The following is a series of resources which have proved very helpful to new users wishing to learn about the Internet, as well as those requiring more information on the mechanics of web pages and HTML ("web page language").
As I come across other helpful sites, I will add them to this list. If you notice that any of the
links are dead (or, worse yet, that these sites require a fee), please send me a short
e-mail.
[ Internet Basics | Helpful Computing
Resources ]
[ Website/Webpage Planning, Layout, and Design ]
[ HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) Programming ]
[ HTML and Design Validation ]
The following guides provide the information beginners need in order to start navigating the Internet effectively. They are listed in order of most basic to least basic.
BBC: Becoming Webwise
http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/
If you're unfamiliar with what the Internet is or how it works, this would be the most basic
tutorial to review.
Learn the Net
http://www.learnthenet.com
Click on the links on the left-hand side of the screen for basic Internet tutorials. A cool site
because some of the tutorials are animated!
Internet 101
http://www.internet101.org
"Internet 101 was created for those who want to know just the basics. This guide will provide you
with enough knowledge to have fun on the Internet, yet will not bore you with too many details.
Think of this as a set of instructions...for people who don't like to read instructions!"
The Complete Internet Guide and Web Tutorial
http://www.microsoft.com/insider/internet/
Another basic, yet comprehensive and well-written guide for beginners.
SUNY Albany Internet Tutorials
http://library.albany.edu/internet/
or
http://www.albany.edu/library/internet/
Very useful and easy-to-read tutorials.
Zen and the Art of the Internet, by Brendan Kehoe
http://www.cs.indiana.edu/docproject/zen/zen-1.0_toc.html
Even though this was written quite a while ago, it is still an excellent beginner's tutorial and
indispensable quick-reference guide. You can find other copies of this guide by going to
Google and typing in "Zen and the Art of the
Internet".
Searching the Net
See my search tools page to learn more about how to find what you
want on the Internet.
Search Engine Watch
http://www.searchenginewatch.com
A more advanced site featuring: articles on how different search tools and search engines work;
detailed descriptions of all the major online search tools (including search tools for specific
topics and media types); tips on how to search the Internet; and news on search engine developments
and technology. Everything you ever wanted to know about online search tools is on this site (and
also on Search Engine Guide, listed below).
Search Engine Guide
http://www.searchengineguide.com
Another great site with featuring: search engine news from all over the Internet (including over
4,600 archived articles); a listing over almost 3,000 search engines (including specialised search
engines); and an extensive list of relevant books and resources.
Glassdog Web Jargon Glossary
http://glassdog.com/design-o-rama/webdesign-html.shtml?jargon
If you're having trouble understanding some basic terms, come here first. Includes definitions for
these popular terms: World Wide Web (aka WWW, W3), FAQ, HTML, HTTP, Hexidecimal, URL, TCP-IP, ISP,
IPP, Telnet, FTP, Usenet, POP3, SMTP, MIME, GIF, JPG/JPEG, VRML, Java, and JavaScript. For a
more detailed and extensive dictionary, see Webopedia (listed below).
Webopedia
http://www.webopedia.com
Run into any other computer/Internet words or terms you don't understand? Visit this online
dictionary—along with the FOLDOC—they're probably the most comprehensive on the Web. Also features
a really nice quick reference area with various guides and lists:
web server error messages;
guide to combating SPAM;
list of well-known TCP
port numbers; diagrams of different
types of networks;
list of server types;
microprocessor
comparison chart;
Who's Who in Internet and Computing Technology; and
brief timeline of the
Internet.
Free Online Dictionary of Computing Terms (FOLDOC)
(Denis Howe, Imperial College, Department of
Computing)
http://www.foldoc.org or
http://foldoc.doc.ic.ac.uk/foldoc/
Mirror sites around the world:
http://foldoc.doc.ic.ac.uk/foldoc/mirrors.html
Via HyperDictionary:
http://www.hyperdictionary.com/computer
Contains over 14,000 computer-related terms. Along with Webopedia, this is probably the most
comprehensive computing dictionary online.
WebmasterWorld Glossary
http://www.webmasterworld.com/glossary/
Another useful glossary defining terms related to these Internet-specific topics: basic Internet
technology, basic HTML, search engines, and Internet marketing. Not as detailed or extensive as
Webopedia or the FOLDOC, but still helpful and interesting to read.
Other Internet-Related Resources
There are many more online tutorials and you can easily find them by visiting any of the online
search engines and entering queries such as "internet tutorial" or
"internet help". The Open Directory has a good
listing
of tutorials. If you want to learn more about computer and Internet technology and culture,
read the regularly updated news articles at:
Broadband Reports
http://www.broadbandreports.com or
http://www.dslreports.com
"The 'bible' for information on DSL, cable, and other high speed internet services." Includes
extensive database of Internet service providers (ISPs) around the world.
CNET Reviews
http://reviews.cnet.com
When you need to buy new hardware or software, or even look for a new Internet service provider
(ISP), look here first (and then PC World). Excellent
reviews.
How Stuff Works
http://computer.howstuffworks.com
One of my most favourite websites! If you want to find out how anything computer-related works, try
this site. It's not as detailed as PC Guide, but the articles are easier to
understand and cover a wider range of topics (including articles on the inner workings of:
airborne Internet,
ASPs,
banner ads,
blogs,
Bluetooth,
boolean logic,
cable modems,
caching,
CD burners,
CGI scripting,
cookies,
domain name servers,
DSL,
encryption,
Ethernet,
file compression,
firewalls,
instant messaging,
IP telephony,
Java,
PERL,
routers,
search engines,
spam,
viruses,
web servers, and
wireless Internet).
Internet ScamBusters
http://www.scambusters.com
The pre-eminent publication on Internet fraud. Covers: real vs. hoax computer viruses, urban
legends, advertising scams, credit card fraud, spam, online auction fraud, counterfeit items, and
much more.
Internet Traffic Report
http://www.internettrafficreport.com
This site monitors the status of the Internet around the world. It tells you how "fast" and
"reliably" the Internet is currently operating. It tracks the volume of global Internet traffic,
global response time, global packet loss, and much more.
Line Quality Test
http://www.broadbandreports.com/linequality or
http://www.dslreports.com/linequality
With free registration, you can use this tool to test the quality of your high-speed Internet
connection (e.g., check for data loss or problems with routers). Go to
http://www.broadbandreports.com/tools or
http://www.dslreports.com/tools for
other useful tools.
PC Guide (Charles M. Kozierok)
http://www.pcguide.com
A positively indispensable encyclopedic guide to all the inner workings of your computer. If you
have any questions about how your computer works or how you might go about fixing it, go
here first. It's well-organised, very detailed, and easy to navigate. First-rate.
PC World Magazine
http://www.pcworld.com
Another excellent site for hardware and software reviews. I particularly like the buying guides,
which help you decide what you need and how to find it. See also CNET Reviews
for excellent reviews.
Snopes.com for Virus Hoaxes
http://www.snopes.com
Whenever you get emails allegedly warning you about viruses that may damage your computer, check
out their authenticity here (or at Symantec Corp.).
Speedtest
http://speedtest.broadbandreports.com or
http://speedtest.dslreports.com
Tests your Internet connection to see if it is as fast as it can go. Includes a special
tweak tool that helps imrprove
the speed and reliability of your connection. Other useful tools, including a line quality tester,
can be found at
http://www.broadbandreports.com/tools or
http://www.dslreports.com/tools.
For general information on planning a website and specific details on how to design it so that it's useable and attractive, try the following:
Web Style Guide
http://www.webstyleguide.com
A great place to start: takes you through all the major steps needed to create a website that
adheres to basic principles of design. Thorough, yet easy-to-read documents cover everything from
basic planning (content, site structure, navigation, etc.) to specific details related to page
design, typography, and editorial style.
Web Page Design for Designers
http://www.wpdfd.com
Another great place to start learning about Web design, this well-organised site features
easy-to-read articles covering such topics as layout, graphics, and typography.
Glassdog Web Design
http://www.glassdog.com/design-o-rama/
After you've visited the first two sites listed above, go to this one. It's a well-written,
no-nonsense, and humorous guide alerting you to the DOs and DON'Ts of Web design. If you want your
site to look good and attract visitors, make sure to read the articles under the "Design" section.
WebReference
http://webreference.com/authoring/design/
Unlike the first three sites, this one doesn't really take you through the design process in a
"step-by-step" process. Rather, it's more a collection of useful, standalone articles on specific
design topics. Articles include: "The art & science of web design" and "What makes a great site?"
Builder.com
http://www.builder.com (Click under "Web
Development")
The articles on this site are more detailed and focus on specific design-related issues. Articles
include: "Designing with photography and online photo resources"; "Creates user-friendly webforms";
"Learn how to chart a better site map"; and "Keep customers happy with error handling". Also
includes links to excellent articles on other websites. The organisation of this site is not what
is could be, but once you find the sections/articles of interest to you, you will not really mind.
Other Design Resources
Yahoo maintains a good listing of sites related to web page layout and design:
http://dir.yahoo.com/Computers_and_Internet/Data_Formats/HTML/Guides_and_Tutorials/
Web Hosting Reviews
If you're looking to find a company to
host your
website for you (in
other words, a company on whose computers you can keep your website), visit these sites to see
rankings and descriptions of the best ones:
For detailed information on using HTML, Java, Javascript, and other Internet-related programming languages, try out the following sites. I've ordered them from most basic to least basic.
NCSA Beginner's Guide to HTML
http://archive.ncsa.uiuc.edu/General/Internet/WWW/HTMLPrimer.html
If you know hardly anything about HTML, come here first. This is one of the most popular
introductions to HTML, perfect for all beginners. NCSA is the pioneer behind
Mosaic, one of the
Internet's first Web
browsers (and in case you're wondering, yes, Mosaic is still in use today!). If the
above address does not work, go to Google and
type in "NCSA beginner's guide".
HTML Goodies (Joe Burns, Ph.D.)
http://www.htmlgoodies.com
This ultra-informative site introduces you to all areas of HTML programming in plain,
easy-to-follow language. Well-organised. Includes a fantastic quick reference listing of important
HTML codes; download the list, print it out, and keep a copy by your desk.
Glassdog Web Design
http://glassdog.com/design-o-rama/
If you prefer a basic tutorial that is more conversational—and often humorous—in tone, try this
one. It's not as "step-by-step" as the ones above (the writer sometimes assumes you know the
meaning of the words he's using), but it's still easy-to-read and gives you some great tips. If
you're still confused about some basic Internet terms, you'll find the glossary of "Web
jargon" quite handy. Also included are some
JavaScript
programming codes to get you started on adding some simple bells and whistles to your site: status
line changes, mouseovers,
pop-up windows, remote controls, and
frames that do neat
things.
HTML Help by the Web Design Group
http://www.htmlhelp.com
"The Web Design Group was founded to promote the creation of non-browser specific,
non-resolution specific, creative and informative sites that are accessible to all
users worldwide. To this end, the WDG offers material on a wide range of HTML related topics. We
hope that with this site as a reference, you will be able to create Web sites that can be used by
every person on the Internet, regardless of browser, platform, or settings."
Builder.com
http://www.builder.com (Click under "Web
Development")
Superb and detailed articles on all aspects of HTML. Perfect for beginners and more advanced users
alike. Due to the large number of articles, organisation may not be the best; but this aside, it is
a site well worth the visit. Contains links to other related sites.
World Wide Web Consortium
http://www.w3.org
This is the official worldwide organisation that develops common protocols for Internet use,
including common standards for the HTML language. On this site, you will find all sorts of
information about HTML, as well as the complete series of W3-approved industry-standard HTML
commands (including the commands from older versions of HTML). When in doubt about what is
"correct" HTML, go here first! Also features an excellent introduction for those new to HTML.
Includes an HTML validator (checks your HTML
pages for errors).
Guide to Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
http://www.htmlhelp.com/reference/css/
Using HTML style sheets is
an easy and convenient way to control the look and feel of your webpages. Instead of using
cumbersome tags like FONT and COLOR on each of your pages, style sheets let you specify the
formatting from one central location. Not only does this keep your webpages compact, but it also
allows you to easily change how they look by changing a few simple formatting codes in one
location. If you want to learn about style sheets, this page is a good place to start. A basic
tutorial is included.
Glassdog Web Design: Style Sheets
http://www.glassdog.com/design-o-rama/index.shtml (Under "Style Sheets" section)
If you prefer a CSS tutorial that is more conversational and has a dash of humour, see this site.
CSS Layout Techniques (Eric Costello)
http://gnish.com/css
In addition to controlling such aesthetic features as typefaces and colours, style sheets (CSS) can
be a very efficient and flexible way of controlling the spatial layout of your webpages.
Traditionally, layout features like columns have been created using tables and other HTML codes.
However, using HTML for layout is tedious, time-consuming, and unreliable; not only does it often
require a lot of code (thus making webpages unnecessarily large and complex), but it often leads to
unexpected and inconsistent results across different browsers. CSS simplifies the entire process
and this website gives you the essential code needed to implement some popular layout designs.
Introduction to CSS Layout (Apple Developer Connection)
http://developer.apple.com/internet/css/introcsslayout.html
Another good article on using CSS to control the layout of your pages.
Web Site Design Tips (Jordan Whiley)
http://www.jwweb.com/tips.html or
http://www.highbridgedesigngroup.com
Excellent tips for specific issues: keeping pages out of frames;
forcing pages into frames;
steamlining CSS code; CSS backgrounds; displaying dynamic dates; Netscape 6 DHTML; DHTML for Opera;
DHTML navigation; and PHP/MySQL tips.
Developer.com
http://www.developer.com
This site should be used in conjunction with Builder.com. It provides detailed
information on more advanced aspects of Internet programming, including
Java and
JavaScript. Contains
links to other related sites of interest. Great site with free code to download!
WebReference
http://www.webreference.com
The web developer's online reference library. Excellent repository of detailed articles on various
aspects of HTML coding.
Search Engine Watch
http://www.searchenginewatch.com
In addition to articles on how to optimise your webpages for search engines, this superb site
features information on how different search engines work, detailed descriptions of all the major
online search engines (including search engines for specific topics and media types), and news on
search engine developments and technology. Everything you ever wanted to know about search engines
is on this site (and also on Search Engine Guide, listed below).
Search Engine Guide
http://www.searchengineguide.com
Another great site featuring articles on search engine optimisation, pay-per-click, link
popularity, and other strategies for increasing the chances that people will find and visit your
website. Also includes search engine news from all over the Internet (including over 4,600 archived
articles); a listing over almost 3,000 search engines (including specialised search engines); and
an extensive list of relevant books and resources.
HTML Forums
http://www.htmlforums.com
A series of public forums in which you can discuss and post questions about advanced HTML and web
programming issues. When I run into a problem and need a creative solution, I often come here
first. To find an answer to a question, I can either look through the nearly 210,000 forum messages
that have already been posted, or I can ask my question directly. With nearly 11,000 members,
there's usually at least one person out there who can help me out! Keep in mind, though, that this
is not a "help desk" service. Rather, it's an online community where people share their knowledge
with one another. You may need to register (for free) to read and post.
WebmasterWorld
http://www.webmasterworld.com
Another excellent forum. You need to register (for free) to read and post messages. A helpful
glossary of Internet-related
terms is included.
Web Robots Pages (Martijn Koster)
http://www.robotstxt.org or
http://www.robotstxt.org/wc/robots.html
If you need details on how to make sure that web
robots are "well-behaved"
when visiting your site, look at this site. Contains information on the robots.txt Robots Exclusion
Standard.
Other Resources
Yahoo maintains a good listing of HTML tutorials:
http://dir.yahoo.com/Computers_and_Internet/Data_Formats/HTML/Guides_and_Tutorials/
If you are creating a website or webpage, you are strongly encouraged to run your HTML documents through at least one online validation program (and more than one if you have time). Such a program will point out any HTML command errors, and may also check spelling, download times for individual pages, the integrity of your links, and even your over-all layout! At the very least, you should use a program which checks for HTML syntax. The W3 Validator is the most comprehensive (and, hence, most time-consuming).
Weblint
http://www.sfsu.edu/training/weblint.html or
http://ejk.cso.uiuc.edu/cgi-bin/weblint
A popular web-based program which "picks the fluff" off of your HTML pages. Although it only checks
for syntax, it's quite thorough and I recommend it. If these addresses don't work, just go to
Google, type in "weblint", and access any of
the public gateways for this program.
Dr. Watson
http://watson.addy.com
Provides an analysis not only of the syntax of an HTML page, but also link validity, download
speed, search engine compatibility, and link popularity.
World Wide Web Consortium Validator
http://validator.w3.org
From the World Wide Web Consortium, the official worldwide organisation that develops common
protocols for Internet use, including common standards for the HTML language. Who better to check
your code than the organisation that issues the official industry-standard HTML codes? Be warned,
however, that the online validator is extremely picky, since its goal is to ensure that your HTML
code will be readable by all web browsers. Even the most advanced of HTML programmers will be
surprised when their run their webpages through this service. Do not panic, though, when the
program indicates errors: many of the errors are those which common web browsers tend to forgive.
Provides links to other validators, too. If this address does not work, visit
http://www.w3.org and locate the validator from the
menus.
NetMechanic
http://www.netmechanic.com
This excellent program will check HTML pages and tell you how well your pages are optimised for
search engines. Even though it's a free service, you can check up to 5 pages for HTML and run a few
pages through the search engine optimiser.
Other Resources
Yahoo maintains a list of HTML validators at:
http://dir.yahoo.com/Computers_and_Internet/Data_Formats/HTML/Validation_and_Checkers/
[ Internet Basics | Website/Webpage
Planning and Design ]
[ Website/Webpage Planning, Layout, and Design ]
[ HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) Programming ]
[ HTML and Design Validation ]
Copyright © 2005, by Eddy M. Elmer
Permanent URL: http://www.eddyelmer.com/internet.htm