Hi,
I want to create a new site, using Dreamweaver MX 2004, by defining a site template and incorporating both CSS and an image header/menu.
For the last sites I created in Dreamweaver (over 2 years ago), I used an image sliced into a table, and defined areas within that table that were editable and non-editable. That page became my site template. I don't want to go back to that "old" method, when there are so many benefits to CSS. On the other hand, I want to use an image-based header, to serve both as the site logo/identity as well as an image based rollover menu. My new header with rollover buttons is done. (Looking at the source for the Experts-Exchange site, I see that they still use a table to manage their rollover menu, so maybe it is still an acceptable method.)
1.) I would like some advice as to whether it is best to build "modern" sites strictly in CSS, or is it better to create a hybrid site using CSS for most of the page and a sliced table for my image-based header with navigation menu.
2.) The CSS tutorials I have found are text-based CSS layouts, and do not include an image header/menu. Can you point me to a good Dreamweaver MX specific tutorial for the way I'm trying to achieve this? (I still need to end up with a page template to use for the entire site.)
3.) Do you have a few good book suggestions for CSS and/or Dreamweaver MX 2004? I will need to add some dynamic (database) functionality to the site in the near future, so any recommended Dreamweaver MX 2004 books that are strong on database issues would be a plus.
Please note that I really liked the Dreamweaver site template method, because I could easily make slight changes to the template, and I had a clearly defined area (or areas) that I could use for the individual pages of the site. I am struggling with the desire to fully embrace CSS, and yet I want to quickly and easily create the site, easily maintain the site, and easily add new pages. So, I don't want to create the site strictly in CSS if I will lose the benefits of the "old way."
Thanks in advance for your consideration.
Dennis Leahy
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