HyperText Markup Language

Technical Information

Hardware Needs

In order to create and test HTML files using a variety of user interfaces, or Web browsers, it is preferable to work with a Pentium-level microcomputer (IBM compatible or Macintosh) equipped with 32 MB of RAM (Random Access Memory). Although it is not imperative, it is helpful if your workstation is capable of Super VGA display for higher resolution graphics (set your display screen to 800x600 and 32-bit color -- this is done in Windows 95 under Start Menu, Settings, Control Panel, Display, Settings Tab).

Software Needs

In order to run a variety of Web browser software programs on your workstation, you will need to use a graphical user interface (GUI) -- in the MS-DOS environment, 95, 98, 2000 or NT; all Macs use a GUI. It is also advisable for you to have access to a "text- based" Web browser, such as LYNX (or use a Lynx emulator like Lynx Viewer [http://www.delorie.com/web/lynxview.html] to see how your pages would look in LYNX).

For authoring and testing your HTML documents, it is useful to have access to HTML editing software. The Library now licenses Dreamweaver and HomeSite software for staff use. Other Service Units shoudl contact Belinda Urquiza in the Automation Planning and Liaison Office in order to take advantage of the Library purchase license. Library Services staff should request copies of this software through normal channels. In addition, special Dreamweaver/HomeSite training, customized for the Library of Congress staff, is now available through the Library of Congress Internal University (see http://www.loc.gov/staff/lciu/ for a schedule).

Some WordProcessing software packages like WordPerfect and Microsoft Word, come with HTML export options, but be very careful if you try to use them! They often insert many extraneous and unwanted HTML codes into your documents that you will later have to edit out. This may prove to be more time-consuming that starting from clean text and inserting the HTML codes using Dreamweaver or HomeSite.

You will also need TELNET and FTP clients on your PC in order to transfer files or work with files on the Web server. The TELNET client licensed by the Library is adequate, however it is advisable to download another FTP client, freely available over the Internet, called WS_FTP Limited Edition [http://www.ipswitch.com/cgi/download_eval.pl?product=WL-1000].

Library of Congress Accounts

As a World Wide Web developer, you will need to have an RS8 or Groupwise account for purposes of communication. From either account, you should subscribe to a special Library listserv for communication amoung HTML users throughout the Library (HTML@LOC.GOV). The HTML List is moderated by the Network Development Office (Elizabeth Miller) and is only available to Library of Congress staff members. You will receive annoucements and technical information about the Library's use of HTML via this LISTSERV. In addition, you can use the LISTSERV to get help from other HTML users in the Library. To join the list, send an Internet mail message to:

listserv@loc.gov

The text of the mail message should read:

subscribe html YourFirstName YourLastName

You will also need an account on the RS7 server -- where the Library of Congress World Wide Web site is maintained. Along with the RS7 account, you must request "wwwa" group access. RS7 accounts should be requested using the ADP Service Request form. The ADP Service Request must pass through the normal channels in your service unit before submission to ITS.

In Library Services, your RS7 accounts will be requested via the Network Development and MARC Standards Office, based on a demonstrated need.

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Library of Congress

Library of Congress Help Desk (October 16, 2000)