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WebRookie -- The Basics You Need To Survive The Web
<Know the basics about computers, take a class. Learn all you can about computers and how they work. Taking a DOS class was helpful to me.> <Know how to code by hand in html, you will have to fix code this way at some point.> <Find a specialty skill, coding is not enough nowadays. Study databases, search engines, server logs, programming, you need extra skills to be valuable.> <Learn to use an html editor. Experiment with many. I would recommend against any editor that adds code automatically, stick to editors you can change code in and have control over.> <Be comfortable using the Internet and WWW. Practice searching and researching, my first duties in my job were to list company sites with search engines.> <Learn to download and use an FTP program. Try a variety of them, know about binary and ascii files.> <Study how to design for different resolutions. Deciding who your audience is helps to define what resolution you will be designing at.> <Learn how different browsers affect your pages. Use multiple browsers to check your pages before sending them live.> <Have a portfolio online. Put your resume up so potential employers can quickly access it and see your design skills at the same time. Create sites just for practice.> <Learn to submit your sites to search engines and how to use META tags. Understand the concept, read up about them at Search Engine Watch.> <Use alt text for navigational purposes. Remember there are people who choose to turn off their graphics to speed through sites.> <Optimize your graphics for fast download. People click away quickly from slow-loading sites.> <Content is vitally important, more than how cool your site design is. Remember, content will keep people at your site and keep them coming back.> <Provide interactivity at your site whenever possible, through message boards, games, monthly articles and any other way you can create interest. A great example are the daily sitings at Project Cool.> <Make a storyboard of your site, sketch out how the pages work, the content and basic navigation before you start creating it.> <Take classes and study tutorials, there is a wealth of free information on the Web.> <Learn Photoshop, Illustrator and any other graphics program you can learn. Photoshop is one of many good programs for web graphics.> <Learn about UNIX and vi editors, some companies have you code online. Study up on servers and what they do.> <Be prepared and organized in managing your own sites. Check your links and update your pages. Respond quickly to visitors who contact you.> <Always work, create sites for yourself or donate your time but keep working and learning.>
Find out about your legal rights Research the web for information Talk to others Risk to create something original, try it and see how it works Trust your abilities and your instincts Learn how to work alone and in a team atmosphere Get familiar with web terminology Find out what tools and style work for you Create your opportunities Contact your local city hall for information and fees when you are ready to work from home Work well with others. In other words, treat people the way you want to be treated The web is fast moving, working in a web department is as well
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