Welcome to HTML...
This is Part 1 in a series of seven that will calmly introduce you to the very basics of
HyperText Mark-up Language. I suggest you take the Primers one at a time
and at your own speed and be the end you'll easily know enough to create your own HTML home page.
No really. You will.
I say that because many people scoff at the notion that they can actually learn this new Internet
format. I'm still amazed that the best-selling line of computer books calls its readers "Dummies."
And people seem to revel in that title. Some of the smartest people I know love to proclaim
themselves "Dummies" regarding every aspect of computers. Strange. I think you'll do a whole lot
better at your next cocktail party by handing out your home page address rather than laughing
about how dumb you are about the Internet.
You Can Do This!
Let's Get Started
I am assuming at the beginning of this tutorial that you know nothing about HTML. I am assuming,
however, some computer knowledge. You wouldn't be looking at this page without having some knowledge.
To continue with these Primers, you will need...
1. A computer (obviously)
2. A browser like Netscape Navigator,
Microsoft Internet Explorer, or
Opera. If you're looking at this
page, you obviously have one. I would also suggest using a browser that supports images. If you surf
with LYNX or CELLO, or another text-only browser, then try upgrading to one of the browsers noted above.
Each name is linked to the download site for that browser.
3. A word processor. If you have access to Windows "Notepad" or "WordPad" programs or the MAC
"Simple Text" program, use that to get started.
If you have those three things, you can write HTML with the best of them. Now here are a few questions
you probably have:
Q. I have a MAC (or PC) -- will this work on my computer?
A. Yes. HTML does not use any specific platform. It works with simple text. More on that
in a moment...
Q. Must I be logged onto the Internet to do this? More specifically, will learning this throw
my cost for on-line way up?
A. Neither. You will write off-line.
Q. Do I need some sort of expensive program to help me write this?
A. No. You will write using just what I outlined above. You can buy those programs if you'd
like, but they're not needed. I've never used one.
Q. Is this going to require I learn a whole new computer language like Basic or Fortran or some
other cryptic, God-awful, silly-lookin', gothic extreme gobbledygook?
A. Touchy-touchy, aren't we? "No" is the answer. HTML is not a computer language. Allow me to
repeat that in bold... HTML is not a computer language!
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