I have administrative background and am very comfortable with Microsoft products...However, I want to start NOW! I do not know any coding languages, and it's been years since I used Frontpage or Visual Basic. I prefer to learn on my own thru books and then take whatever exams I need to to get my CIW or whatever cetfication I need to be marketable for an online web business. \nI am amazed at all the information out there on this and am a bit overwhelmed. I almost signed up with a techschool that offered a certification in 2 months for CIW MSD, but I passed on the $10,000. loan they offered.\nI KNOW I can do this. Web design jobs are crazy right now. I am hoping someone who has done this can point me in the right direction.\nThank you
122721
I recently was approached by a friend of a friend to produce them a modelling website.  I said yes.\n\nWhat i didn't tell them was i had never done a web-page before!!  Well I downloaded a program called coffeecup that gives you fairly clean code (compared to Frontpage), and used its visual editor to start.  I then looked at the code it had produced to see what was going on.  After also looking up different HTML tags and how to do tables and such, it was much easier and i was now able to write HTML without using the visual editor.\n\nI then had to tackle PHP to do a few bits.  I used these websites to get what i wanted.\n\nhttp://www.faqts.com/knowledge_base/index.phtml/fid/51\nhttp://www.zend.com/php/index.php\nhttp://www.devtek.org/tutorials/image_gallery.php\nhttp://www.webdeveloper.com/\n\nAnyway i went from knowing nothing to producing a website, with changing images, a web based contact form and a shopping cart (short list) in about 2 weeks of on and off looking at it after work.\n\nIt is more than possible to learn to do web design in short amounts of time.  Obviously for more complex features it just takes longer, but i have found all information available on the web that i need.  Certainly no need for a 10,000 course.  Also simply look at the source for websites to see what others are doing.\n\nGet a project to work on, research the web and do it!\n\nGood luck and enjoy.\n\nFor my small triumph, visit http://www.seenmodels.com
635658
If you have your own web site, use design elements from it so there is obviously a connection.\n\nYour personal stationery, starting with your logo, letterhead, envelope, business card etc must be the absolute best you can afford to produce. A quotation and invoice are no different. They are all part of your client-touching communications package.\n\nKeep the design clean, simple and easy to read. Is this something you will be mailing or presenting in person? You might consider a brief laptop presentation of the quotation.\n\nIf you want to impress him, do it with content. Show that you understand the importance of setting goals for the site, identifying target audience(s) developing a detailed site map, building wireframes for major sections...and testing, testing, testing of navigation. This is Phase I.\n\nPhase II is paper comps of basic design styles. Allow steps for at least two sets of revisions.\n\nPhase III is actually creating the code. \n\nYou can break your fees up into three parts too, so you have some cash flow and he can pay as he goes.\n\nIf you need more help, email me.\n\nGood luck.
515597
I am really glad that you want to motivate your skills but in my company if someone doens't have the execptional level on basic computer programs - there is no start the job.  These programs have been around for 20 years now.  I love the go and get it done - and if you check with any schools in your area - both high schools and college - most will have adult classes that you can take that you don't have to be enrolled in full time to get into.  \n\nFor others out there, if you are are 17-20 yrs old person there is no reason why you should not be able to do intermediate level work in Word, Excel, and Access.  At least be able to use the help file and post information on the internet so that someone across the BIG POND is able to look it up and make decisions within a few minutes.  \n\nFor what I will refer to NON traditional students - which since these programs have been taught for 10 or so years no in the school system-I suggest you get on some books and learn them if you have graduated within the last 10-15 years.  For everyone else see the above advice.  I live in an area where 4 high schools give classes for those 35 and older for free - as many times as you would like to take them.  (You have to buy a book around 35 dollars) and the colleges teach the higher level classes on weekends - the materials are about $35 as well.  There are 6 colleges locally three of which teach the class for 5-10 dollars a person.
130079
If you are looking for a work from home opportunity... I work with an Inc 500 Company that has been in business for over 20 years... and has experienced growth in ALL 20 of those years.  They have excellent published credentials... and even send all of those working the business a monthly magazine which tells you exactly what the average income for each representative is.  The compensation plan is very easy to understand... and there is no stocking of products to sell.  It is the first program that I have been involved with that has actually paid me every month AND my upline is very supportive and doesn't charge me for training. The company mission statement is: "Enhancing the lives of those we touch by helping others to reach their goals.  The basic principle is revenue sharing.. the company believes in rewarding those of us who help them to get the word out about their products.  PLUS... they offer a complete money back guarantee on both the products and the business plan.  What I like best about the opportunity is that NO-ONE can possibly get hurt.  If you would like more information about how I suppliment my income from home...contact me through my Yahoo 360 page.  No promises of get rich quick... just accurate information on how, if you actually work the business you can build a legitimate business for yourself from home.  Work for yourself...NOT by yourself.
608008
First, since you didn't mention a particular version of VB, I would recommend using Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition. Associated with SQL Server 2005 Express Edition and Visual Web Developer 2005 Express, you can do really neat things very simply and quickly. Much better than previous editions.\n\nThen I would recommend three books:\n\n\n1. Wrox's Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition Starter Kit \nhttp://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764595733\nTo begin. Included is a DVD-Rom containing VB 2005 Express, SQL 2005 Express and all the electronic documentation you'll need in the form of MSDN. The book is clear and good enough for an introduction.\n\n2. Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition for Dummies\nhttp://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764597051\nThe book itself contains more ranting and lame jokes typical of the "for dummies" style, so it is pretty much useless, but the included CD-Rom contains very good tutorials and sample files that more than make up for the paucity of the book. Very good for a hands-on approach as opposed to the more theoretical approach of the first book.\n\n3. Beginning SQL Server 2005 Express: Database Applications with Visual Basic Express and Visual Web Developer Express  \nhttp://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1590595238\nIf the website you need to create relies on database and you need more info than contained in the first two books.
674914
The tests are tough. Networking experience may or may not be a +. The questions are tricky and built around "Microsoft MOD curriculum" If you know the answers 'BILL' wants you'll do fine, if you know networking in any other form you probably will not pass. Best bet is buy one of the MCSE study preps & memorize it. The Official MOD is available from MS and has all of the answers the way they want them.\nYou don't say where you are so it's hard to guess how much it costs to test. Again try MS  for better info.
276397
You'd be best to learn a little about CSS. It will help you in both situations. And if you are really interested in cross-browser design, use Dreamweaver instead.
261635
I thought the companies you can work with have already outlined what features you could help them build and infact most of them also specify the languages you can code in.\n\nIt might be worth your time to go through that list!!
395718
Not sure how much use this information will be to you but here goes!  My friend did his microsoft certifications through the open university.  His company funded part of his studying until it went bust too.  I have no idea of vacancies or the actual studying itself, only that my friend is now certified and he's not using it!  But that's his choice, he's contracting at BT!
585
Starting as a virtual assistant is a great idea. (I know, I started that way several years ago.) I do recommend that any of those new to the industry consider your best areas of service before launching and specialize from the start.\n\nUnless you are planning on doing the video conferencing locally, I think you may find that to be a bit difficult to pull off. Not because it can't be done, but because you would need to work with clients that are able to set up the hardware and software on their own sites. Usually, people hire you to solve problems -- and the video conferencing has a serious potential to CREATE problems, especially long distance.\n\nBefore you launch a VA practice, research the name you plan to use for the business (an Internet search is a great place to begin) because you don't want to use a name that's already in use (and possibly trademark protected).\n\nThen consider your strengths and weaknesses. Do an honest self-assessment to determine what services you can offer that will benefit your clients while emphasising your skills, background and education without requiring you to delve into areas that are not your best.\n\nIf you are going to be a VA, a website is essential. If creating a good website isn't your strength -- hire it out or barter services with someone else who can create an effective site.\n\nMarket yourself everywhere you go (business cards at the ready). And, always look for opportunities to talk about what you do -- this is most easily achieved by asking others about their own work (they will usually return the favor). Although Virtual Assistance is a known term in many circles, it still seems to create a bit of interest in casual conversation -- use that to your advantage by begin able to answer questions about the industry in general and your own business in particular.\n\nRead articles by others on the topic of running your own VA business.\n\nBe sure you are willing to put in the hours required to start and run a business. It's not as simple as announcing and starting to work. You will need to research your market, talk with people in the business, talk with people in your target industry/industries, read, research on the web and... PLAN.\n\nBest wishes to you as you begin your endeavor. It's a great career option brought to you by this age of technology!
68667
I have read many HTML/XHTML/CSS books. The worst one I read was by Dr. Joe Burns of http://www.htmlgoodies.com/ The web site is ok but the book was absolutely awful. Not one example worked since half of the code was missing and some of the pages were misssing. :(\n\nThe best I can tell you is read every book you can find. Each one has some info in it that the others don't have. None have all the info in them.\n\nTo get the use of these books free or in some cases for a small fee you should go to your local public library. If they don't have what you want ask them to check with other libraries in your area. If not then ask them to search "WorldCat" at http://www.firstsearch.org/ or you can do it yourself if they will let you. But you need to get the username and password at your local library because that is where you will pick up the books and return them when you are finished.\n\nYou can copy the more important parts of these books on a copy machine for later reference. I haven't paid for one book yet. :)\n\nYou'll find the best HTML/XHTML books here\nhttp://www.oreily.com/catalog/\n\nThe best CSS books I have read are:\n\nCSS Hack and Filters: Making Style Sheets Work\nhttp://www.idest.com/csshacks/\n\nThe CSS Anthology: 101 Essential Tips, Tricks & Hacks\nhttp://www.sitepoint.com/books/cssant1/\n\nThe following two books are bit hard to follow. I scratched my head alot while reading these.\n\nEric Meyer On Css\nhttp://www.ericmeyeroncss.com/\n\nMore Eric Meyer On Css\nhttp://more.ericmeyeroncss.com/\n\nThe best Css Discussion Email list is run by Eric Meyer\nhttp://www.css-discuss.org/\n\nTheir CSS example pages are here\nhttp://css-discuss.incutio.com/\n\nReally good starter books are at\nhttp://www.dummies.com/\n\nNo, I'm not calling you a dummy. I didn't name the books. I read these books ten years ago when I first started.
13075
I try different ones and even Godaddy.com but I found a better one for me because I don't know nothing about web designing or HTML programming. Just go to Cogni360host.co.nr they offer a lot more for a good price. The basic package which is $5.95/month have way more than the premium packages form other companies.\n\nThey also give you a free domain name or url, free web templates, and a free online web site builder that is really easy to use... No programming necesary.\n\nJust take a look at their web site...\n\nHope you the best man.
404815
Hi There... I wouldn't waste a second of time / money on an A+ Certification. Employeers really could care less about anything from CompTIA. Expecially A+... If you wanted to get a job at Best Buy working on computers - then get your A+. Anything else and its a monumental waste of time.\n\nI would recommend getting MCSE from Microsoft - it truely is the only thing that employeers look at (or know anything about).
79616
The Internet sites are based on many different technologies running together to create "online applications" - we cant call them web pages anymore, because they are in reality a piece of code, which tells the server how to compile the requested page.\n\nThere is no absolute universal best programm for making web pages. As a webdesigner, i have to utilize at least 3 different programms - Dreamweaver, Flash, Notepad\n\nDreamweaver for making table layouts, or other visual work\nFlash for making animations and multimedia content\nNotepad for editing or programming a new code.\n\nBut it all depends on your style,a nd what you're most comfortable with. I would not recommend starting out with Dreamweaver if you're a beginner. Begginer will allow Dreamweaver to make too much "incoherent" code - which it makes, when u try to visually adjust allignments. Which in turn will slow down the page or even make it unreadable. Which will drive you insane, unless you understand what exactly DW is doing - like with all pro software, you HAVE TO KNOW THE BASICS of what u're trying to do, before you can operate the heavy machinery. \n\nSo I'd 100% recommend MS FrontPage, which comes with any normal MS Office distribution. Very important to review the code FrontPage makes, its very simple, and pretty much textbook example of how HTML pages should be made. Very good practice for later JavaScripting and Cascade Styling Sheets (CSS) designing technique.
234725
You asked which courses to join but have given enough detail. What is the cheapest/best also depends on your location.\n\nNeed to also give details of what experience you have and what kind of programming you want to do (web development, application design, database programming etc.)\n\nIt is a very vast subject so please be more specific.  :-)\n\nFor general applications, a good place to start is Visual Basic as the syntax is quite simple to understand. Although a Visual Basic compiler is commercial software and costs money.\n\nFor web development, I suggest taking a look at www.w3schools.com. Has some very good instruction in there. Also download PHP which is free from www.php.net. Although you really need to know at least HTML first (standard script for web pages). PHP is open source and completely free. It also integrates well with MySQL (a database application) which you can download from www.mysql.com.\n\nPHP is also a fully object oriented language hence making it very powerful.\n\nAlthough Visual Basic supports the use of objects, it isn't fully object oriented.\n\nFor an overview on object oriented programming, take a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Object_oriented.
8413
"How Do I make a web page," if a very general question. I'm very young and yet very interested in this subject: Web Designing/Creation/Enginnering.  I've gone through many html (HyperText Markup Language, If you don't have the slightest idea what this is please read a book, or take a class so you can even think about web pages) editors, but all stink. All these editors do is make a WYSIWYG environment , and then later turn it into raw html code. If you use Microsoft FrontPage you'd understand what I'm talking about. Now There are two main and better than anyother html editors which can also create other types of webpages (PHP, SQL, XML, SHTML, etc) 1)Microsoft Frontpage and 2)Macromedia Dreamweaver. If you want to go hardcore and like to figure out perplexing things, go with Dreamweaver, I've you want to go with a great and easier to use editor go with Frontpage. I work Frontpage cause I'm to lazy to figure out Dreamweaver.  But let me tell you, Frontpage is easier, better, and a lot cheaper. With Frontpage you can manipulate raw html (webpage) code or the WYSIWYG Environment and more. But if your a beginner who is easily confused and you don't understand what I've written, go to your public library and take out "The dummies guide to creating webpages."\n\n  Once you get your website created with a html editor ask another question and I'll help you get set up with your own website domain name and all.\n\n\nHope I was helpful,\n\nrnc505\n\nP.S. All my sites below will help you.
177408
I might just check out Frontpage Inside Out, by Jim Buyens, from the library. It's very detailed (it might go over your head if you're new to the Frontpage world). This book includes an ebook version of the book on the disc. \n\nAlso, I've tried MS FrontPage 2003 before, and Macromedia Dreamweaver 8 is infinetely better. You can download a thiry day free trial from the Macromedia site.