Making a web page can be simple or complex, as can the resulting page. I put this entire site together using free information and software I found on the web. I did use a commercial shareware program (Paintshop Pro) for many of the graphics, but everything else was free.

Here are several ways to make a web page:

One of the simplest ways to make a web page is to use an editor. If you have Netscape (or Microsoft Word97) you already have an editor, and there also are editors you can download.

A more complicated way is to learn HTML (HyperText Markup Language). Learning HTML isn't hard, but it takes some time. On the other hand, writing the page yourself gives you a bit more control over the result.

Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) may help you create your own page. If your ISP is an online service (such as AOL or Compuserve), they will probably provide more extensive assistance, including templates and/or software.

Many web hosting services will also help you create your own page, frequently providing templates and/or software.

You'll want graphics for your web page. Separators, bullets, buttons and so forth. Your ISP or online service probably has graphics for you to use free. Here are some links for free graphics:

Graphics Page

You may want to create or edit your graphics. There are many shareware graphic editors. One of the more popular is Paintshop Pro. Graphic Workshop for Windows is also a nice program.

Paintshop Pro

Graphic Workshop for Windows

You'll probably want other stuff for your page - like a hit counter or a way to register your web page with search engines. And there are lots of other interesting things you can put on your page for free: How about the weather report, or a cartoon? Maybe a game or two for the kids...

Interactive and other fancy stuff

Register with search engines:

Submitawebsite

Submit Express

Add Me

You will probably want to download copies of different browsers so that you can see how your page will look in each browser.

Netscape

Internet Explorer

NSCA Mosaic

Overlooked in the "browser wars" have been many small alternative browsers, including several for DOS: Alternative Browsers

And then you'll want to upload your page onto the web. Your ISP will give you some webspace, and probably will help you to use it. They'll also tell you how to upload to the web space they let you use. If your ISP is not an online service, try going to their home page on the web. The address will probably be "http://www.yourprovider.com/".

If your ISP is an online service (such as AOL or Compuserve), You'll find help in the "internet" section of the main menu. For instance, AOL users can click on the "internet" channel button, then on "internet extras".

And you may want to use a free website. There are many providers of free webspace, but "there is no free lunch". You'll be required to carry advertising of some sort. The details vary.

Free Websites