Tutorials: Resources

To build an awesome website you'll need some resources from around the web. Below are some that I personally use/have used, and they have helped me out a lot! These sources are great for find a server, images and other goodies for your website!

Servers
Geocities.com - Geocities was my original server for raw HTML. It's got a useful File Manager, but the only trouble with it is that it has a PageBuilder that lets new webmasters build cheap looking websites. Please refrain from using the PageBuilder.

Brinkster.com - Brinkster is the server I moved to after I needed a more advanced server than Geocities. It doesn't have a PageBuilder (yes!), and as well as letting you store a large amount of files for free, you can also have databases to build Forums, etc. If you want an even more advanced server you can pay for premium services.

Graphic Programs
Paint Shop Pro - Because MS Paint is bullcrap, to make decent graphics you'll need a program that can make excellent graphics easily, and also allows you to change files from .bmp to .gif format without distorting the color. You can download a free version of the program from it's website, but if you are serious about web design you might be better off buying it than downloading it over and over again.

Photoshop - While I generally use Photoshop to touch up pictures, it can also have great graphic potential. It is usually I little more expensive than Paint Shop Pro, but also has more tools to for actual pictures. You can download a free trial version from the Adobe website.

Forums/Guestbooks/Forms/Polls
Bravenet - Bravenet has a huge amount of services. You can get almost anything from just this website, next to your server this site is god.

Snitz Forums - Although this site is great for making advanced forums, I warn you: These forums are for VERY advanced users only! This forum requires you to have a database file on your server (Brinkster is a good server for this forum).

Tag Boards - This resource is growing very popular around the web, it lets your vistors post quick "tags" or messages right on your website, no forum or chat room required! Free service, easy to use.

Pictues/Photos
GettyOne - This site has a huge amounts of pictures to choose from. Many pictures have copyright notices on them however, and you may have to crop them out, but make sure you give GettyOne credit.

DHTML
Dynamic Drive - DynamicDrive has awesome advanced programs such as games, clocks, countdowns and other cool thingamajigs that you can add to your site.