I just received my copy of Open Office yesterday. I ordered it because I wanted to learn how to develop my own website. This is a subject I know nothing about. I have been using Word, Excel, Autocad, and Outlook Express for many years now, so I figured it's about time I tried something new.
I have already composed the menu layout for a simple family website with photos of different topics. The problem I've always had with Microsoft products is that the instructions are written to be understood only by those who already understand the program. Now I'm finding the instructions for the HTML editor are just as difficult. Sure the directions tell you how to start a new website, enter text, and save it, etc. But I haven't been able to find yet how I set up a menu item so it selects another page when you click on it. Can I save all the website pages as a single document or do I have to save each one as an individual document? How do I set up a webpage with multiple independent screen areas? I have always been at a loss to answer questions that come to mind on a global approach to describing the program that gradually zeros in on the details. It seems that software instructions are always written starting with the details and neglecting the overall direction. When I asked a guy at work about how you make a website, he said, "You just pick a theme and enter material, & make links. You're making it way too difficult." When somebody asks me how to solve a problem they're having with Excel, I try to explain how they got to where they are and how they get out of it. That way, they have more of a chance to understand what is happening. I hope you can answer my questions, so I won't have to go back to Microsoft programming again. I really hope it wasn't a mistake buying Open Office. Looking forward to your help, Bill Chase Phoenix, AZ
