Hi sorry if the proz find this post irritating but I got a few questions as I want to learn proper website creation:

1. Which is the best way to implement dynamic pages? ASP, PHP or...?

2. What kind of programming languages or skills do I need to equip myself with if I want to be a professional webmaster?

3. How do I get a forum such as the one we are in up?

4. What kind of tools should I have?

Thanks if anyone can help.

:)

Well... let's see...

1. ASP needs Windows hosting. PHP is usually found on Unix/Linux. I think it will be easier to do PHP and get a host, than ASP and get a host, but that's just my oppinion.

2. HTML is a must, as well as it's sisters CSS and XML/XHTML. Then look into PHP and dabble some in java. That should do it. BTW I used standrad HTML for a VERY long time, and got a few scripts from free sites (javascripts). Now I use CSS, and have just started looking into PHP. I consider myself a professional webmistress. It helps if you can make your own graphics.

3. This is vBulletin, but there are some free forum engines as well. Look around.

4. Free 1stpage2000 HTML editor. Free SmartFTP for uploading. Photoshop (not free). Maybe Flash and Dreamweaver, but that's not essential.

Do your coding by hand as much as possible. That way you make sure it works properly. Check www.w3.org for standards on HTML etc.

In relation to the answer for Q1, it is also cheaper to host on Linux servers than on Windows servers.

1. Which is the best way to implement dynamic pages? ASP, PHP or...?
PHP, you will find many more scripts and tutorials for free


2. What kind of programming languages or skills do I need to equip myself with if I want to be a professional webmaster?
Basically html, CSS, SSI etc.

3. How do I get a forum such as the one we are in up?
Invisionboard, phpbb,xmb etc. for free or vbulletin for paid forum script

4. What kind of tools should I have?
Frontpage, Dreamweaver or Flash (paid or free), you will find many more software for you can use of you coded or easily editor on software/freeware archives.

1. PHP. You'll find quite a bit of tutorials as mentioned, plus it's fairly easy to learn.

2. PHP (requested alot), JavaScript, HTML, DHTML, should XHTML as well, and don't forget CSS.

3. vBulletin is great. There is also XMB, Invision, phpBB, and tons more. Some are better than others, but there is a great selection among the free ones.

4. This is a tough question, because it obviously depends on your goals. If you have some high goals for yourself as a designer/webmaster, this can be quite expensive. However, here's a list of weapons in our arsenal:

- Notepad (not suggested for beginners) - Free

- Patience

- Dreamweaver

- Patience

- WebExpress

- Patience

- CoffeeCup HTML Editor (we don't use this often, but it's still good) Free version avail.

- Patience

- Flash MX or at least Flash 5

- Patience

- Swish 2

- Patience

- Swift 3D

- Patience

- Adobe PhotoShop or PaintShop Pro for image editing

- Patience

- Crimson Editor for php and other coding projects - Free

- Patience

- GroupMail (we use this for mass mailing our clients, and for newsletters) there may be some free ones though. However, this is one of the best applications for this purpose, that I have found.

- I think you get the patience pattern....lol so no more

- Bryce 5, 3DS Max, and Poser (not necessary, unless you want to do 3D imagery)

- Time to learn all this stuff.

- Some good tutorials

- Som nice people found at WHT, and other boards.

Originally posted by ROCKiTMan
1. Which is the best way to implement dynamic pages? ASP, PHP or...?

2. What kind of programming languages or skills do I need to equip myself with if I want to be a professional webmaster?

3. How do I get a forum such as the one we are in up?

4. What kind of tools should I have?

Thanks if anyone can help.

:)

1. There's no really best way. They all do their jobs. ASP however being proprietary MS technology runs well only on MS. At the same time, as pointed out, it does cost more. But that of course need not be the only factor to decide. PHP does have a thriving community who is more than willing to lend a hand.

2. They are a few categories
- Layout/Text/Display
Most people make do with HTML as the base, and start working upwards to things like Javascripts, and such. I had also started with just HTML and stayed there for a long while. CSS is something that's very useful to know as it takes care of your page display elements well and easily.

- Graphics
The basic really is to know how to do your own graphics. Sure you can try to rip from other websites, but I am sure you be famous here shortly :D. So knowing a graphic manipulation tool like Photoshop can be extremely helpful (Also for a quick layout/concept display)

- Others
A good eye is what it takes sometimes. Can't force this things... but it helps.

3. Forums
Vbulletin is paid and a license cost over $100. If that's fine for your budget, go get it. It's one of the easier to customise and scalable boards.

Good boards for free are Invision (www.invisionboard.com) and Phpbb (www.phpbb.com)

4. Similar to the skills you need... the basics is a Page editor (My favourite is Dreamweaver from Macromedia www.macromedia) and Photoshop from Adobe www.adobe.com)

Good luck to your adventure into the unknown :)

Thanks to all the proz who have given me their advice. This forum is great and full of frenly ppl! :) Kudos to the owner.

Looks like I'll need to read up more on HTML, CSS and PHP 1st... Cheers!!!