• Build community & promote interaction
• Experiment with new marketable technology
• Distribute (multimedia) information quickly and cheaply

Homepages consist of HTML documents and other files (graphics, text, sound, video clips) that are linked to the HTML document. HTML documents are text files that have been marked-up using a language called HTML. HTML files can be created using almost any text editor. Specific HTML editors can be used to speed up adding HTML codes.

Fortunately, just a few HTML codes must be added before a document can be published. As publishers gain experience, the more complicated codes can be added for desired special effects. It is easy to use codes to markup paragraphs, lists, images, & links. Multiple level indents, fancy tables and type limitations pose formatting challenges.

By viewing and studying the source code (HTML file) of the pages you admire. If the page's code seems overly complicated try viewing a simpler page. As you explore 'behind the scenes' of pages you will start to learn the codes needed to markup your own document. Or if codes are unappealing to you, try some of the 'point and click' homepage builders like PageMill. To view the HTML markup codes used to create any HTML document follow these steps: 1. Select View from the Netscape menu bar 2. Select Source... from the View list While you are viewing the HTML source document you can copy it using the standard Macintosh (Command-C) and Windows (Ctrl-C) copy commands. Or you can save the HTML file using the Save As.. command, selecting Source/HTML as the format type.

Yes, there are official standard & not so official dialects called v1.0, 2.0, 3.0, N1.1, & N2.0. The official language is developed by a global consortium. With each revision the number associated increases. Some companies have developed codes not approved by the consortium. Although it is fun to try unsupported codes, they can be problematic for some browsers.