Be aware that the most common color resolutions is 256 colors. So, be sure that you use color combinations that can be seen well on all monitors. It is more effective to place text and images in a table format, which will allow text and images to be centered on most monitor screens. By designing pages that are in tables, which are 525 to 600 pixels wide, aligned to the center of the page, and with no borders, users will be able to see all the information rather than scrolling right or left. The common screen size resolution is 640 pixels X 480 pixels.
Most browsers support tables.
Avoid using backgrounds which have a life of their own. Backgrounds should blend into the overall page design and should not draw the attention of the user. There is nothing wrong with using no background at all. You should also use transparent graphics and images that will blend into whatever background you design. If you use a GIF file as a background, be aware that certain browsers running on Macs will not render the background correctly unless the GIF is at least 64 x 64 pixels.