dom.net

This week we covered the following topics:

How Not to Use Dreamweaver:

• Dom: Don't prototype with an external CSS file. Embed your testing CSS in your example file. This allows easy undo and save. When you're done, export your CSS and link it to other pages.
• Christina: Don't bother configuring a remote server for testing. Preview to localhost on your Mac.
• Bryan: Don't just select in Design View. Use the Tag Selector to make sure you've got the right selection for a copy or paste.
• Sam: Don't use <font>. Also, don't use Expanded Tables mode, use Table Layout and Standard mode instead.
• Adam: Don't forget to rename your automatically created CSS.
• Maureen: Don't take it all in at once. Be methodical about learning. Start with the menus, learn some keyboard shortcuts.
• Ben: Don't mess up your links by moving your files around! Use root-relative links, or allow Dreamweaver to update your links if you do need to move a file.
• Jake: Don't guess about CSS. Watch the Relevant CSS panel to see what styles are applied.
• All: Don't forget to save!

Taking advantage of the Mac:

• Disclosure arrow/button in Open dialog allows you to navigate all folders.
• Screen Capture: Apple+Shift+3
• Your Mac is a Web Server:

1. System Preferences > Sharing > Personal Web Sharing
2. Then visit http://localhost/
3. Localhost directory is [root]/Library/Webserver/Documents/
4. Set up your Testing Server in your Site Preferences to be this Localhost directory.
5. Hit F12 for a local preview, with root-relative links intact.

Homework:

1. Draw a Web design on paper. Armed with CSS and tables, design your site in Dreamweaver. Try Table Layout mode. Try the table button in the Insert bar. Or use Insert > Table. Use right-click (Control +Click) in the table to access menus, or examine the Property Inspector. Remember Text > CSS Styles > New.
2. For inspiration, visit the CSS Zen Garden and try "select a design".
3. If you get stuck, try Help > Dreamweaver Support Center.
4. Go to Bloglines.com. Create an account. Figure out how to:
   • Add Dom.net's RSS feed.
   • Add news.bbc.co.uk's news feed.
   • Create a blog and post to it. Send me your Blog URL.

March 23, 2005