Web Template Cast

We recently updated website of our Web Development Department. We made crisp and light design, that is compatible with W3C XHTML requirements. We also implemented some Ajax elements, that can be viewed on home page.

About IntelligenceStorm.com:

Intelligence Storm offers highly-motivated professionals, who are always ready to assist and provide services, such as programming, website development, web design, custom programming, website migration, system administration, creation of animated movies and also technical support of websites and servers maintenance. Each our employee has strong knowledges and consequently is a professional in his field. Altogether we form a strong team which is capable of resolving problems of any complexity and capacity, we form an Intelligence Storm!

Art-Builders.com that is the pioneer of Custom Art Development has released its brand new Web2.0 look and feel and features.

We launched our art shop . From now, it is possible to buy vector and and big size of raster clipart for only $2.45 and $0.95 accordingly. Small size is free of charge still.
We also updated the process of Custom Art Development. We think it became more easy with new user friendly membership area.

There are 3 simple steps to Get Started to work with us:

1. Register using this Sign Up form (we made it as simple as possible) and describe the art that needs to be developed.

2. After registration you can describe the art from Friendly Members area.
3. You can Ask a free quote: you just need to put brief description of the art into Send message to Art-Builders form
Thats it! We guarantee to respond to you within 12 hours with the quote.

Hello,

Lots of time passed since the last post. And now I’m back to post again.

During the time of silence we had been busy with redesigning of our main sites: art-builders.com and intelligencestorm.com

I’ll describe each one here in a few minutes in the next posts.

When creating a website, there are two different types of layouts that can be chosen: CSS layouts and Table layouts. These options achieve different results, as well as come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Accessibility issues also arise when using these two approaches.

CSS Layouts

CSS, which stands for Cascading Style Sheets used to be recognized as the most popular choice for formatting text, but in recent years, have found a place within the world of layout and positioning. When set up correctly and efficiently, this selection can prove to be quite beneficial, but one has to know that this can also be a lengthy process.

Even though CSS layouts are widely accepted by current browsers, older browsers do not support this option well. The layout is still usable because it displays the navigation and subject matter at the top of the page. Some of the positive aspects of CSS layouts are that positioning becomes more flexible, as well as increase capabilities by promoting a fluid design. CSS layouts feature a decreased load time by maintaining a low HTML/text ratio. With CSS, the main display loads first and the graphics appear after the main content has loaded.

CSS layout creates flexibility, allowing the content of a page to expand the same width as the screen. Single files within the layout can also be altered to improve screen and printing capabilities. CSS layouts is more user-friendly because the main information loads on the top of the screen, so that visitors to the website do not have to wait for the entire page to load. While they are concentrating on the information on the top of the screen, the larger items that take longer to load can load without becoming too much of a distraction.

CSS Accessibility

CSS layouts can ease accessibility dilemmas posed by table layouts because content in a CSS-based layout appears in a reasonable order without any interruptions. The layout is also favorable for disabled users by breaking down the information into easily digestible material.

Table Layouts

Tables have been a common tool used for designing websites for a while now, but since there has been the creation of many different browsers, some issues regarding compatibility and accessibility do arise. Websites that use tables are easier to apply than CSS layouts. Software like Frontpage and Dreamweaver easily work well with tables.

Some disadvantages to using tables, is that some problems with layout occur in some newer and older browsers. This option also alters the HTML/text ratio to increase the page file sizes when it isn’t necessary to do so.

Table Compatibility Issues

The majority of websites we see today use tables, from sites dealing with education to sites filled with news. One of the main issues regarding the table layouts is that users and web developers find problems with browser compatibility. There are several browsers on the market that are popular, such as Netscape and Internet Explorer, but there are also many other versions in use that should also be tested for compatibility. When browser compatibility tests are done, there are some browsers that will show gaps within the table layout. Elements appear on the layout that shouldn’t be seen, such as cells in odd positions or the presence of thicker columns. These matters take a lot of time and energy to correct.

Another reason why table layouts appear differently on various browsers is because there are many bugs within all browsers that cause problems with layout appearance. When designing a website, if Frontpage or Dreamweaver are used, there is a chance that the source code could be bombarded with pointless or worthless tags.

Table Accessibility Issues

Disabled Internet users work with various types of browsers including screen readers, speech output browsers, as well as Braille browsers. Using these browser choices with a table-based website can be a difficult and frustrating encounter. The way tables are presented and the way they are composed in the source code is quite different.

Text and speech output browsers, as well as screen readers interpret the source code in a line-by-line manner. It is then sent to the user in a way that they can understand. Problems occur when the cells of a source code are not linear. If the content does not appear in a logical order, then the material becomes hard to decipher into something a disabled user can understand. Another issue that arises is when an alternative browser detects a layout that includes tables within tables. This also causes a break in the appearance of the web page.

In conclusion, it is suggested that table layouts be used when it is a last resort. The better choice is to stick with layouts that utilize a CSS format.

A Hotel Web Template with a free version was added to TemplateFolio.com base. Full version includes flash header (it is possible to see it in preview), source files (fla, psd) and sliced into HTML pages. Free version is available for download with limited quality of graphics and without flash header and any source files.

The price of full version is $21.95 only! Take this oppotunity and buy this nice template for your hotel or small hotel business.

Size of full version archive is 6.86 Mb and size of ready to use template with flash header is 415 Kb.

The website is designed, the web host has been selected and the site is up and running; how do you get the word out on its existence? There are plenty of ways to call attention to a new website, including the registration into a search engine; submitting to a directory, as well as utilizing announcement sites.

Directory Registration
If a website owner wishes to be listed within a directory, their website will need to be registered first. This can be done by filling out a form and separately submitting each website page. The set up of a directory is quite easy to manage. Directories tend to be broken down into an array of categories, as well as subcategories. A website owner will then find that each section offers an “add URL” link in each category section. When registering web pages, an owner should skim through the available categories before choosing where to register. When the appropriate directory category has been found, all the owner has to do is fill out the corresponding submission form.

Submitting to a Search Engine
The way a search engine works can be a complicated thing to grasp, but it boils down to the use of software that allows the indexing of new web pages, as well as updated material that is available on the Internet. The software uses terms such as “robot” and “spider,” but all that is needed to understand is that there is a process that takes place on the Web where every new website on the Net is eventually recognized and then indexed according to web address.

All of the content on every page of a website, as well as the external links that are included becomes indexed on the Internet as well. Every website is detected and this process may take time. Some website owners prefer to submit their URL in order to receive quick attention.

What About an Announcement Site?
Website owners can find temporary buzz by registering within an announcement site. For a moment, the website will gain attention by being showcased in a section set aside for what is new on the site. As time passes, these announcements are then placed within an archive for visitors to peruse at a later date.

When submitting to a popular search engine, you should keep in mind that some of the favorable choices include Google, Altavista, Excite, Infoseek, as well as Lycos and HotBot. Manual submission is also the way to go when considering search engine submission. Many search engines frown upon autosubmission methods that do all of the hard work for you. Some search engines will also penalize a website owner for choosing this approach.

An easy way to submit to directories, announcement sites, etc, is to set up a file that contains all of the relevant text that a website owner will be sending. A lot of time and energy can be saved by doing this, which allows the owner to simply copy and paste the information without any hassle or extra work.

Here a new Web Template with FREE version was added. Cafe Tropics is a web template for Internet Cafe or regular cafe which is located on a beach. Please take a moment and look on preview or download free version of this template. NOTE that free version has limited graphic’s quality and has not a flash header there. But it is a good oppotunity to try it out and buy FULL version if you liked it.

Full version includes source files, all pages, 3 html versions (blank included), flash header, 3 psd, fla file.

Size of full version archive is 17.93 Mb and size of html version with flash header is 513 Kb.

As always customization available.

Website owners who are in need of a website and have no idea how to create their own from scratch, will need to decide on a web template. There are two types of pre-made web templates that are available for new sites: free or web templates for a fee.

1) Pre-made web templates are a good choice for website owners who are working with a small budget or may not be able to hire a graphic designer to create their site. One of the best benefits of using a pre-made web template is that they allow you to save money and still provide your audience with a professionally-made website.

2) Website building becomes easier when a site owner uses a pre-made web template. Since these web templates are already made, all the buyer has to do is download their choice, add their own text and the website is complete. Not only is this method easier, but produces fast website results. The website will be up quicker than a site that has to be designed from the bottom up.

3) Pre-made web templates are an attractive choice because they provide consistency. The owner will know that the entire website will feature the same colors, templates and design throughout the site. Visitors will recognize the website as being professional and well presented.

4) When website owners want to make changes within their website, it is easier and takes a shorter period of time when they have chosen to use a pre-made web template. Editing, text and logo changes can be done in no time. There will be no need to display an “Under Construction” message.

5) There is no need to possess any special software or programs to use a pre-made web template.

6) Website owners will not have to wait for their design to be developed. Pre-made web templates are downloadable, allowing owners to start right away with the creation of their website.

When choosing between purchasing a pre-made web template or using a free template, there are a few differences between the two besides the price. A disadvantage to using a free web template is the “designed by” link that may have to be included on the website. This will let visitors know that a free web template was used. However, there are free web templates that do not require the use of such a link.

Free web templates will not provide a website owner with a unique website design. This is because the owner will not be the only one with that particular web template. They will share the same look and design with an unknown number of other website owners. Since the web template is free, there could be millions of people using the same web template and that does not set a site apart from the others. Alternate plans should be used if you are looking for a “one-of-a-kind” design.

Also, with free web templates, you may save money, but more time may have to be spent on tweaking the website. If the free web template is an older version, then the technology that was used may be outdated, which could cause problems in the future when changes are needed.

Basically, pre-made web templates are convenient because they are easy to set up and maintain, provide a clean, consistent web display, as well as easy editing. Pre-made web templates are ready to be used at the drop of a dime, offering a variety of web choices for an owner who does not possess the necessary skills to design and create their own website. A more professional design can be achieved when a few extras dollars are spent on a pre-made web template, which has the potential to provide better results than an overly-accessible free web template.

I’d like to introduce two Recipe Book Web Templates. A Recipe Book Web Template and On-Line Recipe Book are cool web templates with flash headers and full versions (source files are included!). It is possible to use them as a webistes of cafes or restaraunts menus. They are both clean and crisp templates and could match all gourmet’s demands

 As always, customization is available.

We have a clean and fresh web template for personal website. It has a FULL version only and includes flash header, sliced html pages and source files (psd, fla files). This web template can be used as a personal representation on the web or family website or family gallery. Also, it can be used as a template for some photo album engine.

Size of full archive is 7.57Mb and ready to use version with flash header is 255Kb.