For me, Web Design 101 means not only learning how to use Dreamweaver, but also the principles and practices behind XHTML, CSS, and Web Standards so you gain an understanding of how web pages are properly constructed.
Essential to getting started of course is the proper software, which means you should have the following:
- Dreamweaver
- Fireworks
- Flash (optional)
These can be purchased separately from Adobe or as the Creative Suite 3 Web Standard package.
If you think you’d prefer to have Photoshop/Illustrator for your design graphics, then you’ll require the Creative Suite 3 Web Premium package.
Now, when it comes to learning the essentials of good Web Design, the most viable methods are Online Tutorials (preferably Video), or Books with source files included.
A good starting point because it’s FREE would be to check out The Dreamweaver Web Standards Lesson Plan Series by Sheri German, a Web Technology instructor and author in Washington DC. She’s assembled a series of step-by-step exercises with example files, clearly demonstrating the basics of XHTML, CSS and Web Standards, and can be downloaded for FREE from CommunityMX where she is a regular Contributor.
My personal preference has always been Video Tutorials which are more widespread now as they’ve become easier to make, and in the case of Lynda.com are available online w/subscription or shipped as a CD/DVD, such as Dreamweaver CS3 Essential Training
This of course is the pricier option and will run you well over a hundred bucks, so if you’re a person who doesn’t have a problem learning from a book I would recommend checking out Dreamweaver CS3: The Missing Manual
