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Allergy Attack!

© Brian Hughes

Now I know this is a strange subject for this time of the year, if only in the northern hemisphere. But I am not talking about the real world but the virtual world of the Internet. The simple fact I have to face is that something has to be added to the list of things with which I cannot co-habit. Hyper Text Markup Language... commonly referred to as HTML.

If this mouthful means nothing to you then you might like to avoid the risk of developing sensitivity to it, and pass me by this week. If not, then let me first explain that it is a programming language and I'm allergic to them all. I discovered this many years ago and whilst I bear no grudge against programmers - I even count some amongst my friends - they are nevertheless carriers. Secondly, HTML is used in the creation and building of Web/home pages. Another key element here is artistic design skills of which I have none. Many years ago, before the Earth had cooled, an art teacher concluded my brain did not contain a curve and consequently I could only visualise straight lines. At the time, my painting tools consisted of a pencil and ruler...but I digress...

Being involved in web pages - I'm writing one right now, and you're reading it - means I cannot separate myself from HTML entirely! But in addition to rubber gloves, masks (and, of course, my wife Dee!) there are other insulating materials available to me. Perhaps some of these will help you skip over the raw elements and focus on finishing up with a page that is pleasing to the eye.

If you'd like to create a home page but, like me, you want to keep as far away from HTML as you can, you may already have at least one tool on your computer. The latest versions of the most popular browser programs include WYSIWYG page builders. Internet Explorer calls it Front Page Express and Netscape Communicator has Netscape Composer. Both of these can help you get started and in fact you may never need anything else.

There are many separate freeware programs that are very similar. This list will spoil you for choice. Freeware Home / HTML editors.
My personal recommendation would be Arachnophilia. I read consistently good reports about this program and it is very flexible. You can get down and dirty with the code or have all that taken care of for you.