You can do it yourself, for free.
First, you will need to create your web page on your computer using HTML, Hypertext Markup Language. It is the computer language browsers use to interpret your web page. With the advances of technology, you really don't have to learn how to code HTML by hand, but understanding the basics will be a big help.
I learned how to make pages years ago using Netscape Communicator, but there are lots of other free software package available now. Here's a page with a bunch. You can create html pages with Microsoft Word too. Essentially, an editor allows you to create and edit web pages by automatically transferring what you type into HTML format.
Now this is the part you are not going to like - you are going to have to read the directions. Get yourself a nice beverage and spend some time reading how to use your software. The people who wrote it probably spent quite a bit of time explaining how it works. They want you to get it!
If you have ever created a document using Word, you will recognize many of the icons, such as cut, copy and paste. Look familiar? There are only a few ways to format text, so there should be no real surprises.
Most HTML editors make use of "what-you-see-is-what-you-get" (wysiwyg) editing. You can preview how your page will look on your browser, but it may look quite different to your visitors, depending on what browser and screen resolution they are using. and how the resolution on their monitors is set, but this will give you a general idea of how your page will look.
A couple rules to remember when you are creating new pages:
- Make sure the extension on your files is .html or .htm.
- Your homepage must always be saved as index.html.
After you've created your page, you will have to find a way to let everyone else see it. You will need to find a web server, or host. A server is a large computer that stores your web pages and makes them available to everyone else. You simply transfer your files to their computer. Your page will be given its own unique address, or URL. If people want to see your page, they will type in your URL, and they will be able to view your page on their computer.
There are many companies that will host your website for free, and even more that will do it for a fee. Start your search with your Internet Service Provider, the company you pay $20 a month for internet access. Many offer 5-10 MB of free web space and will explain exactly how to do everything. If your company doesn't offer this service, it should, but there are other companies that will. I recommend you look at the new free hosting deal at the Bravenet website.
Now that you have created a page and found a place to keep it, all that is left is transferring your pages from your computer to theirs. You will need to download some more software. Go to the TUCOWS website. You will want to find a program called "WS-FTP LE." It will allow you to select files from your computer, push a button and instantly publish your files. It is free, simple to learn and easy to use. Some editors have a publishing function already installed.
You will need to read how to use your ftp software, but it is fairly simple. Your web server will provide you with some important information: the address of your files on their computer, your user ID and your password. Once you do it a few times it's easy.
That's about all their is to it. Of course, there is a whole bunch more to stuff to learn, such as css, java, cgi scripts and whatever comes out next week. The web is full of places to read about tutorials, wizards and templates. There are also many forums where you can ask for help. You are not alone. Here's my advice.
Let me just say this again. If you don't understand how to do something, read the directions. You will be calling yourself a webmaster in no time! Now that you know how to make a web page, here's what you should put on it.