If I had grandchildren instead of cats, I would proudly tell them that I was there when Apple made Web site design and publishing easy. Any speech by Apple CEO Steve Jobs is full of new product and upgrade announcements, so as Jobs gave the keynote address at Macworld Expo on January 10, 2006 I wasn’t surprised or excited at first when he demoed iLife ’06. But when Jobs unexpectedly announced a new Web site design and publishing tool, called iWeb, as part of iLife ’06, I took notice.

I know all too well how difficult it is to make a great-looking Web site and create a blog. I’ve struggled with the complexities of RSS feeds and searched to find a way to easily publish photo galleries and podcasts. Watching Jobs simply click and drag his way through the creation of a professional-looking Web site in a few minutes of a keynote address was certainly an eye-opener, so I quickly purchased iLife ’06 and began playing with iWeb.

I used the term “playing” to describe interacting with iWeb, because iWeb is truly a joy to use! In this ebook, I take you on a journey of discovery. I briefly explore the past so you can see for yourself what a powerful tool iWeb is, and then you can follow me as I build a Web site step by step. You can visit my iWeb site at http://web.mac.com/stevensande/iWeb/TCoiWeb/, and then read about how I used iWeb to create what you’re viewing.

If you’ve never made a Web site before, you’ll be thrilled with how easily you can organize your thoughts and have iWeb turn them into a beautiful work of art. Experienced Web designers will be happy with how iWeb works with iLife ’06 to create vibrant Web sites full of text, sound, video, and photography. Let’s get started!