A few considerations for every website is (1) amt. of host space (2) amt. of traffic, and whos probably going to see it (3) keep the size of pics and graphics to a minimum - can be done with photoshop, probably others.
IMHO it was always better to keep the background one flat HTML color or simple an fast loading graphic. Link "buttons" people like to click buttons more than "activcated" text for links.
My $0.02 off the top of my head.