Software you will need There are basically only two programs you will need.

• The first is a composer. 

You have a few choices here. We are going to use Sothink Html Editor for this tutorial. This is a good program to get you started and has many of the features of larger composers. Sothink will let you edit one page at a time for free and is only $20 to open the full version. The other great thing is you can also add media which many of the cheaper editors will not let you do. 

Go and download your free copy now.

You can also download  free compilers from a number of the software vendors such as twocows.com and cnet.com. Many of them are free and will still use the same terminology. Try and get a WYSIWYG format to make it easier on yourself. ( What you see is what you get ) 

You can also use the compiler Mozilla which is the open source version.  Its also free and most computer magazines that come with a free CD will have a copy. This is a fast and efficient way to get the program. You might not use it later, however, you can learn all the basics on this free program. 

You can also use Front Page. Many computers that use Microsoft office will have the full version of Front Page which is quite similar to Sothink but much more expensive if you have to go and buy it.

• The second is a graphics program. 

It is not necessary for this tutorial, however, if you want to  personalise your site you will need a reasonable graphics program. All you need is something  you can make your own graphic text with and adjust photo's. If you don't have one I would suggest Paint Shop Pro.

There are a multitude of help pages around that will show you how to use the program and make some great effects. Search for PSP4 tips and tricks. I personally use the old PSP4 because it is simple and easy to use. If you want a copy just go to our software page.  There are of course many more you can use. Just find one you're comfortable with. 

Some suggestions

These tools are not necessary, however, I think you will find them useful as you get more into the tutorial. 

1. White Board - you can use a blackboard or really anything to allow you to scribble on and rub out.
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2. A comfortable work area with some water etc.
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3. A Work Folder on your computer - I create a folder in my "My Documents" called, "My Web Page". You can then add some more folders called, "images", "EBooks" etc. This will enable you to navigate and organise your files better. Put your actual web pages directly into the "My Web Page" folder. 
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4. A "Web Pages" folder in your e-mail program and also in your bookmarks. You will find you want to refer to this information a lot so this just makes it easier for you.
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5. A flatbed scanner - once again this is not necessary unless you want to put some of your pictures on your pages . They have gone down so much in price recently and are a great tool. Alternatively a digital camera will also work well.
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6. A back up disk/cd labelled "My Web" - even with quite a large site the size is small enough to fit on a couple of floppy disks. There is nothing worse than to spend a night building great pages only to find them gone the next day, for what ever reason. Many computers come with CD burners so this is even a better solution.
   
7. A Swipe File - a swipe file is for collecting information and ideas as you surf, watch TV, listen to the radio etc. If you see a good headline add it to your swipe file, good copy, interesting articles, new ideas. I have two. One is for things I see offline and the other is a notepad or word file for everything online.

Ok, well that's it. There are probably some other things that you may want to have as we progress and we will give you all the links or training to get them. 

We are now ready to plan out our site.