includes options on the page layout and margins. Print (Ctrl P) is also located in the File menu. Many of the features of Composer are similar to a word processor like Microsoft Word.
This tutorial is based on my experience with Netscape
Composer. I now use Composer for all my web pages, as the software
is easy and readily available to use. There is not any program that
is better to use than others, it just depends on the user. I actually
learned to create web pages by writing the source code myself. I
still occasionally write some code in the pages, along with using the features
of Composer. Now that you have background on my experience, let's
get started on the tutorial.
Index
Getting Started
Netscape Communicator version 4.76 is a program that includes Netscape Composer, Netscape Messenger and Netscape Navigator. This tutorial covers using Netscape Composer to develop web pages. To download the software, click here for the Netscape page.
After downloading the software, open Netscape composer.
After opening Composer, the top of the untitled web page will look as shown below:
First, open the File menu and save the page. This menu also includes Page Setup which
includes options on the page layout and margins. Print (Ctrl P) is also located in the File menu. Many of the features of Composer are similar to a word processor like Microsoft Word.
The Composition and Formatting Toolbars are used as shortcuts to the frequently used features in Composer. These can be viewed or hidden.
Page PropertiesThe properties associated with a web page generally include fonts, paragraph style, indentation, page colors and properties. These features can be located under the Format menu and some are also included in the toolbars.
Page Colors and Properties are important when developing a good web site. The text colors for normal text and the link texts can be changed. The colors probably depend upon the background color or image that is used in the page. These selections are important for an easily read and viewer friendly page.
Adding ContentContent or text can be added by just typing, similar to a word processor. Text can also be cut and pasted using the Edit menu. When finished with adding text, the spell check feature is located in the Tools menu or Composition Toolbar.
Adding GraphicsGraphics in a web page can be two-fold. They can either add to the overall look of the page or take away from the goal of the web page. Graphics used to enhance a page can catch viewers' attention and keep them looking. However, overuse of graphics can slow down a web page and deter viewers from continuing. Animation graphics sometimes cannot always be viewed by older browsers and can also take away from the goal. With that in mind, graphics can be added using the Insert menu or the Image button on the toolbar. The image properties can also be edited by right clicking on the selected image. These properties include text alignment, image size and space around the text.
TablesTables can be an important feature in developing web pages. Tables allow information to be neatly organized. Tables can also be used in the overall setup of the page. A table on the left hand side could include the links to the other pages in a web site. Tables can be inserted using the Insert menu or the Table button. Table rows, columns, cell spacing, cell padding, alignment and size need to be selected when inserting a table. However, tables can be edited by right clicking on the selected table.
Linking PagesLinking to other pages or within the same page is simple to do. To link to other pages, highlight the word or image that will serve as a link and click on the link button.
Then choose the file or location to link the word or image.
As long as the linked file is accessible, the viewer can click to a new location. The link feature can also connect to other parts within the same page. This feature was used in developing this web page. However, to link to a location within a web page, a target needs to be setup. A target can be setup by putting the curser in the desired location and clicking on the target button.
Choose a name for that target and the same name will be using when linking to that location. After setting up links, the user should check all of the links to ensure that they work.
Final Thoughts
Developing web pages can be an interesting and enjoyable experience. Users should try the different software packages available and use whichever they are most comfortable. You do not need to be an expert in HTML to develop web pages. However, you will need to be willing to spend time working on the computer and experimenting with different ideas. There are many different possibilities for web sites. Hopefully, this tutorial is a good starting block for a beginner using Netscape Composer. Just remember, if you need more help.....use the Help menu.
