I was reading:

From: richard <I.dont.care@do.you>
Subject: Re: Minimum resolution of web page?
Newsgroups: 24hoursupport.helpdesk
Reply-To: spam@google.dom

On Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:22:01 -0600, Sarah Houston
<SHoust@pndfnospam.com> wrote:

>If I'm designing my own basic web pages, what's the minimum resolution of
>web page viewers out there, that I should conform to?
>
>800 wide?
>
>IOW,how wide can I design my web pages, and know that almost everyone will
>be able to view them properly?

Learn to code better and your site will vary properly with the screen
size.

Most monitors today are set at 1024x768. Go with that and if they
don't like the site because of it, tough.

________________

Can VSD do that adjustable thing?

Unfortunately VSD requires a fixed width/height setting to allow WYSIWYG editing of your pages. I still see many users with 800x600 resolution monitors so I wouldn't count them out just yet, but yes the vast majority have moved up to 1024x768. As I like to design for the absolute lowest-common-denominator for resolutions, I still stick to a 750-780 wide design. I also find it easier on the eyes even in a 1024x768 screen, simply because the line lengths aren't too wide.

You can center the design of your site in VSD by checking the "Centered" option when creating a new site, or in the Page window. That way you get complete control over the design, and any empty space in the browser will be split on either side and filled with the background (image or color).

The only way to have the page design adjust to the browser's width (called a liquid layout) is through HTML and CSS techniques. You can take a look at WPDFD.com and A List Apart for a few different processes. IMO, the original replier from that newsgroup is a little harsh and has probably alienated clients or users already. Take it all with a grain of salt and a stroll through the park.