[Rob]

I'm trying (very trying) to build a new website for work. I want to make sure this is compliant with all proper standards. Thus being good I'm wanting to use css stylesheets to control the formating. That should be simple enough. Trouble is I think I have something cracked, in that it displays OK using Internet Explorer, I then look at it in Firefox and it's completely different and often hideous.

Does anybody have recommendations for a good textbook that actually deals with CSS stylesheets and indicates what is and is not compatible?

Am I being unrealistic to try and control the entire page layout with CSS? The fewer codes I embed in the actual page, the more consistent the site will be, and the less errors I'll make as I build up, and subsequently edit the pages.

I've read that I shouldn't be trying to use tables to control page layouts. The use of tables can confuse those needing page reader software as those can't differentiate between layout and tabulated content needs. Am I just making a rod for my own back by avoiding tables?

What about frames? Are they out of favour too?

I really want to Keep It Simple, if I can, but equally it does need to look reasonably professional. Our current site can only be described as pathetic, but then I did do that in Frontpage back in 2000. It's now time to do it properly using text editors and the like.