Contents:

Overview
Webmastering is the art and skill of developing a website.  Webmastering skills require knowledge of:

• HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language)
• CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
• PHP (Internet server scripting language; ASP on windows-based servers)
• SQL (Database)
• JavaScript (browser-based scripting language)
• FLASH (Macromedia Rich Content platform)
• Graphic manipulation
• Internet hosting configuration options

The level of skill required depends largely on the website’s requirements.  For example, a very simple web page can be constructed from Microsoft Word or PowerPoint, as each of these programs have the capability to render pages in HTML.  In fact, an entire website (albeit limited) can be constructed using these desktop programs.  Although this option does not require much skill, neither of these programs will produce a well-designed website.  Nor are they able to construct a Contact Us web form.  For more professional looking and more complex websites, more skill and experience are required.

Types of Websites
The webmastering community commonly refers to two different kinds of websites: static and dynamic.  Static websites (also known as HTML websites) are typically developed with HTML code.  Each web page has a corresponding website HTML file.  All the files are joined together with HTML links – typically in the website menu.

Dynamic websites are different in that there are no distinctive files for each web page.  Instead, page content is kept in a database (MySQL) and is joined with PHP/HTML/CSS code to assemble a page “on the fly” or “on demand.”  These kinds of websites are also known as CMS (Content Management System) platforms.  The most popular are: Joomla, Drupal, and WordPress.

Of the two types of websites, static and dynamic, static websites are the easiest to develop – one file for each web page.  But once the website gets larger than say, 10 pages, or requires special functionality, a CMS dynamic website may be easier.  Furthermore, a good CMS platform offers built-in functionality.  Joomla allows users to add menu items and content much faster and much more easily than static HTML websites.

Perhaps the most significant advantage of CMS platforms is the “front end” content editing.  Website owners may access a content editing screen from within their Internet browser, which is similar to Microsoft Word (see image to right).  With basic Word-like editing skills, owners can make content changes and additions instantly.

But CMS platforms come at a price.  The skill and experience required to set up a CMS website are more involved.  Although there are many books and online tutorials covering CMS installation and setup, the tasks required are still daunting for the novice.  Even for the skilled professional, setting up a Database and installing Joomla properly is a 45-minute task.  Configuring Joomla, adding menus, adding contact forms, and formatting adjustments, will require an additional 2-3 hours.  But after the initial setup work is complete, adding content is easy.

Webmastering Skills
The world of Internet hosting would like everyone to believe that making a nice looking and well performing website is easy and does not require special skills.  The industry has made good progress and offers various options.  There are server-based tools like Site Studio, offered by Truepath, for basic but limited page construction.

HTML editors have improved and offer more features.  And there are many website (static and dynamic) templates available to get a "running start."  Yet in every case, constructing a well-designed website for a specific need requires some level of skill – more options and complexity require more skill.

As in most industries, having the right tools can make a big difference in webmastering.  If you intend to be your own webmaster, then consider installing the tools mentioned below.

Webmaster tools fall into 3 basic categories:

• FTP clients
• Editors
• Debugging Tools

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) clients are programs that reside on your local computer and communicate with your hosting environment.  The FTP process is similar to dragging and dropping files from one file folder to another – except in this case, one of the folders is located on the hosting server.

Editors are another class of tools that reside on your local computer.  The most common editors are HTML editors that facilitate editing of existing HTML, or create new HTML code.  Some add PHP and CSS editing functions as well.

Some editing tools, like CoffeeCup, save web files in a proprietary format and use a publishing function to convert files to HTML and then FTP them to the hosting environment.  Although this process seems simple, it means local files are not saved in HTML format and you will not be able to use an FTP client to move files back and forth.  Saving files in HTML format and using a stand alone FTP client is always preferred.

Debugging Tools are a special class of tool.  They help isolate programming code associated with a specific location or function on a website page.  These tools are extremely helpful when making small but important formatting or function adjustments.

Truepath HTML and Joomla Templates
As mentioned earlier, website templates provide webmasters a “running start.”  It is always easier to modify an existing template than to create a new one from scratch.  And because there are so many templates available for a modest cost, website templates have become a common starting point.

Website templates are constructed for specific website platforms.  There are templates designed for HTML static websites, FLASH sites, and Joomla CMS platforms.

Until recently, we at Truepath have always referred our hosting subscribers to other template websites.  But our subscribers asked for more options with a Christian emphasis.  So we have created more than 100 templates for Truepath subscribers.  Our standard HTML templates for static website development are free.

If you want a fully customized website template, we can do that too.  Our customized template program includes a 45-minute web session so you can customize every one of the 11 different design elements:

1. Color Scheme (over 150 standard color schemes can be customized)
2. Font Style (font family, style and size)
3. Layout (arrangement and columns)
4. Background (color, gradient, glare, image)
5. Sheet (page width, top offset, padding, radius, border, shadow, fill, and style)
6. Header Design (image, size, position, color, glare, gradient, blur, headline, tagline)
7. Menu Design (top, drop, style, color, border, passive/active/hover)
8. Article Design (page content, style, attributes)
9. Block Design (left/right columns, style, background, header, content)
10. Button Design (shape, gradient, border, shadow, fill, text)
11. Footer Design (fill, gradient, texture, alignment, padding, text color)

Template files include an index page, a CSS file, and images used in the template in a separate folder.  All the files are placed in a single .zip file so we can email it to you.

For Joomla users who already have a Truepath Joomla template and want to create and maintain their website content but don’t want the responsibility of Joomla setup and configuration, Truepath offers three additional services.

The Joomla Installation and basic configuration service is designed for those that would prefer having Truepath install and configure Joomla in their hosting environment.  This service includes:

• Installation into root or designated directory
• Creation of MySQL Db for Joomla
• Performance of initial setup
• Loading of JCE editor (add-on)
• Sending all login information to owner
• Typical availability within 8 business hours

The Joomla Website page configuration service goes one step further and includes the installation of a Truepath Joomla template basic website functions.  This service includes:

• Installationa of Joomla template
• Adition of Header Logo/Name/Tagline
• Aditions of menu items
• Creation of 10 pages
• Creation one Joomla core Contact Us form
• “Front End” login set-up for content editing
• Typical availability within 8-16 business hours

The Joomla Website Lease Option is for those who would prefer leasing a Joomla website.  Truepath takes care of all technical issues; subscribers need only add content through Joomla’s front end editor.  Plans are available for 5, 10, 15 and 25-page websites.

• Installation and basic configuration (see above)
• Website page configuration (see above)
• Webmaster support accrued every 3 months