At 13:53 01/05/2001 , you wrote:

>Hi
>
> > PHP is a scripting language it allows for pages to be constructed on the
> > server when your browser asks for it. For example it could automatically
> > add a contents section to all pages on a site - meaning the webmaster
> > maintains one contents page and it is updated on all pages. It makes a
>site
> > very easy to maintain.
>
>PHP would be processing overkill for a site where the content will not
>change regularly. Preporcessing solutions are more efficient, this may be
>quite important for the FireBird site since the server space is likely to be
>donated.

I was not planning to use PHP heavily - i would use it just to paste
together 2 or 3 files. It wouldn't be a big drain on resources.

> > No Problem, It is very difficult to allow for people that are colour blind
> > as different people are blind to different colours, but if you can suggest
> > a colour scheme that works for most people and looks nice i will try it.
>
>Black on white works well which is usually the default.
>
>If you have to stray from this then style sheets are easier for users to
>override.
>
>Note that font elements, including color attributes are deprecated according
>to www.w3.org, they recommend style sheets.

Style sheets are not widely supported and their effect is not yet standard
with the major browsers. The font tag is still the best for compatibility
and if use properly should not cause a problem in accessibility.

>There is extensive information about why frames are a bad idea. These
>include accessability and the fact that it makes it very difficult for a
>user to bookmark a useful page on the site since they do not reliably get
>returned to the correct part of the site.
>
>Have a look here for useful HTML info.
>
>http://www.w3.org/WAI/Resources/#gl.
>http://validator.w3.org/
>http://www.cast.org/bobby/index.cfm
>http://www.w3.org/People/Raggett/tidy/

I agree frames are not the best solution, but if php is not available
frames are the best choice for a maintainable site.

Thanks for the links.

Damian Dowling
IT Manager
Pallas Foods Ltd

Phone: + 353 69 20200
Fax: + 353 69 20201
Email: it-manager@...