resolution/image sizing

Hello,

I am fairly new to CSS. I am creating a web page for someone who wants the entire screen area to be filled. I tried to talk him into a fixed page that would just create margins on the sides and bottom when a higher resolution was used, but he wouldn't give in. So I created a banner that would fit a screen with resolution of 800x600 and set the width to 100%. Unfortunately, on a really high resolution screen, this stretches the text so that it is not very nice at all. I have tried to create it for the higher resolution and still set the width to 100% hoping it would shrink the banner image and not degrade the quality. Unfortunately, it did not shrink the image as I was hoping.
The other problem I am having is that I am using a vertical gradient rollover menu. I create the .gif gradient file which may look great on my screen, but when viewed on a higher resolution computer the gradient is completely different.
What is the best way to solve these problems (primarily the first) so that it can look good on both and yet fill each screen? I can send the code if that would help.
Thanks much,

Jedidiah

My suggestion to you would be to chose a resolution and build the page for that size. You can't really stretch a graphic or shrink a graphic. You can make a graphic 1500px wide and place all the wording in the center so it appears fine on a smaller screen. (The outer margins would not be visible)

I always build for 800 x 600. But I understand your problem. You obviously have a strong willed client. I think in this situation I would design the site to "his" specifications. We often have to balance what we know is the right practice and pleasing the client.

For the gradient, again build it for one resolution. If it's a background image and you want it to change gradient top to bottom, you'll only need an image that is about 2px wide by the desired height. Then in the css repeat-x. Geesh, I've probably confused you!

No I understand what you are saying. THank you for the suggestions.