What to do? A website design conundrum

[smithp0]

That may not be how you spell conumdrum!

I am newish to Web Design and have been looking at designs for inspiration, I have started using CSS and fluid designs, but I have shyed away from using anything that I have read in books to have possible problems with older browsers, :?

Can I use PNG images without a problem?
Can I use Images produced in Fireworks (navigation etc )?

Tables is another thing, I have stayed away from using tables for layout, but when you look at the source for web designers sites. they are still using tables Lots and lots of tables,

I have to say using tables is easier at least stuff stays were you put it.

 

[Albino]

you can use pngs, but not transparent ones in older IE browsers

you can use images produced in fireworks.

tables are easier, but are not as good as css.

 

[angele803]

Yes you can use PNG's, but you might run into problems with users who have older browsers. Transparent PNG's work in the lastest versions of IE, but not in older ones.

Fireworks will be fine to use to create web graphics. That is what I started out using. Now I use Illustrator and Photoshop.

It is good to stay away from designs that use tables for layout. Yes, tons and tons of people still use this method, but the industry is moving to table-free layouts. Laying out a website using CSS seems hard at first, but it gets easier and easier the more you do it. And I think you will find you like using CSS better in the end!

 

[jl255]

yes, yes, fully concur with angel. Personal experience myself, don't look at short-term, go for the design that can last you the long term. Once i tried using tables, then realized that it was extremely difficult to customize and organize and when i wanted to switch to CSS, it was a NIGHTMARE....

Go for good coding practices in php, or asp, and you will be glad u chose the tougher road now as it will reap much convenience and benefits in the future.

 

[WhiteWebServices]

I have stayed away from using tables for layout, but when you look at the source for web designers sites. they are still using tables Lots and lots of tables,

Use CSS. Just because other people cut corners doesn't mean you should too!

 

[smithp0]

Thank you

Thanks for the comments and advice.

CSS is more tricky at times, but thats what makes it fun