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Directories - How to get one
A web directory is a folder on a computer that is connected to the Internet and in which the files that reside in the folder are available to Internet users. Website files are put or "uploaded" to these folders in a variety of ways, but most common is the use of "File Transfer Protocol" or FTP. Often, the FTP chores are handled by the website construction software itself, but there are stand-alone programs in which the main purpose of the program is the "uploading" of website files. ACC supports FTP and encourages users to become familiar with how to configure their software to accomplish the "uploading" of website files. FTP is included in website construction programs like Dreamweaver and Contribute, but it is the main function of the stand-alone FTP programs WS_FTP and Transmit.
To obtain a web directory the user must request that it be created and activated by the Information Technology Department. IT requires a form to be filled out.
Web directory request for Individuals
Web directory request for Departments
Once the web directory is created and activated you will receive an email with the directory name and the password that is required to "upload" website files into the directory. You will need this information to configure your website construction software or stand-alone FTP program.
Content - Making sure it's ready
Your website content is what your visitors are visiting your website for in the first place, so its a good idea to make sure that its ready to be viewed. Simple things you can do to make your content website friendly include:
Writing for the web:
Like any media the web has its own characteristics of how people process information obtained through it. Simple searches for "Writing for the web" will yield many resources that will help you tailor your content so its web friendly.
Ex:
Nielsen, Jakob. "How Users Read on the Web" Jakob Nielsen's Alertbox for October 1, 1997. 1997 Useit.com 1 October 1997
<http://www.useit.com/alertbox/9710a.html>
Link checking:
If you have links that point to an external website, make sure that the correct URL is cited and that the page is available and reflects what you want your user to see. Make sure links to documents and other files are valid.
Current Content:
If you are using content that you already had, make sure that it is still valid and useable. Review both new and old content to ensure that your website users receive the best information possible.
Software - Picking software that's right for me or my content manager
The choices of website construction software are plentiful, from simple text editors to professional web developer applications. ACC supports one of the best applications on the market - Adobe/Macromedia Dreamweaver. This is a very powerful application that enables users to construct and maintain a website with ease. Another option is Adobe/Macromedia Contribute. While not as powerful as Dreamweaver, Contribute allows users with little or no knowledge of website development to construct and maintain pages as easily as performing simple word processing.
Access to these programs ranges from using a pre-installed version at a faculty and staff resource center such as a computer lab on campus, to the purchase and installation of a piece of software on your own computer. Please contact the Instructional Resource Technology Department (faculty) or Public Information and College Marketing (staff, academic departments, and internal departments) to get help with which might be the right application for you. If your area already owns a copy of either program, and more knowledge is required to use the software, there are many professional development workshops available to help you use your software.
