T
is section is written with Netscape Navigator 1.22 as the browser of choice. Netscape Navigator is a high-end browser, currently available for downloading from the http://ngtrunghieu.tripod.com Web site. If you're using another browser, feel free to skip this section. Better yet, take the time to tour your browser's menu items and options even if it isn't Netscape Navigator. Most browsers have similar sorts of functions. Pay particular attention to the File, Open File (sometimes called Open Local); you'll be using them frequently. Throughout this tutorial, the browser functions will be referenced in very general terms, so regardless of the software you use, you should be able to navigate the instruction with little difficulty.
PREVENTING THE BROWSER FROM DIALING OUT
For the purposes of this tutorial, you don't need to dial out to the Internet. You'll be developing your Web pages locally (offline) and then viewing them locally using the browser. To prevent the browser from dialing out, either disable the default home page feature or change the default home page from an external file to a local file. Here's how to do it with Netscape. If you're not using Netscape, chances are your browser will have similar configuration options
- Disable the automatic home page load feature: Select the Optionsmenu, Preferences command. In the Preferences dialog box, select the Styles tab. Under Window Styles, choose the Blank Page option button. (In Netscape 2.0, the Blank Page option button is uder Startup on the Appearance tab). This will cause Netscape to start without loading a Web page. The program won't automatically dial out untiol you enter another URL in the Location text box or click Home button on the button bar.
- Change the default home page: Select the Options nemu Preferences command. In the Preferences dialog box, select the Styles tab. Under Window Styles, choose the Home Page Location button. (In Netscape 2.0, the Home Page Location button is under StartupA on the Appearance tab). Type the complete local home page path into the text box (such as file://a:|hello.htm. This will cause Netscape to start with a local home page loaded. Netscape won't dial out until you enter a remote URL in the Location text box. When you've completed the tutorial and you're ready to automatically link to an online home page, change the Home Page Location path to the URL of your online page.
Important: Note that the home page path is formatted for UNIX. A third backslash (/) after file:// indicates that the subsequent text is a directory path. The bar character (|) after the drive identifier replaces the standard colon (:). (A colon has other meanings in UNIX).
TOURING NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR'S MENU BAR
Now let's take a quick look at Netscape Navigator. Most of the basic Netscape features are available in other browsers. (Certain basic functions are necessary in all browsers). If you're using a browser other than Netscape, try to locate the commands referenced in the tour below on your particular browser's menu bar.
Warning: Do not click any of the menu options or buttons without explicit directions to do so. This is because some options may automatically dial out. If you're in a classroom situation, your instructor will tell you what is appropriate. Otherwise, simply follow the instructions by clicking this, and take it as your remote control.
