Web design question

[KaBudokan]

I'm new to this whole webdesign thing, so I have two real basic questions:

First off - is it best to design a site with 800x600 in mind? Or is 1024x768 a reasonable norm? I prefer 1024, as I am sure most of the people at AT do, but for average, everyday web surfers, which is best?

Secondly, for either size, what is the recommended total area you would be designing for? Meaning, at 800x600, how much space should I plan out to fit in a browser window? (I guess it would ideally be 800 across, but I am not sure about height?)

Thanks!

 

[punkrawket]

800x600

make sure it's compatible (i.e. work and looks fine) in almost all browsers if not all

and try not to make it scroll down much... it's a pain

 

[RSI]

800x600 is definitely the lowest resolution you should be aiming for. Depends what audience your site targets, as well. If you are targeting PC enthusiasts, then generally a higher resolution would be better, as most PC enthusiasts are not running at below 1280x1024 or 1024x768 at the lowest. There are always exceptions but this is generally true.

If you are creating a site that many "average" surfers will be viewing, then designing with 800x600 in mind would be wise. It would also be good to check and make sure it still looks decent in 640x480, but that's not really important these days.

-RSI

 

[KaBudokan]

I kind of figured that was the most common - any idea about actual window size (planning on scrolling down as little as possible, how much space does that leave in the actual browser window)? I'm think of laying the design out in PS and slicing it up.

 

[Czar]

Just remember, not everyone runs their browsers in fullscreen so designing it for 1024x768 in full screen will make many people pissed. Design it for 800x600.

 

[b0mbrman]

Who's the website for? If it's for your computer science club, then make it 1024x768...If it's for your guys with mullets support group, make it 800x600

 

[Sestar]

What you can do with at least jsp(dunno if in php or asp) is get screen dimensions, so what you can do is write a simple script that includes diffrent pages dependent on screen size

 

[jjones]

800 x 600 would be best for general surfing and you can set your widths to 100% if your content is laid out right. If your going to use static sizes for your tables then max at 780 without margins but i'd recommend 750 to give you a little white space to work with. Height doesn't really matter unless you don't want people to scroll; if so, then you'll be looking at about 450.

 

[KaBudokan]

Thanks guys! Me and my Mullet Buddies are grateful!!!