HTML training

[SEO USA]

I learned to write HTML a long time ago - before all the WYSIWYG editors - and recently restored someone's site using the google cached page source when her site was accidentally deleted by her webmaster. I surprised myself that I was able to do it, and was thinking maybe I'd like to learn a few basics that I don't know. My knowledge is limited though serviceable. Are there any suggestions of programs for someone who can self-study?

[Albert Wiersch]

If it were me, I would buy a well-reviewed (and up-to-date) HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc. book from Amazon.com. Of course I'd also recommend CSE HTML Validator as it is also very helpful for learning.

Perhaps someone could also recommend some online courses. Here are a couple sites to check out:
http://w3schools.com/
and
http://www.sitepoint.com/

[MikeGale]

I'd second the w3schools suggestion.

I'd recommend caution and awareness when reading material online. I've also seen some strange beliefs held by people recently graduated from tertiary courses that teach the Internet. In other words it's a good idea to check anything before you believe it. There are a lot of unreasonable and ignorant things published.

(A very common theme is that "browser X" doesn't work. If you investigate the developers who say this, they often seem to develop on one browser and just before they go live test it on others. They then blame the browsers they initially avoided instead of their development technique! I usually don't see it as my job to tell a user what browser to use, that's their choice. If a user has something that isn't compatible, like Javascript switched off, I like to warn him and in some cases provide alternatives.)

[SEO USA]

Thanks - I will check them out. I know about people blaming browsers etc when things don't go right. The site I restored, the previous webmaster blamed the hosting co - just so happens I've been using that service for over 5 years without a hitch. Of course, no explanation why the prev web person did not have a backup prior to "whatever" happened. Although I know some stuff, I know I am very green so can use all the help I can get.