HWG-Techniques List FAQ

This document contains answers to commonly asked questions on the HWG-techniques mailing list.

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1. How do I open a new browser window?
2. How do I make an image rollover effect which validates?
3. Are coding techniques better than WYSIWYG editors?
4. Can I stop people downloading my images?
5. What is CSS? Where can I learn about it?
6. How do I find out about AOL and it's proprietary browser?
7. Which browser and resoulution should I design for?
8. How do I get members opinion of my site?
9. What is the best way to submit to/rank highly in search engines
10. How do I update more than one frame at a time (and other frame-based questions)?
11. For more information

1. How do I open a new browser window
   

   Netscape's Javascript guide states the format should be:
   windowVar = window.open("URL", "windowName" [,"windowFeatures"])

   Possible windows features include:

   • toolbar[=yes|no] or [=1|0]
   • location[=yes|no] or [=1|0]
   • directories[=yes|no] or [=1|0]
   • status[=yes|no] or [=1|0]
   • menubar[=yes|no] or [=1|0]
   • scrollbars[=yes|no] or [=1|0]
   • resizable[=yes|no] or [=1|0]
   • width=pixels
   • height=pixels

   Example:
   <A HREF="javascript:msgWindow=window.open('file.html',
   'displayWindow','menubar=no,scrollbars=yes,status=yes,
   width=200,height=200');"

   NOTE: The above code should not wrap when placed in the HTML file

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2. How do I make an image rollover effect which validates?
   

   The web abounds with tutorials on image rollovers. One tutorial example can be found from Webreference.com at http://www.webreference.com/js/column1/

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3. Are coding techniques better than WYSIWYG editors?
   

   This is a topic where members have to agree to disagree. WYSIWYG Editors traditionally added their own generic code to a HTML page, often causing a multitude of validation problems - fortunately the newer programs are much better in this respect.

   WYSIWYG editors are a time-saving devices and make complex coding like tables extremely simple. However hand coding is still necessary for some of the interactive techniques beyond generic scripts.

   In summary, what is appropriate for some people will not be appropriate for others.

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4. Can I stop people downloading my images?
   

   In short, no. If you don't want people to download your information, then you should not make it available on a web site. IP blocking and password protection are means of restricting access, but the simple act of viewing a site means the page has been downloaded.

   Various techniques to disable right mouse clicks and present images within Java applets make it more difficult for people to 'hijack your work', but will not prevent screen-captures, cache investigations, and other methods of retrieval.

   Further links to copyright sites are provided in the HWG-Business FAQ while general information can be found in the HWG Copyright FAQ

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5. What is CSS? Where can I learn about it?
   

   The Guild maintains a FAQ on Cascading Style Sheets and has a mailing list, HWG-Style, specifically devoted to the topic.

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6. How do I find out about AOL and it's proprietary browser?
   

   AOL maintains a site for webmasters at http://webmaster.info.aol.com/

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7. Which browser and resolution should I design for?
   

   This is discussed in the HWG-Basics FAQ and several sources of web access stats are provided..

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8. How do I get members opinion of my site?
   

   The Guild has created a special list for such requests. HWG-Critique is the only Guild list where such questions are appropriate.

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9. What is the best way to submit to/rank highly in search engines
   

   Generally, each search engine has its own criteria controlling how a page ranks. It is best to investigate advice provided by the search engine to which you are submitting.

   Submission software like SubmitWolf and Webposition are two examples of software tools you can use.

   SearchEngineWatch contains advice and statistics and numerous web promotion and submission sites are listed at Deee's Homepage http://users.erols.com/foxdm/advertis.htm.

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10. How do I update more than one frame at a time (and other frame-based questions)?
    

    The HWG Frame's FAQ answers most questions regarding frames.

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11. For More Information
    

    If you feel that you have a topic that should be added, you may submit it to the list guides at hwg-techniques-help@hwg.org.

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