How do you start a web page?

Where do you get the files? If you start from a WYSIWYG template, you may be starting at a disadvantage. Make sure have a solid foundation by going to the source.

  • All browsers have different defaults. In order to start on an even playing field it is wise to overwrite those defaults so that you have the best chances of achieving cross-browser compatibility. I like Eric Meyer's Reset CSS file.
  • Get the html file Go to the W3C's DTD page and get the template from there. I use xhtml 1.0 strict. Any one should be okay as long as your consistent. Document declarations just tell the browser what rule to follow when rendering your web page.
  • Link the CSS file from the xhtml template. Use the link or import tag. I use the link tag in the head of the xhtml document (this example assumes you wisely put your style sheets in a subfolder):
    <link href="styles/main.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" />
  • Define the body of your xhtml document. Think about how your page should be viewed if it were an outline. Headings would go first, then navigation and then content. Include a skip navigation link to that someone using a screen reader won't have to tab through the navigation on each page.
  • Style. Now work with the style sheets to modify fonts, colors, positions, floats, headings, links, etc.

Portfolio

Here are some samples of the work we have done throughout the years:


Pongstuff

HOME of Beer Pong. Drupal + Ubercart E-commerce web site.


Panoramic Landscapes

A landscaping company based in Raleigh and serving residential and commercial properties all over the Triangle. Specializing in water features, patios, retaining walls and pathways.

Free css/xhtml web templates

Flying Thumbs releases free css/xhtml web templates for you to use, modify and distribute at your own accord. Links back to the author are appreciated but not necessary. Enjoy! Custom modification of these templates is attainable. See pricing page for details. Send an email to quote@flyingthumbs.com for a free quote.

Open Source CSS Templates

Everybody knows there is no such thing as a free lunch. Well, when it comes to technology, that old tenet carries little weight. If you think that free software is no good, you might be surprised to know that almost everyone, knowingly or not, uses free software. Much of this is open source (that means the developers give the code away so that it can be reviewed, criticized, and improved upon by their peers). Many would be surprised to find that at this moment, the majority of web servers on the internet run the Apache Web Server, which is free and open source.

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