Web Design @ North Lake College

• Home
• ActionScripting 1
• ActionScripting 2
• ASP.NET
• Ecommerce
• FrontPage
• JavaScript
• PageDesign 1
• PageDesign 2
• Server Management
• Web Animation
• Programming for Artists
• Video Games
• Web Multimedia
• Archived Classes

NLC's web and multimedia courses do not officially have prerequisites, but since these are advanced software classes there are several skills students are assumed to have. You don't have to have all of these skills, but if you are missing several skills you might consider taking Introduction to Computers or a class in Windows before enrolling in a web design class. The list below is divided into two parts:

• Basic Windows competencies, which are prerequisite skills.
• Online competencies for students taking an online class. Skills 1 - 5 are mandatory for taking the course; you can work on the others once class commences.

1. Using a mouse
2. Starting programs
3. Opening, closing, and saving files
4. Using Windows navigation conventions including menu bars and dialog boxes
5. Copying files from one location to another
6. Renaming files
7. Creating folders
8. Multitasking several programs at once using the Start Bar
9. Using a web browser like Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator
10. Using a word processor like Microsoft Word or WordPerfect

1. Connecting to the Internet from your home or office
2. Using Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer including using bookmarks/favorites.
3. Sending and reading e-mail, including attachments.
4. Sending and reading e-mail attachments
5. Compressing and uncompressing files using a Zip program
6. Using a search engine like AltaVista or Yahoo
7. Scanning your computer for viruses
8. Understanding and using common net etiquette for bulletin board discussions
9. Using an Instant Messenger program such as Yahoo Instant Messenger or ICQ.
10. Downloading and installing browser plug-ins like Adobe Acrobat or the Flash Player.
11. Downloading programs from the Internet and installing programs to you PC

Help with Selected Competencies

Sending and Reading E-mail Attachments:

Each e-mail program does this differently, so your best bet is to consult documentation and help files that come with your program. In general the program will have a button marked "attachments" or a paper clip icon. All you have to do is click the button and select your file. Please check the size of your files before sending them. Remember it takes one second to download 1 KB of information on a 14.4K modem. This means a 60 KB file takes one minute to download. Please do not send large files that take hours to download.

Using Search Engines

Our current favorite search engine is Google. There are several good search engine tutorials on the web, including the ones listed below.

• Finding Information on the Internet
• Choose The Best Search Engine for Your Purpose
• Boolean Logic Tutorial
• ZDNet's Finding a Site by Brute Force

Scanning your Computer for Viruses

Be sure your PC has virus protection software, and that you update regularly! The following article gives a nice overview of viruses and protection.

• How to Protect Yourself from Computer Viruses

Downloading and Installing Browser Plug-Ins

Check out ZDNet's Plugin' Away at Plug-ins and What Plug-ins Do I Need Before I Start Surfing the Web?

Using a Zip Program

Read all of ZDNet's Downloading and Zipping Files

Understanding and Using Proper NetEtiquette

Read The Core Rules of Nettiquette. (We're trying to track down a good slang guide, for BRB, LOL, simile's, etc. Anyone know of one?)

Using ICQ

Read a definitive ICQ Guide.

Downloading and Installing Programs from the Internet

Read the information above on using a Zip program. That's usually enough to get people started. Try downloading WinZip or Acrobat Reader from download.com for practice.