I've worked in IT for twenty years and I've decided I'm actually going to learn and understand what all this web stuff really means, and how it works, instead of just nodding at the appropriate moments like I do understand it all.

I'm using MyEclipse for editing my html and testing it. I want to eventually go on and do Javascript and Javaserver pages and include database access as well. I'm struggling at the moment to find a good tool to create gifs and to store custom colour pallets. Any suggestions?

Any other hints and tips for a complete novice would also be really appreciated including any sites or forums just for newbies.

Thanks.

Here is something just to get you started. If you want more, I can send more. I don't use MyEclipse, or JSP, but do have lots of links for JavaScript.

HTML Primer
    http://www.htmlgoodies.com/primers/html/

Quick Colour Picker, by Stephen Bissell
    http://home.cogeco.ca/~quick_web/Index2.htm?qcp.htm
    download page will take you to Snapfiles site. free trial/non-pro use.

peace...

Regarding creating GIFS - you can download a free program known as GIMP. Click here for the GIMP website You can make lots of photo manipulations there, and store files as .gif