Web template tips, External CSS (cascading style sheets), "effective" web design for your targeted market, worthwhile resources and other relative topics of interest to webmasters will be discussed by the Web Template Designers at BasicTemplates.com. You can also meet our designers on a personal level, discover their personal and professional trials and tribulations and join in on the office chatter regarding many popular (and sometimes) controversial topics.
There are so many different types of “files” in computer terminology that it can get really confusing. A ZIP file is simply a file filled with information, data or documents that have been through a compression process to minimize the size of the files making them quicker to download, easier to archive and more likely to be received via electronic mail because the compressed format takes up less storage space and uses fewer system resources.
The ZIP file format was actually developed by Phil Katz and released as PKZIP; however, there are other software utilities available today to open, modify or create ZIP files. WinZip is one of the most popular.
WinZip International LLC is a business that provides the infamous WinZip software products. From time to time they update their programs and release a new version with improved features. The newest version is designed for Windows XP but works with older versions of Windows as well.
From the WinZip website a user can check for updates online, review the program information page, access support and tools, order the program, or click on a link that enables downloads of the free trial version of the program.
It is easy to make a ZIP file and there is no need to know anything about HTML code. There are no interface concerns. Basically, you just open the program and follow the instructions which map the steps for you to follow to create a ZIP file. You name the file and choose where you want it to be stored in your system, and then browse to find and select the files or documents you want to include in the ZIP file. The ZIP file is automatically created and stored in the directory you specify and contains the files you chose to be included the ZIP file.
// posted by BasicMichelle on 9/30/2005 09:26:00 AM / Permanent Link
What is an HTML Editor?
A HTML editor is an authoring software program that is used to create content for web sites. HTML software is easy to use since it has a feature that is known as WYSIWYG.
When you design web pages you want to use editor features that are simple to understand. You can buy and download HTML management software from the Internet as well as templates that will help you create web pages for your business or personal use.
There are many advantages to you when you use editing software to develop and design your web pages. Some of these advantages include:
- Most HTML editors are server side includes, or SSI. This means that your web pages will be generated on the “server side” and you can customize many of the files and features of your website.
- If you are maintaining more than one website the navigation between them is easy with an editing program. You can easily drag and drop any file from one site to the other.
- CSS, or Cascading Style Sheets, and XHTML code, are easy to use in an HTML editor such as FrontPage.
- The syntax that is used is consistent from one HTML editor to another. No matter what editing tool you use you’ll get the same results based on the similar syntax.
HTML editors are also great for creating tables, building borders around images and changing background color in no time at all. You can easily change the design of your website in just a few minutes to reflect your business style.
// posted by BasicMichelle on 9/28/2005 09:42:00 AM / Permanent Link
Happy Birthday, Google!
Google is celebrating their 7th birthday today. Lucky number 7 can only mean that business success at Google will get better and better. It's always nice to see a small company grow quickly and succeed big.
Hey, even the littlest of all people love Google. Check out my niece, Breanna, The Littlest Googlette. This photo was taken Christmas Day 2004.
Breanna loves Google too. But in this photo she was saying, "Mom, I thought you said I'd get a cookie?"
Here's to many more years of success, Google!
// posted by BasicSusan on 9/27/2005 11:27:00 AM / Permanent Link
Here are a few Adsense Tips you can use with nearly all of our HTML - CSS Templates ...
Copy and paste your Adsense ad code into the area of the template in which you want it to appear taking into consideration the maximum width of that area. There are only so many pixels available across the screen. ;)
Most of our templates can easily accommodate vertical Google Adsense ads in the side bars. Many of our layouts can easily accommodate the largest Adsense horizontal ads by simply copy/pasting your code just before the first HTML table code or just below the last table source code.
The most popular Adsense ad type and position is the large rectangular ad placed just before your page content and centered in this area. Most of our website templates can easily accommodate this type ad and position by copy/pasting your ad code just before your page text. It's easy to do with our designs.
The most effective way to update any page element that appears consistently across many of your website's pages such as ads, navigational menus, headers, footers, etc. would be to use SSI (server side includes) on your website.
// posted by BasicRic on 9/26/2005 07:25:00 AM / Permanent Link
Effective Website Secrets Podcast
Is Your Website Paying the Bills?
- Did you know that 80% of all websites are ineffective?
- Did you know that the majority of these ineffective websites were developed backwards?
- What do we mean by ineffective?
- How can a website be developed backwards?
- How can you avoid the biggest mistakes involving the development of your website that even the most experienced web designers don't know?
Introducing ... Effective Website Secrets - the Podcast, produced by BasicTemplates.com
Find out for yourself why this podcast is currently ranked among the Top Podcast Downloads within its category at iTunes!
When pretty doesn't pay the bills, you need to Push Beyond Passion Barriers and into an Effective Website. Visit Effective-Website-Secrets.com, the FREE Podcast, produced and directed by BasicTemplates.com.
// posted by BasicSusan on 9/24/2005 12:45:00 PM / Permanent Link
Customer Satisfaction Survey
An important customer satisfaction survey went out last week to all customers who have purchased any item from us in the last 15 months (June 2004 thru September 12, 2005).
There is a very nice discount awaiting all previous customers on ANY of our existing designs and services as a sincere thank you for taking the time to complete our survey.
As always we are 101% committed to helping you create an "effective" website, and we want to know exactly what it will take to help you accomplish your goals.
Thank you to all customers who have already completed the survey. Your comments are welcomed and are being reviewed to improve our current and future products and services.
// posted by BasicSusan on 9/23/2005 10:06:00 AM / Permanent Link
What is an Image Map?
A very common question associated with design work is, “What is an image map?”
The easiest explanation of an image map is that they are images or img graphics files created for the purpose of navigation from the image to a different url or to content or pages that are part of the website through the use of a hyperlink.
A hyperlink is a clickable link. When a website visitor clicks the link in images using a mouse, browsers link (or jump) to the urls, data or text defined in the code of the hyperlink. Image maps may have different regions that go to various areas of a site or to different urls with content used as a resource or reference. A common example of an image map is actual maps where you can click on a country or state and be taken to the active website that serves that country or displays text about a certain state.
Client side image maps have coordinates within the img file while server side image maps have coordinates stored separately on a server. There are various design tools that can be used to make an image and you can usually find some with free downloads or internet-based trials that will enable you to experiment with design features. It’s a good idea to try different applications before you set your mind on one if you are not well-versed in graphic design.
Once you have your image and are ready to create an image map, an AREA HREF code is usually used to specify the coordinates of a clickable region. The letters src is an attribute used to specify the source or location of the img file. Commonly used image formats for image maps include gif, jpeg and png formats.
The advantage of using an image map is that it provides an interactive visual element for your website. The disadvantage is that, without an explanation displayed, website visitors that are not familiar with image maps may not know to click on the image for accessibility to further information, so some designers feel that using text hyperlinks is more effective.
// posted by BasicMichelle on 9/21/2005 11:28:00 AM / Permanent Link
Gift Certificate Template
5 new Gift Certificate Templates were added today. These templates are in PSD and PDF formats and can be easily edited and then printed from within your graphics software. The printed image will fit nicely into a #10 business envelope.
Each of these templates can be purchased for only $5.00 USD by non-members.
The new design themes are: baby bottle, butterfly, cottage, flowers, and Christmas.
Subscribing Template Members get them all FREE plus access to more 1,500 HTML - CSS templates and logos as well as over 18,000 interchangeable swapout web graphics. A minimum of 5 new templates are added each week for members.
// posted by BasicRic on 9/19/2005 07:48:00 AM / Permanent Link
Business Photo Accents
40 Mini Photo Inserts with a Business theme - PSD format - Use them with any of our HTML-CSS web templates.
// posted by BasicRic on 9/19/2005 07:41:00 AM / Permanent Link
What is a Hyperlink?
A commonly asked question is, “What is a hyperlink?”
A hyperlink, also called a hypertext link, is an image or a line of text on a web page or in the content of a document that opens another web page or moves to another section of a screen or document.
Hyperlinks make it real easy to move from one website to another url and they are commonly designed as elements of html pages that provide information or data which prompts the user to visit another online resource.
Hyperlinks can be used for external linking (linking to other urls) or for linking within the main website. For instance, if the content at the top of a web page references a list, a table or a message further down on the page, or even on another page in the site, you may include a hyperlink in your code. When browsers click on the hyperlink, it will to take them to the part of the web page or document defined in the hyperlink.
It is rather easy to create a hyperlink. In most applications you simply highlight the text or graphic that you want to link, right click the mouse and choose “hyperlink”. A window will open that has a place at the top for you to input any text you want displayed. At the bottom of the window you input the address for the hyperlink, generally the url that you want the hyperlink to open.
When setting up a hyperlink on a website, if you want the main page to stay open in the browser, you can select an option for the hyperlink to open in a new window which will keep the current window open so the user can easily return to the main webpage.
// posted by BasicMichelle on 9/16/2005 08:14:00 AM / Permanent Link
What is a Podcast?
A podcast is the process of publishing audio media files, usually in an MP3 format, and making them available on the Internet for listeners to subscribe to. Users can download the podcast feed each week from a podcasting services website to get a variety of information about all types of subjects.
A business podcast is one way that you can stay in touch with your customers and let them know about any new services or products that you’re offering. You can include information in your podcast show that is relevant to your particular business.
Podcasts use what is called ipodder script to develop digital feeds. This relatively new method of allowing listeners to review products, services, and other business data is catching on fast for businesses all around the world.
Essentially what a podcast is are mini books that your listeners can listen to much the same as they listen to itunes. You can broadcast all around the world to reach potential customers everywhere. Listeners can access archives of your past podcasts if they’ve missed any. This is why should make each pod feed as interesting and full of information as possible so that you can reach your listeners in an effective and unique marketing strategy.
Some of the advantages of using a podcast for your business include:
- You can reach a specific niche market for the products and services that you sell.
- You have a world-wide audience.
- Listeners can listen to your podcast feed when they have time.
- Listeners can listen to the podcast more than once so that if they miss any information the first time they can listen again at a more convenient time.
// posted by BasicMichelle on 9/14/2005 11:50:00 AM / Permanent Link
Basic Web Graphics Update
Our sister site, BasicWebGraphics.com is in the process of being restructured. We have revamped the Gallery so that individual basic web graphics packages are easy to find and purchase. This area is approximately 90% completed. If you find any errors or have any suggestions, please contact us.
// posted by BasicRic on 9/12/2005 09:45:00 AM / Permanent Link
Gift Certificate Templates
5 Gift Certificate Templates were added today. These templates are in PSD and PDF formats and can be easily edited and then printed from within your graphics software. The printed image will fit nicely into a #10 business envelope.
Each of these templates can be purchased for only $5.00 USD by non-members.
The new design themes are: gold frame, global, birthday, abstract, candles and gifts.
Subscribing Template Members get them all FREE plus access to more 1,500 HTML CSS templates and Logos as well as over 18,000 interchangeable swapout web graphics. A minimum of 5 new templates are added each week for members.
Crafters, re-vamp your website for the upcoming busiest season of the year by simply swapping out your existing background with one of these seamless designs.
// posted by BasicRic on 9/12/2005 07:30:00 AM / Permanent Link
Email Emoticons, Abbreviations, Acronyms
Here is a list of email Email Emoticons, Abbreviations and Acronyms that I thought you may enjoy. Have fun with them!
;) = Wink (used to convey humor, sarcasm) :( = Frown, sadness, disappointment, remorse :/ = Wry smile :* = Kiss :-) = Smile :-0 = Laughing loud :-0 = Shouting :-* = Oops :@ = Screaming or anger :X = Won't say a word ASAP = As soon as possible BRB = Be right back BTW = By the way F2F = Face to face FAQ = Frequently asked questions FYI = For your information/interest IMHO = In my humble opinion LOL = Laughing out loud OTOH = On the other hand PPL = People TT4N = Ta-ta for now TTUL = Talk to you later TIA = Thanks in advance WRT = With Respect to YIA = You're welcome in advance
// posted by BasicAnn on 9/10/2005 04:11:00 PM / Permanent Link
The History of Windows
Here is something that I did some research on and though was pretty cool. Does any one know what the 1st version of Windows was? Does any one know when it came out? I can say that I remember. So here is a brief over view of the history of Windows.
Windows 1.0: Microsoft announced Windows in November 1983. This was after the release of the Apple. Windows promised a simple graphical interface, device-independent graphics, and multitasking support. But it was delayed several times; the first version was available to the consumer market in November 1985. The selection of applications were few, the sales were also few.
Windows 2.0 was introduced in the fall of 1987. It provided significant user interface improvements. With the addition of icons and overlapping windows. Windows became a workable environment for the development of major applications like Excel, Word for Windows, and Corel Draw. Sales were brought up by the programs supplied by the independent software vendors. Windows 2.0 was/386 renamed to Windows/286 when windows 386 came out. Windows/386 In late 1987, Microsoft released Windows/386. While it was equivalent to Windows/286, but it could run multiple DOS applications.
So do any of these ring a bell with you? Not me, I was still working with a DOS based computer at work. Also, back then who would have thought about a computer at home? You would have to be rich!
Microsoft Windows 3.0 was released in May 1990, was a complete overhaul of the Windows environment. It had a much more powerful user interface; independent software vendors started developing Windows applications like crazy. The new applications helped Microsoft sell more than 10 million copies of Windows; this made windows the best selling GUI in the history of computing.
This version was my 1st taste of windows. When they installed it on the computers in my work place I though I had died and gone to heaven! And OH BOY!! GAMES!!
Microsoft Windows 3.1, released in April 1992, it provided many improvements over Windows 3.0. In its first two months on the market, it sold over three million copies. OK guys, here is Windows 3.1, the official time I got my 1st PC at home and became a computer geek.
Windows 95 was released in August 1995. The target market was desktop users. Windows 95 no longer required a separate DOS. It included a more object-oriented GUI, built-in networking support and dial-up support.
Windows 98 was released as an upgrade to Windows 95. It has the same interface and features of Windows 95, but also included Support for Universal Serial Bus (USB) peripherals, Support for WebTV, Support for more than one monitor, Microsoft Web Server, Microsoft Task Scheduler.
In 1999, Microsoft released Windows 98SE it improved Windows greatly and also added the following features. It included support for DVD-ROM, startup time for programs, USB support.
Windows Me, or Millennium Edition, was released in 2000 as an upgrade to Windows 98SE. Very similar to its predecessor, Windows Me included new home networking capabilities, video capture and editing, and a new mechanism for system restoration in case of emergency.
Windows 2000 was released as an update to Windows NT 4.0. It was not an upgrade to Windows 98 or 98SE. Windows 2000 was built on Windows NT technology. There were three different versions of Windows 2000: Professional, Server, and Advanced Server. Professional was designed for desktop and laptop systems, both stand-alone and networked, for individual use. Server was designed to run file and printer servers. Advanced Server was designed to run more powerful servers.
Windows XP, released in late 2001, Windows XP was the replacement for both the 95/98 and NT families of Windows. Based on the same code used to create Windows 2000, XP came in two workstation versions at launch: Home and Professional.
Windows XP Home Edition Windows XP Home Edition was the replacement for Windows 95, 98, and Me. It had a lot of new and cool features. Easy switching between users on the same computer without the need to close applications System Restore, which allows the computer to restore itself to an earlier configuration if something goes wrong. A network wizard making a home network a whole lot easier to setup. These are just a few:
Windows XP Professional Edition was the replacement for Windows NT and 2000. It has all the all the features of XP Home. One of the many cool features is the Remote Desktop, which allows the creation of virtual sessions on one computer from another computer over the Internet.
So there we have it - a brief overview of the history of Windows.
// posted by BasicAnn on 9/07/2005 09:26:00 PM / Permanent Link
What is a Blog?
The word “blog” is short for a “weblog” which is a business or personal journal that is updated frequently to reflect the views of the author and share interesting content. You can include rss feeds on your blog page so that readers can link to related web information.
There are many uses for blogs such as:
- Sharing the latest technology.
- To generate a discussion with your customers about current blog news that is related to your business.
- To allow readers of your blog to add comments.
Internet users can search the archives of your blog for issues and customer information that has been previously posted. Blogs are a great way to post the news and data that you want your customers to know without sending out individual emails. There are several blogging tools that you’ll want to use to get started with the design and build your blog.
The top five tools include:
- Blogger. This tool gives you the ability to change or add to your blog in just minutes.
- Blogware. Blogware allows you to watch the visitor hits that you get to your blog so that you can change the contents at any time.
- Moveable Type. This blogging tool is one of the most popular to use since it is easy and uncomplicated.
- WordPress. This is another blogging tool that is quick and easy to use.
- Typepad. Typepad lets you customize your business blog so that it’s powered the way you want it to be.
Business blogs allow your customers to check back regularly for any new information about your company. Be sure to update frequently and make your blog as interesting and full of information as you can.
// posted by BasicMichelle on 9/07/2005 09:36:00 AM / Permanent Link
What is RSS?
RSS is the acronym for “Rich Site Summary” and is often also known as “Really Simple Syndication”. RSS uses an xml code based format that gives you the ability to share information in your browser from other web sites on your web page by using a link. When you include rss news and other free feeds on your website you can expand the communication that you have with your business clients.
Subscribe to a Feed - RSS software is easy to use and access in one of two ways. You can enter the url address of the RSS feeds that you want into the aggregator. Or you can subscribe to a subscription service and receive a variety of features and tools.
Another format that is similar to RSS is “Atom”. Atom is an rss reed that that has been through several versions, 0.3 of which is now stable to use. You can add or subtract the number of RSS feeds that you download at any time. Many businesses find it beneficial to create a blog that contains current content about the products and services that they’re selling. Any other news item that you include in your blog that comes from an RSS feed will lend credibility to your website content.
There are so many RSS feeds to choose from on the Internet that you’ll have a hard time choosing which ones are supportive to your business. RSS is a great way for you to automatically find new features and content that has been posted without having to browse online. This means that you can focus on other aspects of your business.
// posted by BasicMichelle on 9/07/2005 08:02:00 AM / Permanent Link
What is a PSD?
Have you ever wondered, “What is a PSD?” You’re not alone! PSD is just a quick way to say, (or type) PhotoShop Document. The PSD format was developed by Adobe, the maker of the PhotoShop software package which is a graphic design / digital imaging program.
PSDs are generally created and edited using the PhotoShop application. If you are interested in getting information or giving the Adobe family of programs a try, you can download a free trial version of the software from the Adobe website before you buy it.
PhotoShop is among the favorite tools of website designers because of its flexibility in creating decoration and images using various color schemes and font sizes. When designing a logo or a page for a website you can easily make changes to reflect a different style, change weight reflections, change the color or px, make the text bold, or change the content altogether because a PSD is created in layers.
For instance, if you create a logo with a text overlay and a photo or graphic in the background and you decide you don’t like the font of the text, you can change the top layer without affecting the background picture.
Many web designers, professionals and amateurs, use templates for quick website development. It is easy to find pre-designed templates composed of html code and PSD. The advantages of using PSD format is its ease of use and flexibility. The main disadvantage is that PSDs can only be manipulated using certain applications.
// posted by BasicMichelle on 9/06/2005 09:17:00 AM / Permanent Link
Autumn Digital Photos
10 Digital "Web" Photos with an autumn theme were added today. All photos within this package are 76 dpi, low resolution for web related projects.
// posted by BasicRic on 9/05/2005 08:45:00 AM / Permanent Link
Digital Photos for Web Related Projects
Our newest category, Digital "Web" Photos is sure to please all of our customers and especially our subscribing members. All digital photos are 76 dpi, low resolution for your web related projects. This keeps your costs low and your web design projects effective. After all, if you don't want an effective website, why do you have a website? ;-)
// posted by BasicRic on 9/05/2005 08:07:00 AM / Permanent Link
CSS Methods: Inline, Internal, & External
There are three different types of CSS methods: inline, internal, and external. Each of these methods allows you to create a cascading stylesheet by placing tags with your html coding. You’ll want to include different templates that can be used with the browser that your users are using to surf the Internet and view web pages.
Inline CSS – When you use the inline method the styles are inserted directly in the html tags by using the style attribute. The inline method will override the other two methods since it takes priority. Only experienced designers should use inline attributes.
Internal CSS – The Internal method is the most easiest to use. You’ll want to use Internal styles when you want to change the design and content of an entire page. The style tag will surround the entire styles of the webpage within the head tag.
External CSS – External CSS is a file which will contain only the coding for CSS and which will then be referenced within your html coding. It’s the External CSS that you’re going to use to edit and maintain the multi pages of your website. You can create the External CSS coding using any plain text editor.
There are many tutorials and resources available online that can help you become a proficient user of cascading style sheets. After a bit of practice you’ll find that the ease of using tags such as href and rel in your style sheets is second nature. Style sheets give you the capability of controlling the colors, fonts, typeface, and other elements of your documents without altering their basic structure.
// posted by BasicMichelle on 9/02/2005 10:52:00 AM / Permanent Link
What is CSS?
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) gives you the ability to change a variety of information on your web page, such as articles and other content, by using one CSS style sheet for all pages. CSS html code is based on the ability to let you change font size, background color, and more than one navigation link at one time.
The advantages of using a CSS page far out weigh the disadvantages. CSS is compatible for most online browsers which means that users who read your web content can immediately see the specific changes that you create.
There are many tricks, tips, and techniques that will convince you that CSS design is both practical and easy to use, including:
- You can easily manage the layout of your images, such as tables and file management.
- CSS is compatible with both xhtml and various version style html.
- There are many free tutorials and examples of CSS that you can find online such as the web pages of Eric Meyer that focus on the basic resources of CSS.
- You can manage the style of print, margin, or border cascading style through each image that you import into your web pages, maintaining consistency.
There are many elements of CSS which make it ideal for your web design project. You can use a dtd, Document Type Definition, to reference many of the tags that you want to use to develop the structure of your website.
The CSS tools that you choose to use are up to you but keep in mind that CSS is the way of the future of web development due to its ease of functionality and popularity among web designers.
// posted by BasicMichelle on 9/01/2005 09:02:00 AM / Permanent Link
What is ASCII Code?
A frequently asked question is, “What is ASCII Code?”
The abbreviation stands for “American Standard Code for Information Interchange”. It is a code used in programming to control and facilitate content communicated between computers.
ASCII code uses a set of numbers to replace sets of text characters, letters, space, tab, decimal and other characters in a line of code, a file, a list, a table or an html web page. ASCII code enables computers, which are limited to the interpretation of binary forms of expression, to process, file and format a greater variety of data.
To start programming in ASCII code it requires extended practice and experimentation with one version or another as the ability to effectively use ASCII code is truly an art.
ASCII is a common code preferred by programmers because extended ASCII characters in popular products such as Windows as well as in html and help files. Most browsers, including Netscape, Internet Explorer, Lynx and Mozilla, recognize ASCII code.
ASCII, a 7-bit code, is one of the oldest versions of coding and one of the easiest to use it originated in America as a solution for making small and capital letters in computer communications. An ASCII code table demonstrates character allocations and iso standards used in code.
In reading a code table, SP stands for “space” and DEL for “delete”. Small and capital letters, digits, punctuation marks, and symbols are among the other characters to be found in an ASCII code table. The code actually specifies a numerical value for every character.
// posted by BasicMichelle on 9/01/2005 08:49:00 AM / Permanent Link
| Post Archives | Post a Comment | Subscribe to Blog 
30 Mini Photo Inserts with a Babies theme - PSD format - Use them with any of our HTML-CSS web templates. 
20 Mini Photo Inserts with a Halloween theme - PSD format - Use them with any of our HTML-CSS web templates. 
One real estate web site template, Product ID: B1156T, was added today. 
One business communications web site template was added today. View new Template Design (#1158) 
40 Mini Photo Inserts with a Business theme - PSD format - Use them with any of our HTML-CSS web templates. 
20 Country Gingham Patchwork and Hearts Backgrounds were added today - GIF file format - Use them with any of our HTML-CSS web templates or your own designs.
