Author: Jeff Walters Added: August 14, 2006
Now that you have a Web Page what do you do with it? It might look good on your computer, but how do other people see it over the Internet? These are just some of the questions I will try to answer in this tutorial.
Setting Up a Homepage Directory on Your Computer:
First, I recommend that you store all of your homepage files on your hard drive (usually C:) in a directory called "C:\Homepage". The name of the directory is up to you, but "Homepage" is easy to remember. Create this directory and place all of your web page files in this directory. This includes "index.html" and any other files you might be using (graphics, sounds, etc.). The idea here is to create a mirror image of what you want to put on the Internet.
Finding Your Web Page Directory and FTP Server:
When you signed up with your ISP (Internet Service Provider) they most likely gave you a small amount of space on their server (just another computer) for your web page (10, 5, 2 MB). This web address usually looks something like "http://www.yourserver.com/~username/". If your not sure what it is then contact your ISP and ask them what your web page address is. This is where you want your "index.html" file to end up!
There is a way of assuming this address based on your E-mail address which I hope you know.
E-mail Address: username@yourserver.com
Web Page Address: http://www.yourserver.com/~username/
FTP Server Name: ftp.yourserver.com
Notice the placement of "yourserver", "username", ".com" and "~". Also, "com" might be "net" depending on your ISP used. This assumption will work in most cases, but not all. Also, notice the FTP Server name. This is the FTP Server your FTP program will need to connect to. Sound confusing? If your not sure what those three things are listed above, contact your ISP and ask them.
Download and Install WS_FTP95:
Next, your going to need a program which will transfer your files FTP (File Transfer Protocol). The one that I like to use is WS_FTP95 which works for Windows 95, 98 and NT.
Now your probably wondering, "where do I download this program?" Easy question, from any shareware site. There are several dozen out on the web. I'll list a few below to start you out.
Win Site
Shareware.com
Download.com
All you have to do is go to one of these sites and search for "WS FTP". In some cases you may have to search for something else, but with a little luck you'll be downloading in a few minutes. Download it and install it on your computer.
Setup WS_FTP95:
Once you have a working copy of WS_FTP95, run it and click on "New" to setup a new profile.
Under General, enter the following information:
Profile name: Homepage (Something You'll Remember)
Host_Name/Address: ftp.yourserver.com (Your FTP Server Name)
Host_Type: Automatic detect
User ID: username
Password: password
Under Startup, enter the following information:
Initial Local Directory: C:\Homepage\ (On Your Computer)
Then click "OK" and hope everything works! Once you get a connection you'll notice your C:\Homepage files on the left and the FTP Server on the right. You should also notice the ASCII, Binary and Auto options.
Now I need to explain a couple things about transferring in ASCII or BINARY. Always transfer HTML files in ASCII mode! I repeat, always transfer HTML files in ASCII mode! Why you ask? Just do it! Just joking, it's because of the return characters which are needed. If you send Binary, you'll loose these characters. On the other hand, send all of your graphic or sound files Binary!
To sum it up:
- Send HTML files ASCII.
- Send graphics or sound files, such as GIF, JPEG, JPG, WAV or MIDI, Binary.
Finally, to transfer your files! Select all the files on the left (hold down your SHIFT key) and then click on the transfer arrow which points from left to right (from your computer to the server). You can also transfer files from the server to your computer with the right to left arrow. Pretty easy once you get everything set up correctly. Good luck and have fun!
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