I started with computers when this grey, little, japanese box with built-in MIDI-interface and 1MB RAM came out... no, not that Amiga-box ;-)
Later my job forced me to become "MS DOS-compatible" and so I worked for over 10 years in a User Helpdesk and as a system-administrator tweaking and tuning Novell, Banyan Vines, Lotus Domino, a little bit of Unix and all flavours of Windoze since 3x.
Since 1996 I'm working as a professional web-designer, web-developer, web-whatever.

The first draft of a page I often layout with DreamWeaver if I need a quick but precise design, then add my JS- or PHP-code using whatever editor is around. I use PhotoShop and Firework to do the image work and Bryce for nice 3D-renderings.

With the Helpdesk-job in my back, I tend to give more but a do-this-click-there-solution. If possible I give additional background-informations, hints, tips or alternate ways to solve a "problem" - some people don't even know what their problem is.

But beside all this, there's one method that really helps a lot: RTFM - or any other book or website. It's amazing how many answers can be solved by just looking in a simple reference or a manual.
Books (this paperbased thing) tought those who know what they know - not inspirations of a higher spirit. The rest of it is practice and a good hand for using the right tool in the right moment.

You can reach me via "cirtap /dash/ ee (at) webmechanic [dot] biz"

Have fun

CirTap