So, you want to build a Web site but don't know where to begin. One of the first things you have to do is choose the right tool. That isn't as easy as it seems, though. You need to find an Web editing tool that addresses the following needs:.

• Your experience and skill with HTML (Hypertext Markup Language, the authoring language for creating Web content)
• Whether or not it supports the creation of the types of content they want to include on your pages
• Your budget

Creating a Web page isn't that difficult. All you have to do is memorize a few formatting tags and you're ready to go. The hard part is choosing HTML software. Over the last several years, dozens of HTML authoring tools have appeared on the market -- of varying types and for most operating systems.

Of course, different editors have different capabilities. Many require you to have a strong grasp of HTML -- you'll be entering both your text and HTML tags manually. Others assume you have little or no knowledge of HTML. With these tools, you enter your text and apply formatting in the same way that you would in a word processor. The hard part is deciding what kind of HTML editor is right for you.

Capabilities of the Tools

Before you start trying HTML editors, you have to decide what kinds of content your Web page will contain. You'll, of course, want to include graphics (whether or family members, pets, or events) on your page. What about things like animation and video, tables, frames, lists, and links? You should make sure program you select can handle these types of content with the minimum of fuss.

Of equal importance is finding a tool that is easy enough for ALL family members to use, regardless of their Web publishing experience and level of computer literacy. You don't need to pick something that is too complex for anyone except a professional Web designer, nor is it necessary choose an application that does everything for you.

This article discusses the pros and cons of WYSIWYG editors and text-based editors. Regardless of your needs, one of these types of editors will be right for you.