I know this isnt a simple question and there is probably alot to it. But I would like any and all help I can possibly get.

Im wanting to build my church a better website. They currently already have a domain and website. But it looks like one of those dial up bulletin boards from the early 90s instead of an upto date website. It has alot of information on it like events, prayer requests, etc but its very hard to navigate and seldomly gets updated...

here is an example of a church website that I like alot... this is my mother in laws church and their sites seems alot more up to date and professional... So basically Id like to build something like this....

http://www.crossroadschristian.net/cccweb/

I have alot of expierence in Corel Draw and a few design programs because I use them to do logos, artwork, etc for my store... but actual website building I have little expierence. But Id like to learn. I have used homestead.com and other simple free website builders where you basically just drag, drop, type text, import pics, etc but nothing very complicated...

does anyone have any knowledge in this field and would be willing to give me a little info and help to get started???

thanks

There are two different roads that you can take,
1)Get Dreamweaver, GoLive or [shudder] FrontPage and use an interface design program. These are mostly point and click and are easy to learn and so you can get your site up and running quickly.
2)Learn HTML and CSS. This is harder and takes more time, but I think it's better. When you know the underlying layer and how the design programs actually do what they do, you can make it better.


Links:
Dreamweaver - http://www.macromedia.com/software/dreamweaver/
GoLive - http://www.adobe.com/products/golive/main.html
FrontPage - http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/FX010858021033.aspx

http://www.w3schools.com
http://www.w3schools.com/html/default.asp
or you can search for HTML tutorials, and find a lot of stuff.

Take care

of those 3 programs, which is most advanced, yet easiest to use?

I'd say it's between GoLive or Dreamweaver. I haven't used either extensively, but it seems more people on here know DW. You also have to look at how much it costs too. Both are US$399.99+tx
On the other hand you may already own FP (new US$199.99). It isn't very good, but it may be more realistic finacially.

I don't have an easy answer for you, but if money is no object, I'd say go with DreamWeaver MX.

I recommend Dreamweaver myself. Frontpage will get the job done but the result isn't always pleasing. You can always get the demo for Dreamweaver and test it out too.

use GoLive6!



[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v624/yo****me/sprayT.gif[/IMG]

DreamWeaver MX 2004!

well guys, I talked to a buddy who has FP2003 and a copy of that will be free to me instead of forking out $500 for MX or whatever....

i realize i may not be able to do the super duper fancy flash websites like I really like, that will take a better program I can buy later and also maybe a learning class... but that will come in time.... in the meantime, id like to REALLY improve on the site we have

here is our site right now

http://www.mansfieldcc.org/

as you can see, ifs out of date, and id like to improve.... would I be able to get the "look" im going for with FP2003? i was even thinking of purchasing one of the religious templates i found online you can buy.... that would get be a really big head start....


also, if I wanted to have TOP NEWS STORIES, games, message boards, etc where can I find information on how to bring that to the site? I figure there is a way to have top news stories linked to the site without actually having to do any updating daily....

this website has top news everyday and it says "enhanced by Crossmap.com"

http://www.christiantoday.com/

so the webmaster of that site, do they just link to a certain place and that top news stories automatically changes everyday? they webmaster doesnt really have to type in all that info and change pics, etc

what about some simple flash games or message boards like this?? how can I do this stuff also??

sorry for the broad and multiple questions... but i think once I get this basic info I can be on my way!!

thanks ALOT guys!

I always recommend HTML TOOL-Kit ... It's FREE!! From Chami.com

Ooooohhh, I see what you mean your site is out-dated.

It seems as though Crossmap does provide stories for ChristianToday, you would have to contact crossmap and see if they would do the same for you and what sort of software you would need to install. Make sure that your host can handle this.

Flash games and message boards are more advanced. Would you think about creating your own flash games, this would involve purchasing FlashMX at US$500. You may be able to get them off the net for free somewhere. Also check out www.hotscripts.com for free ASP/PHP etc... they'd have some stuff for Forums etc...

ya i would not want to create my own games... i was just figuring there were small little games like pacman, etc that I could put on the site and it would keep high scores, etc

so do you think someone like that crossmaps charges for that link to the top stories, or is something like that free?

I think that they'd charge, but I really don't know you'd have to contact them to find out.

i think I may get a Dreamweaver MX..... im wondering if anyone knows of a website or link to somehwere that has some tutorials. Im looking for a video that might cover everything from loading up a new page from the begining to the more advanced things....

anyone know of a REALLY good tutorial I can sit down and watch for hours that will teach me?

there aren't any tutorials that i know of like that, just bits and peices here and there, but the program itself will teach you enough.

I agree if you want to go for the looks you have said you do then frontpage isn't going to do that - i would recommend dreamweaver - but i have also used other free ones in the past and they have been ok - what you are also going to need is something to make images in - maybe if you got macromedia studio you could kill all birds - yeah not going to be cheap but you get flash, dreamweaver, fireworks and others included and could then use em all - the tutorials help and also use the power of google and you'll be ok.
I don't see that steep a learning curve when people start - altho you can't aim high and instantly get a good site - you have to grow with your skills.

okay, i just got a copy of Dreamworks MX, Cold Fusion, Fireworks, Flash and Freehand.... lol now Im really lost....

I have done simple building in the past on homestead.com, when you pay for a site there, they include their own software and its basically a program where you litterally drag and drop stuff... change color, move around, link to places, etc and then save and publish... really simple

here is the website of my own business I did on homestead program

www.awardsandbeyond.com

its pretty basic, but did that about a year and half ago for my first time using their program...

so I got the biggest step out of the way now, I have all the software (i also own Corel Draw if that will come into play)

so anyone have any pointers on how i get started? i was really hoping for a good tutorial