positioning background image for main content container

[Guest 153fish]

I am new to this site. I kinda understand the basic definition for positioning and can apply CSS for background image.

 

eg. what to add to this:

 

body {

background-image: url(images/background.png)

}

 

#maincontent {

 

background-image: url(images/main.png) ;

 

}

 

But I don't understand how to apply CSS for positioning, etc. to get the effect of having the main content container 800px wide to stay fixed width but remain centered on the background for the body, the way most sites are laid out with background image for both body and the centered content area.

 

Also, if I would like to use or create a background that is just 1 big picture (like a cityscape) for the body what are standard dimensions used?

 

Hope I am using correct terminology.

[Andrea]

You'll find answers to most your questions here: http://www.csstutorial.net/category/killer-css-tips-tricks/