.HTML, .cgi and web design resources
Many online volunteer assignments involve some kind of
building a Web page or creating an online form and accompanying script.
Because the vast majority of NGOs cannot provide training
in these areas, we provide links to other Web sites that can help online
volunteers learn Web design skills. If you already know how to design
web sites, this section can provide you with insight into the philosophy
and culture of mission-based organizations as they relate to Web design
and online outreach.
Before you start building a web
site...
Review these resources, which detail the philosophy and culture of mission-based
organizations as they relate to Web design and online outreach:
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The Web Building section provides nonprofit organizations with tools
and resources to build and host a website organization's mission.
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Information to take a mission-based organization through the entire
Web development process, whether they are going to develop the web
site internall or work with an outside consultant or volunteer.
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Although written for a particular state's government, these guidelines
present principles that can help any agency decide how best to design,
manage, and market Web services. The site emphasizes important topics
that are often neglected on other "how-to" web sites, including:
setting service objectives and policies, organizing and managing
staff and other resources, assessing costs and effectiveness.
Learning .HTML
Web language is simple to learn. Also, it's important to learn the basics
of .html even if you are using software that automatically marks up
text with .html, because such software won't always do exactly what
you want it to do, and you have to know how to delete or change certain
features manually! To learn .html programming and the dos and don'ts
of building a Web site:
This web hosting company also offers Web Primers, HTML Guides, tips
for publishing and publicizing a site, web-based tools, Mac and Windows
web tools, tips for icons and web graphics, and links to many, many
other interesting and useful resources.
A free web builder (and favorite tool of some online volunteers) to
create and manage Web sites. "Ask any professional web builder and
they'll tell you the sad stories behind using standard WYSIWYG editors.
Professional web builders know that WYSIWYG editors never create clean
html code which means they'll end up wasting more time fixing, cleaning
and correcting code later on. With this common problem in mind, you'll
be glad to hear that 1st Page never ruins HTML code, in fact it doesn't
even add unwanted html codes to your important projects." Evrsoft
1st Page 2000 helps you write, edit and improve your HTML and let
you author web sites faster, easier and better. "Whether you're a
beginner or an HTML guru you'll find 1st Page 2000 great to use!"
A collection of free-of-cost, freeware or shareware oftwares/tools
which enable communities, NGOs and individuals to create interactive
websites without incurring any monetary cost. The kit is being translated
into languages other than English, and remote volunteer help is provided
to communities, organisations and individuals to clarify their doubts/difficulties
and help them make use of the resources in the tool kit.
A remote website-based as well as e-mail administered web designing
course for individuals, organisations and communities working towards
sustainable development. Under TechKnow, simple-to-use Modules have
been created to enable even a layperson to design and host a website.
Remote help is also provided by KnowNet Volunteers through emails
to enable organisations and individuals to design their websites absolutely
free-of-cost.
Commitment to Web Site Accessibility
UNV is committed to making its web site pages accessible to both people
who use special tools to access the Web (because of disabilities) and
to those who aren't on the best computers and software.
A sight-impaired person might use a browser that talks
to them, or a screen enhancer that magnifies what's on a web page, for
instance. Often, web pages confuse these assistive technologies, thereby
preventing the user from getting to access the information.
Many web sites also feature audio greetings -- but there's
no text alternative, or a notice to let a deaf user know that an audio
greeting is playing and where to read what's being said. Or, a menu
on a web site requires users to hold down more than one key to make
a choice on a form -- someone who has limited mobility may not be able
to.
If you want to learn more about how to make pages accessible
and help other agencies -- please view the information at:
Also have a look at ,
which allows users to test their sites using several free tools. Visitors
can check the validity and compatibility of their HTML, check their
links, see the site at various screen sizes, and create metatags. In
addition, the site also offers directories of additional resources and
free tools and information about site promotion.
In additi on, there are
Advanced, Interactive and Automated
Functions
If you want to try your hand at automated functions
(surveys, forms, etc.), check out:
- by Webcom, a Web site hosting service. Easy to
read and understand.
- contains many FREE Perl and CGI scripts, ready
to download and use!! Also includes demonstrations, working examples
and FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions and their answers).
- cgi-lib.pl simplifies the
processing of HTML forms and creating dynamic web pages. This library
is maintained by FreeCode, which is owned by Open Source Development
Network, Inc. ("OSDN"), a leading news, collaboration and distribution
community for IT and Open Source development, implementation and
innovation. OSDN sites offer IT news, development tools, distribution
and discussion channels, cutting-edge editorial, and ongoing education
and evangelism among the IT and Open Source community.
- the excellent that includes an "idiot's guide" to solving common scripting
problems.
- includes lots of free resources for web designers,
including "The Layout Reservoir" and cascading style sheets (CSS)
information.
- is an excellent resource
for layout resources. Includes CSS Techniques, CSS Resources and
CSS Tutorials
- , from Sun Microsystems. Very detailed,
extensive information.
For more information on building client and server side
image maps, visit the .
