A plan is crucial to the success of your Web site.  It will help meet the users' needs and requirements.  With a plan you will easier be able to track the progress of and maintain the Web site.  In the long run, having a plan will save time, effort and cost.

It may seem obvious, but start by asking yourself "What?".  As in, what the Web site's goals are.  Then ask yourself, "Who will be using this site?".  Tailor your plan to these needs.

Create a rough idea of the site.  Map out the content and layout for each page and identify the links between each page of the Web site.

Once the rough idea is ready, ask yourself "How?".  Compose text for each page and develop graphics and other media elements.  Put everything together using HTML code or a Web site editor, like DreamWeaver.

Test your Web site.  Have a group of users test your site for  errors and correct any bugs that are found.  Then you are ready to launch your site!

First of all, like anything else, proofread your work.

After you have finished proofreading, check your code or errors and make sure the coding complies with the standards issued by the *W3C (World Wide Web Consortium)

Check next for functionality or layout issues by viewing in multiple web browsers.  Make sure all the links work and content is displayed correctly.

Conduct usability testing; Select users or testers that match your target audience, give them a list of intructions to perform and have them share their results and observations with you.

*W3C developes protocols and guidelines that ensure the web will grow.  Their standards define parts of what make the World Wide Web work

Business information systems can have problems at 3 different levels

Outdated business, unsupportive culture or attitudes, political fighting, turbulent business enviornments, complex tasks, and inadequate resources may all have a negative impact on a business information system.

Lack of employee training, legal compliance, work enviornment, lack of employee support or participation, and poor management.

Insufficient hardware, outdated software, inadequate database capacity, lack of compatibility between new and old systems, and rapid technological change affect information systems.

I am about 6 weeks into my first quarter of the web design program and I start my web technology class next week.  Some online classes are 6 weeks and some are 12, and the web class is one of the 6 week courses.

Initially I was afraid I wouldn't do as well with online classes because I learn better with hearing than reading, but I have suprised myself so far.  The classes are easy to navigate and have forced me to prioritize my time to make sure I get all of my assignments done.  I think these classes are going to help me with self discipline as well as my major.