Generalized Instructions

Simple steps and hints to get you started.


1. To simplify the insertion of internal hyperlinks (i.e. to get the correct path to the desired content) it is recommended that you follow these guidelines.

a. Maintain a mirror (exact copy) of your Web Site Files on your personal computer.

b. The normal file name for the site’s default page is “index.htm”. Check with your server’s administrator to find their specific requirement.

c. The default path for the insertion of a link is the parent file folder of the individual html page.

2. Open the application you are going to use to build your pages and your site.

a. Open a new page (this will be your index file for your site).

b. Type a simple message on this index page.

c. Save this as “index.htm” in a folder you create for your mirror site on your computer.

d. In the future put all material (content) you intend to insert into this folder prior to inserting it into any page. The page must also exist in this folder prior to inserting material into it.

e. After you insert material check the “source” document to insure that the link for the material references the default folder (i.e. there should be no path in the address, only the file name).

f. Test your work by opening the index.htm file from this mirror folder using a browser.

3. As you gain experience you will be able to add file folders to both your mirror file and your server’s file. Remember that the path to locating material or other pages must be correct for your server. The object of a mirror folder on your computer is to help you facilitate this end. It is also good practice to have a back-up of all your published work. The mirror site does this.

4. More robust Web authoring tools usually provide assistance in managing your files. Front Page has very good features for doing this. Once the basics are understood we will look some of these advanced features.

5. An understanding of the basic steps involved in Web Site building is most important. You need a good foundation prior to adding complexity. These steps are…

a. Plan ahead… Establish a mirror folder.

b. Choose a Page Generating Application.

c. Open a new page.

d. Type a simple message.

e. Save this file with a file name.

f. Put some content into the mirror folder.

g. Make sure that the content is of a reasonable file size.

h. Insert the content into the html page.

i. Check that the download time is reasonable.

j. Save the page (keep it in the mirror folder).

k. Start a Browser Application and open your html documemt.

l. Check to insure that it looks as you intended it to.

m. If changes are required repeat steps d-l.

n. Repeat this procedure until it becomes automatic.

6. You are now ready to begin the File Transfer Process using some application which will establish a File Transfer Protocol with your server and allow you to have a binary file transfer session. There are many applications available to accomplish this. They all have the following requirements in common.

a. You must establish a script (a small set of instructions) on your computer which defines the requirements of your server (host computer).

b. You must learn the requirements of your server. This information should be available online at your ISP’s web site. You need the server name and the protocol it uses. The process for the establishment of a File Transfer Protocol (ftp) session varies from host to host and from application to application.

c. This process will be discussed in more detail as we begin to work with individual Service or Server Provides. Demonstrations will be provided.

7. Immediately after transferring files to your server you should get on the Internet and check out your labors. Determine if modifications are required.

a. Make the modifications on your files in the mirror folder on your computer.

b. Upload all modified files to your server.

c. Refresh you Browser screen to see if the changes have taken effect.

d. Repeat this process as often as required to obtain your desired effect.

8. Now you are started.
Continue to grow by doing these steps over and over until they become second nature. After you are very comfortable with this process you can then begin to expand your capability and pick up advanced features of your applications.
MOST OF ALL HAVE FUN AND ENJOY your learning experience.
Thank you for your participation in this workshop.

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