 'password' to be able to access your files.

Want to add on various other little condiments to your Homepage?
If you have seen a lot of Sites that display Guestbooks, Counters, Chat Rooms etc... and you want one for your page, head on over to the ADDONS SECTION where you can find some great links to FREE accessories on the Web.

If by now you are feeling more confident with the Web and HTML, why not try adding some Java Script or Java Applets to your site. Interactive sites gets the thumbs up from me!.
I would suggest that you not add anything Java until you have an understanding of HTML. Personally, it made me really confused at first.

You have a Web Page!!! Now, you want to reach out and let the World see all your hard work. Many 'Search Engines' allow you to submit your URL (Uniform Resource Locator - location of the address of your Homepage). Follow the links in this section and you should be on your way.
Or, why not join a WebRing?

Now you have created your webpage, why not go and get it double-checked, proofread and tuned up for FREE!
Check spelling, see how popular your page is (use this later), check your links to see if they are valid, check your HTML - and even view it through different browsers to see how it looks...All online...

For if you want to check out a few 'Tips' for creating a Web Page. Some do's and dont's for Text and Graphics (in my opinion). Also links to Sites that offer great information.