One of the reasons for the rapid expansion of the World Wide Web has been the introduction of Web page creation tools that allow anyone to create homepages. Instead of having to learn H-T-M-L programming, students, families, and retirees can now put pictures and text together to introduce themselves to the world. Many Web sites now offer you free Web space to create your own homepage. Most Internet service providers also include a certain amount of space for your own page. The first step in creating a homepage is to decide what you want to use it for. Do you want to show pictures of your family, friends, or pets, and tell a few funny stories about them? Do you want to share with the world the tips and tricks you've learned in your profession? Or do you want to reveal secrets of the universe that you've recently discovered? The Web is a good place for all three, and countless other possibilities. First, you'll want to write the words, using any word processing software. Next, decide on what, if any, graphics you want to include. Do you want a colored background, or even a picture? Once you have the text and an idea of what the page should look like, you're ready to start creating your page. There are a number of programs available to put all the elements together. Netscape Navigator comes with a Web page construction tool called 'Composer.' Microsoft's Internet Explorer has a similar one called Frontpage Express. Other Web page creation tools can be found at the sites offering the Web space. These will be the simplest, prompting you for each piece of information. You'll be asked the title of your page, the colors you want to use for text and background, and what graphics you want to include. Fill in the blanks and before you know it, you have your own place on the Web. One word of advice, though. When you see your page in its finished form, be sure and bookmark it or add it to your favorites. You want to be able to find it again.
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