David van der Tang At School

Overview

1. The worldwide web is an unprecedented development in world history which allows people across the world to be in instant contact with one another regardless of geographical location.

Basic Structure

1. A significant part of the web is physical. Powerful computers run the web; servers make information available upon request and routers control the flow of data across the web.
2. Over 90% of the communication through the web is transmitted through long fibre optic cables that are draped across the ocean floor connecting the continents.
3. Your home computer or local network connects to the web through a modem.

Web Software on your PC

1. The main piece of software that enables your pc to communicate via the web is called a web browser. The most common browser is Internet Explorer and the next most siginficant is Firefox. There are others such as Safari, Opera and Chrome, the latest release from Google.
2. As multimedia content on the www has increased a need has emerged for software that makes it possible to use interactive multimedia. Javascript and Flash Player are very important in this regard. You might have noticed that your computer updates these from time to time.

Types of Websites

1. The type of website depends largely on its purpose and the language used to create it.
2. The most common type of website is built in html with an emphasis on simply displaying information.  Most other websites will use html but in combination with other languages to achieve a range of additional functions.
3. Php is a widely used language to construct sites that involve read/write functionality e.g. websites like this one which are easy to update by average users, online shopping websites.
4. Asp, a microsoft product which does more or less the same as Php.
5. Flash and Javascript allow for the creation of sophisticated visual material involving animation and interaction.

Tools for Creating Online Material

1. Adobe has created the Dreamweaver suite which is the most comprehensive package of web creation software available.
2. Dreamweaver allows you to write websites in all major internet related languages and is essentially the program which allows you to create the layout for your website.
3. Fireworks is primarily an image creation and editing program which allows you to create graphics and a range of simple animation functions to be imported into Dreamweaver.
4. Flash is the program which allows you to create sophisticated animations and interactive material.

Flash or Dreamweaver?

1. It is possible to bypass Dreamweaver and to produce a website exclusively in Flash.  The question is, is this a good idea?
2. From  design point of view, the Flash option is very attractive.  Flash allows you to have complete control of all elements of your design.  You can place design elements wherever you please without the risk of a browser bug upseting your design.  You also have complete flexibility over the fonts that you use.  You can created sophisticated animations and effects which will certainly enhance your website’s look.  In terms of functionality, a Flash website will provide instant responses to all inputs.
3. There are however significant disadvantages to having a website created purely in Flash.  If a viewer does not have the appropriate version of Flash player on their computer, they will not be able to view your site.  The file size of most Flash sites can be quite large resulting in overly long download times.  The greatest weakness is that Google and other search engines can’t read Flash which means that a purely Flash based site is less likely to receive priority when viewers conduct a Google search than a website which is html based.
4. At present, a hybrid approach is probably best.  Use html for the basic architecture of the site and include Flash content to enhance the site’s appearance and functionality.