Re: Question of format style

> > ... what should be the default size of a modern web page.

Short answer:  go with 800x600.

Long answer:
Your goal is to create web pages that look the same independent of screen 
resolution, browser, or operating system.  The reality is that this is 
pretty much impossible.  For example, web pages look very different at 
400x300 and 1600x1200 screen resolution, even if you stick to plain text 
with basic formatting and limited graphics.

The answer is to find out what your intended audience is using and tailor 
the layout and design of your web pages accordingly.  If you don't know, 
then stick to general averages.  Right now, the average screen resolution 
is 800x600 with a version 4 compatible browser (usually Internet Explorer). 
Going with this screen resolution will allow you to create web pages that 
will look the same on the largest number of computer screens.  People 
running higher resolutions won't be able to take full advantage of their 
screen "real estate", but these people usually have several windows open at 
once.  For example, the cool thing about 1600x1200 resolution isn't having 
one browser maximized, it's being able to have two browser windows open 
side by side.

If you do go with 800x600 resolution, here are a few tricks that can be 
helpful.

- encapsulate everything in a table centered on the page with the width 
manually set to 780 pixels.   People at lower resolutions will have to 
scroll left and right, but at least the layout of your pages will be 
protected.

- create a column on the left of your page that is 160 pixels wide.  This 
is a great place for the menu and other navigation tools.  Best of all, it 
puts the main body of your web pages at 640 pixels wide and helps people 
running at 640x480 by reducing how much they have to scroll back and forth.

Finally, remember that everything I've said is advice and that you don't 
necessarily have to go with it.  More importantly, don't let these 
limitations stifle your creativity and the pleasure you derive from 
producing the web pages.  If you don't have fun making the web pages, odds 
are good that people reading them won't have much fun either.

-Ed

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