Interested in creating a website of your very own but don't know where to begin? It isn't as hard as you'd think and it doesn't need to cost you anything but time! While you're welcome to learn HTML and encode your documents by hand, there is an easy, free alternative; it's called open source software. Open source software is free! Some of it is actually pretty good too.

Nvu is an open source web authoring program (KompoZer is an alternative version of Nvu). Nvu is designed to be similar to Dreamweaver which is the most popular web authoring program. If you can afford Dreamweaver ($399 unless you're a student) go ahead and get it but I'd recommend trying Nvu first (you can't beat free).

If you want to make cool graphics for your website but can't afford Photoshop ($699), check out GIMPshop, an open source alternative. GIMPshop was designed to mimic the look and feel of Photoshop. GIMPshop is a modification of GIMP (also free).

Check out YouTube for tutorial videos if you're having trouble using the programs: Nvu videos & GIMPshop videos.

There are a number of free web space providers out there. I purchased my own domain name and web space because I was tired of dealing with terms of services changes and pop-up ads. My website is hosted on WebHostingPad. It costs around $75 for 3 years (if you sign up for the 3 year plan) and you get a domain name.

If you don't want to pay, here is a website that lists and reviews free web hosts: http://www.free-webhosts.com/

Some other useful resources:
CSS Basics (Learn to make style sheets)
Lissa Explains it All (Beginner's HTML help)
Obsidian Dawn (Digital Design Resources)
Web Color Chart (Hex Color Codes)
Web Developer's Field Guide (tons of web design resources)

This should give you a good start! If you have any questions about how I did something specific on my site feel free to email me and I'd be happy to help you out, if I can.

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