help needed for my website

[imported_Ivan Rajic]

Jeff thanks for the advice... how hard/tedious would it be to switch my website to css, keeping the same exact layout/design graphically? It just seems like there's a little too much to learn for me at this point since I have very little time, so any tips and advice you can give me would be great... also, what about Flash sites? Do they require a different coding as well or are they fine as they are? Lastly, can the css stuff be done through dreamweaver? I work mostly with the "design" part rather than coding, as I'm not expert whatsoever regarding web development



Thanks again

 

[4fit?]

Jeff thanks for the advice... how hard/tedious would it be to switch my website to css, keeping the same exact layout/design graphically? It just seems like there's a little too much to learn for me at this point since I have very little time, so any tips and advice you can give me would be great... also, what about Flash sites? Do they require a different coding as well or are they fine as they are? Lastly, can the css stuff be done through dreamweaver? I work mostly with the "design" part rather than coding, as I'm not expert whatsoever regarding web development



Thanks again

Ivan, Dreamweaver is the program I use as well, but I use strictly the code view. I can actually create websites using nothing but Notepad, but I like Dreamweaver's intelisense that completes the tags as you type them. Also, Dreamweaver supports CSS and, depending on your version, has intelisense for it as well. I use CS3 here.



I am not a fan of Flash sites in the least bit. Yes, some of them look awesome and you can tell that tons of work went into them. But, it requires a plugin to be present on the user's computer. While most users already have that plugin, some don't and, in my experience, folks don't like having to install something simply so they can view your site.



As for recoding your site to CSS and making it meet W3C standards, it really shouldn't be too awfully hard. Your gallery pages are ok to use tables for the pictures, so that part could stay. The rest would be simple CSS definitions and a few float and positioning elements. If you'd like, I can tinker with it a bit and see what I can come up with. Just let me know.



-Jeff-

 

[Envious Eric]

wahoo!!!!! mine passed hahaha





ivan, i like the layout on your site

 

[imported_shine]

Since we're talking about websites, I'm curious what you guys think about mine...

Yours is one of my favorites from Autopia members. Nice style and organized; to the point.



I'm currently working on mine for a similar purpose--inform/diy, links to helpful guides, services page, and showcase some of the work I've done.

 

[imported_Picus]

I like these threads, I always learn something from them. Great info in here..

 

[imported_Ivan Rajic]

Ivan, Dreamweaver is the program I use as well, but I use strictly the code view. I can actually create websites using nothing but Notepad, but I like Dreamweaver's intelisense that completes the tags as you type them. Also, Dreamweaver supports CSS and, depending on your version, has intelisense for it as well. I use CS3 here.



I am not a fan of Flash sites in the least bit. Yes, some of them look awesome and you can tell that tons of work went into them. But, it requires a plugin to be present on the user's computer. While most users already have that plugin, some don't and, in my experience, folks don't like having to install something simply so they can view your site.



As for recoding your site to CSS and making it meet W3C standards, it really shouldn't be too awfully hard. Your gallery pages are ok to use tables for the pictures, so that part could stay. The rest would be simple CSS definitions and a few float and positioning elements. If you'd like, I can tinker with it a bit and see what I can come up with. Just let me know.



-Jeff-

I have CS3 as well... thanks for all the help and advice... I'm going to read into the css stuff over the next few days/week when I get the time, but feel free to tinker with whatever you'd like if you have time and e-mail me the results. I know the site can become more efficient because I just made it to look nice and show everything as far as detailing goes... as for efficiency, I don't know too much about it but I think it's horrible... the rollover buttons on top are made the "wrong" way... I didn't cut up the image in Photoshop into separate buttons, rather used the "hotspots" to link all the button areas on the image... so when you go over "home" for example, another image containing all the "buttons" loads, except the text on "home" is highlighted... the files are very small though so it didn't matter to me, but I know it's still the wrong way to do it... I'm sure you understand this confusing gibberish haha

wahoo!!!!! mine passed hahaha



ivan, i like the layout on your site

Thanks... I like yours as well

Yours is one of my favorites from Autopia members. Nice style and organized; to the point.



I'm currently working on mine for a similar purpose--inform/diy, links to helpful guides, services page, and showcase some of the work I've done.

Thanks a lot man, I've heard that a few times over the past month or so... I'm definitely going to work on a lot of videos and photo documented instructions about everything... I know there are many online but it seems like there's always someone asking for something else within those other ones... I'll just try to cover what I can

I like these threads, I always learn something from them. Great info in here..

+1... Even though I've never copied someone's site (not that they're bad or I'm against them, it just goes a certain way for me) I always enjoy looking at all the layouts, designs, fonts, etc. etc. I think your site influenced my design a bit... I know it looks completely different but still haha



Keep the info coming, I know pampos doesn't mind the small hijack

 

[imported_Picus]

George from DI and I took a bunch of video this week; I want to add some of it to my site. I think that'll be a really good resource for customers, so ya, I definitely think it's a good idea to have info like that on your site.

 

[imported_Ivan Rajic]

George from DI and I took a bunch of video this week; I want to add some of it to my site. I think that'll be a really good resource for customers, so ya, I definitely think it's a good idea to have info like that on your site.

Yea I remember George was telling me about coming up there to take some videos with/of you... I'm looking forward to seeing those



Are they hosted anywhere yet or just being edited right now? In any case, post up when they're online

 

[imported_Picus]

Yea I remember George was telling me about coming up there to take some videos with/of you... I'm looking forward to seeing those



Are they hosted anywhere yet or just being edited right now? In any case, post up when they're online

He left this afternoon. It'll probably be a bit before he's got it all edited, I think he took quite a bit of video. I'll be sure to post links when it's all online.

 

[4fit?]

wahoo!!!!! mine passed hahaha

:spot

Good feeling isn't it? You may also want to consider stepping away from the table layout and going with CSS and div tags. :think2

 

[4fit?]

I have CS3 as well... thanks for all the help and advice... I'm going to read into the css stuff over the next few days/week when I get the time, but feel free to tinker with whatever you'd like if you have time and e-mail me the results. I know the site can become more efficient because I just made it to look nice and show everything as far as detailing goes... as for efficiency, I don't know too much about it but I think it's horrible... the rollover buttons on top are made the "wrong" way... I didn't cut up the image in Photoshop into separate buttons, rather used the "hotspots" to link all the button areas on the image... so when you go over "home" for example, another image containing all the "buttons" loads, except the text on "home" is highlighted... the files are very small though so it didn't matter to me, but I know it's still the wrong way to do it... I'm sure you understand this confusing gibberish haha

Actually, that way would be the correct way to do it. But, instead of using ********** to control the rollovers, you would use CSS. Images making up a menu like this are known as "sprites".



You can look at my club's site for some ideas.

Here is the main site(to view the XHTML code, select View-->Code if you are on IE, or View-->Page Source if you are on Firefox)



Here is the main CSS file. The site actually uses 3 or 4 CSS files.



I'll try to find time to tinker with your site a bit on the next few days. Have a couple client's sites I am working on at the moment.

 

[imported_Ivan Rajic]

Actually, that way would be the correct way to do it. But, instead of using ********** to control the rollovers, you would use CSS. Images making up a menu like this are known as "sprites".



You can look at my club's site for some ideas.

Here is the main site(to view the XHTML code, select View-->Code if you are on IE, or View-->Page Source if you are on Firefox)



Here is the main CSS file. The site actually uses 3 or 4 CSS files.



I'll try to find time to tinker with your site a bit on the next few days. Have a couple client's sites I am working on at the moment.

Thanks... once I read up a little about css I'll probably shoot you a PM just to help get me started on re-doing the design in css while keeping the same look as it is now

 

[4fit?]

Thanks... once I read up a little about css I'll probably shoot you a PM just to help get me started on re-doing the design in css while keeping the same look as it is now

:2thumbs: Be glad to help.

 

[imported_Denzil]

I'm still learning a lot about web development and was wondering what the benefits are to using PHP as opposed to normal html? A friend was suggesting that I use PHP since it's easier and is module-based. Any thoughts?

 

[TortoiseAWD]

4fit?,



I have the disadvantage of having started web programming back in the "bad old days" . . . trying to get IE4 and Netscape 4.7 to render the same way started my ulcer and slow descent into that limbo between sane and crazy. Trying to keep up with the changing tech has made the slow descent into a "please-need-more-bio-ram-for-smart-making" nose-dive. Avoid middle age at all costs, trust me.



You seem to know your stuff . . . I'm sure you've probably seen this site before, but it really demonstrates the power of CSS for those wondering why it's a Good Thing: css Zen Garden: The Beauty in CSS Design



Kudos to everyone here trying to DIY your own sites.



Tort

(aging web-programmer)

 

[4fit?]

I'm still learning a lot about web development and was wondering what the benefits are to using PHP as opposed to normal html? A friend was suggesting that I use PHP since it's easier and is module-based. Any thoughts?

PHP is a nice and effective language. As you can see, the forum we are communicating in right now is programmed with PHP. The biggest advantage of PHP is that it is dynamic. This means that you can write a snipit of PHP code that will communicate with a MySQL database and return information. Just like when you clicked on this thread title and it brought back the information for this specific thread.



While PHP is nice for things such as forums, shopping carts, and the like, I believe static XHTML code is just fine for something like a detailing business website. However, if you want to give PHP a shot, go for it! Just make sure that you have XHTML down pat first. I'm actually going to be taking a PHP course next semester. :bigups

 

[4fit?]

4fit?,



I have the disadvantage of having started web programming back in the "bad old days" . . . trying to get IE4 and Netscape 4.7 to render the same way started my ulcer and slow descent into that limbo between sane and crazy. Trying to keep up with the changing tech has made the slow descent into a "please-need-more-bio-ram-for-smart-making" nose-dive. Avoid middle age at all costs, trust me.



You seem to know your stuff . . . I'm sure you've probably seen this site before, but it really demonstrates the power of CSS for those wondering why it's a Good Thing: css Zen Garden: The Beauty in CSS Design



Kudos to everyone here trying to DIY your own sites.



Tort

(aging web-programmer)

Tort, thanks for the compliment. I haven't been programming too awfully long (about 4 years or so) and have been primarily self-taught up until recently, so I don't know all the troubles you encountered when struggling with IE4 and early Netscape models. I have heard numerous horror stories though. :faint:



Nowadays, programming so that IE functions the same as the other (better) browsers is still a major PITA! I have found myself programming for Firefox, Safari, and Opera and then making sure that the code works in IE, making any necessary adjustments. I just wish all browsers could use the same DOM and have the same CSS support, but I guess that is just asking too much of the world.



I'm glad you posted the Zen Garden link. That is by far the best place for folks to see the power of CSS. I've been tinkering with my own design for the Zen myself. Other responsibilities have taken priority over it recently though.



All the best,

-Jeff-

 

[dmw2692004]

His is based off of a free CMS (Content Management System) called Joomla. Basically the CMS makes maintaining your website easy for all of those computer illiterate people out there.



mine is Long Island Mobile Car, Truck, and SUV Detailing ~ LIDetailers.com and I was going for a simple approach while still making most of the site hand coded for SEO purposes which come in handy with getting customers from the search engines.

Where did you get your template?