It is important to understand that Web pages are not viewed only through standard Web browsers anymore.

Markup Languages – series of commands used to format, organize and describe information on a web page

Web page creation by any method requires a working knowledge of at least two markup languages:

•Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) – traditionally the standard markup language on the web. HTML is standardized by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

•Extensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML) – effectively the next version of HTML. Also overseen by W3C.

HTML and XHTML are markup languages that define page layouts, fonts and graphics.

Wireless handheld devices access web pages uses Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). WAP provides text-based browsing and secure e-mail to wireless handheld devices.

Uses Wireless Markup Language (WML), which presents only the text portion of Web pages.

Graphical User Interface (GUI) Editors

•Places markup instructions into files for you

•Makes it easy to create HTML pages without writing any code manually

•Some developers feel it saves time others feel it creates confused HTML code

Adobe Dreamweaver and HomesiteMicrosoft FrontPage & FrontPage ExpressAdobe GoLiveMozilla SeaMonkey

•Be accessible to all users, including those with disabilities

•Incorporate attractive images and graphical elements

•Contain constantly updated hyperlinks and content

•Use tables wisely

•Present carefully designed forms

•Securely attach pages to databases

•Use the most current technologies appropriate for the page

•Use images sparingly – decrease clutter and improve bandwidth

•Be easily navigable and without dead ends

•Include alternative navigation links

The Web presents several obstacles to user accessibility, including the fact that you have no control over the ways in which users will access and view your pages.

You don’t know which browsers they will use, nor can you direct them to certain areas of the pages or site.

You don’t have any control over the speed with which users will be downloading your pages.

An accessible web page has two characteristics:

•A user-friendly and accessible front end interesting graphics, well-structured information easily accessible by users with disabilities

•W3C estimates that up to 10% of the world’s population has disabilities that, if not accommodated by web sites, can cause companies to lose significant amounts of revenue

•All information must be accessible via a text-based browser, and must include accommodations for screen-reader technology

•Server resources that process and store user input (back end)

•Should download easily and connect properly to databases

•Enacted in 1990 to protect the civil rights of disabled people

•Includes mandates for equal employment opportunities and public accommodations for disabled people

•Also applies to cyberspace communications

•Relevant to anyone designing pages in the U.S., and to anyone created sites that will be visited by users who live in the U.S.

•Any penalties are the result of prosecution by the U.S. Justice Dept (not individuals); searches for evidence of good faith eforts

•Created by the W3C

•Provides a universal set of standards promoting accessibility

•Works with worldwide organizations in five main areas – technology, guidelines, tools, education and outreach, and research and development

•Equally accessible to all users, including those with physical, visual, hearing and cognitive disabilities

•Passed in 2001

•Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards

•Requires that all electronic and information technology developed, procured, maintained or used by federal agencies be comparably accessible to users with disabilities

•Passed in 1998

•Help reduce the possibility that minors will be exposed to harmful material

•Also discusses harmful material, prohibited conduct, child-protective technologies and law enforcement.

•Text readability

•Text support for images

•Screen-reader support

•Alternative audio support

•Alternative speech input

•Text support for audio elements

•Page content that flickers, flashes or strobes

•Alternative navigation

•Audio support

•Low-resolution alternatives

A web page is often part of a larger marketing and sales strategy. In fact, Web sites have become a means for creating and ensuring brand recognition and mind share. In short, web sites have become an important marketing tool.

A marketing specialist’s primary goal is to establish name and brand recognition.

•Wiki sites – allows all visitors to collaborate in its construction

•Bandwidth – amount of traffic that can be carried on a network at one time; measured in bits per second

•As a general rule, your page should not exceed 100 KB without a very good reason

•File extensions for web pages

•.htm or .html

•HTTP 404 – File Not Found

•Index.htm – HTML or XHTML

•Puppy.jpg – image jpeg

•Baby.gif – image jif

•Horse.png – image ping; can be animated

•Home.txt – text file

•Spread.css – cascading style sheet

•Company.rtf – rich text format

•Page.pdf – Acrobat Reader

•Window.zip – compressed files

•House.mpg – video mpeg

•Girl. doc – Word document

•Numbers.xls – Excel document

•Trophy.ppt – Powerpoint

•Geno.wav – music wave file