Ok, I want to create a website for my family so we can put pictures up and stuff from our various locations around the world, i've typed the name I want for my website into the browser and it says it cannot be found so i'm assuming it is free for me to use?

I just want to know how I get my own website up? it'll only be basic stuff and only of interest to the family but seems like a good idea.

what software will I need etc?

Most ISPs include web space as part of their package, so for that side of things, go to your ISP's homepage. As regards software, Word is OK for basic stuff, as you just do everything as if you were making an ordinary document, and then select 'save as webpage', and it automatically sorts out all the html and makes folders for the images and stuff. It's not great for super-duper web design, but most people's familiarity with it is a big advantage...

If you were planning anything more than sort of 'novice' level stuff (doesn't sound like you need to do anything particularly flash, however), you'd need some specialist software - I'm not the best to advise on that front.

Word or publisher will work or if you like MS stuff MS Frontpage will do most things and is easy to use .....if you want to go to bigger and better things then Dreamweaver and flash but that may be a bit too much expense ....frontpage is around

if your interested in writing it in html you could have a look at www.htmlgoodies.com

there are loads of tutorials on there about designing your own web pages etc... using no more then notepad. You could also download a program called webnotepad which is basically the same as the one that comes with windows, but it also checks your html as you go along, and lays it out in a nice fashion for easy reading.

If you dont want to get that into it then I woudl also suggest something like word if you already have it as above.

It would be good to check your isp too as some isp's give you free or shareware packages and guides to your first webpage with their free space.

You need to register the domain name you want too, lots of companies can do this but I've used http://www.1and1.co.uk before who seem fine, there is a charge for this but fairly minimal, you can do a year, two years or five years typically.

You can then simply set the domain name up using 1and1's web based control panel to forward to your website hosted by your ISP (assuming your ISP has some webspace for you to use - if not 1and1 and others can host it, there will be a charge).

As others have said use Word or MS Publisher to produce the webpage, then you have to upload it to the host. Typically you will need a file called index.htm (or index.html) to begin which is the first page starting point returned when someone accesses the website.

Beware of some domain name registration websites where they ask you to type in the name you want to see if it's registered. They then see someone's interested in the domain and register it themselves :eek: cheeky blighters.

Use the whois etc tools at http://www.demon.net/external/ to see what's available (beware there's different databases for .com, .net and .co.uk etc but obvious on that page).

Have fun!

As thegavster says, check out htmlgoodies, or download.com and find a freebe html editor website creator program. That makes the website. Word etc are not fit for purpose; a freebe web designing app is better than an expensive word processor etc.

Next you need somewhere to host it. Don't go with Micky Mouse free ISP hostings; carp and unreliable, and if you move ISPs you lose your site.

I run Extraction Hosting as an aside, we set it up to host websites for local organisations etc. (mostly for friends and friends of friends) like Scout Groups, karate clubs etc, who were getting ripped off by ISPs who were also giving them carp service. Have a few companies hosted to pay the bills. Fast reliable service for very low price. There are a few other worthwhile places similar to host, once you have that you can buy a domain name (easiest through them but make sure it's in your name in case you want to move). Looking at around £9 for 2yrs for a .uk. Domain name points to the host server, upload your site and you're away.

Feel free to PM if you get stuck anywhere along the way

I've used http://www.1and1.co.uk[/url'] before who seem fine

I've used 1and1 before, and they were pretty atrocious. Fine if you buy something, but doing any kind of maintenance on the account or terminating is an extremely flaky procedure. The customer service is pretty poor, they just send out standard e-mails without bothering to read what you send them. They're also quite expensive compared to the competition.

Best place I've ever found is Heart Internet who not only are one of the cheapest around for domain names and hosting, but any queries I've ever had have always been answered within 20 minutes. No affiliation, just a very happy customer.

Rob.

I just received the latest issue of pc format through the post and on this months dvd is webplus 7. Its the full programme and normally sells for £60. Just thought I would let you know as it might be worth picking up a copy from your local newsagent. If you need any help locating the mag. Its the one with the dirty looking woman on the front in a blue top just big enough for her bossom, with a bunch of keys in her hand.

Edit : added bonus. it also has a three track demo of toca race driver 3 on it

Nice one, cheers mate i'll pick one of those up!!

Nice one, cheers mate i'll pick one of those up!!

Hopefully it will be in the shops now. I get mine early normally due to subscription, but on occasion its been in the shops the same day.

That's a good program, do the job nicely

I have used www.easily.co.uk to purchase addresses in the past. Frontpage is OK and if you want something basic has templates built in that you only have to add text and pictures to.

If your web site is small enough I find ISP hosting to be sufficient, i've had hardly any problems at all with my Pipex web space.