File Transfer Protocol allows for easy 24 hour logons to your webpage storage account. Any FTP program will work; however, if you don't have one WS_FTP is recommended.!
To logon:
To logon via America Online:
File Transfers
Your web files should be uploaded to the initial directory you logon to. Name your lead webpage file index.html or welcome.html. We recommend naming all files lowercase. Do not alternate between upper and lowercase, it will only confuse your programming. Files are automatically ready for web viewing after you upload them. Note: if you have Frontpage Extensions enabled you can only upload your webfiles using Microsoft Frontpage.
It is important to note the difference between BINARY and ASCII transfers. A file sent using the wrong transfer protocol will be unusable on the receiving end. As a general rule of thumb, files that are readible in a normal text editor are usually sent as ascii. On the other hand files that look scrambled when you look at them in a text editor (like images, etc) should be sent through binary.
- binary
- This indicates that the files being transferred are binary. This must be used to transfer image files such as GIFs and JPEGs. It should not be used for regular HTML files, however.
- ascii
- This indicates that the files being transferred are text. This should be used to transfer regular HTML files and other files that are readable as normal text. The reason for the text-vs-binary distinction is that text files are stored in a slightly different format on many systems, including PCs, Macs, and Unix. When the ascii mode is enabled, the files will be translated as needed during the transfer.
- delete filename
- This is used to delete a file.
Access through Telnet, included with all but the STARTER Account, is very useful for handling e-mail, developing CGI programs, and better file control for functions such as moving, renaming, archiving, and more. Built into all the TELNET accounts are C compilers, mail readers and text editors (not to mention hundreds of UNIX commands and utilities).
FTP is still the best method for transferring any files that you have already developed, however - Telnet does not perform any file transfers itself.
To connect through Telnet, you need a Telnet program. This is standard on all Unix hosts, of course, and most other platforms will have at least a rudimentary Telnet program included with their SLIP/PPP software. The host information is the same for Telnet and FTP (see above). If you need a TELNET or FTP program please feel free to visit our SOFTWARE SUPPORT section. Note to America Online Users: goto keyword TELNET for special support and info about using telnet.
To connect via TELNET you should connet to your domain name minus the front extention. For example if your domain is www.ralph.com you should connect to ralph.com to access your telnet session. Your may also use your temporary IP numbered extension, for example 243.456.43.21. If you do not have a domain of your own use the server domain which we assign you.
You will be prompted for your account password and username. Enter them exactly as they appear on your startup sheet.
How can I serve files to people through Anonymous FTP?
We will provide you with a URL such as ftp://domain.com/, under which your users may logon anonymously.
With AnoymousFTP, ftp://domain.com/ points to /usr/dom/tagname/ftp on the server, where tagname usually equals x plus the first seven letters of your domain name. See your welcome information we sent you when your account first activated. An example, if your domain name was scorpion your tagname propably would be xscorpio.
Why can't I get rid of those extra directories under Virtual FTP?
Essential programs and devices must be present under your ftp tree. In the case of AnonymousFTP, these essentials are in the bin and etc subdirectories, owned by root with highly restrictive permissions. You cannot remove these files; if you tamper with them in any way, your AnonymousFTP will probably cease to operate properly.
With TELNET logons you have access to hundreds of built in UNIX commands and utilities. Some are very easy to learn and some require definite UNIX training. If your really interested in using UNIX, we suggest visiting your local library or bookstore. However, for everyday mail and WEB editing, no extensive knowledge is required.
We now introduce you to a few of the most used commands in relation to WEB design and Mail Checking.
Shell Command Introduction
PINE or MAIL
this is our PRO-SERIES manu driven mail viewer. Its highly interactive and user friendly. Make sure you have a vt100 or vt102 compatible TELNET program to use this properly.
CC
this is a Unix native C/C++ compiler.
VI
Unix's native text editor...vi is notorious for being complex.
PICO
A external text editor. It is very easy to learn and acts very much like a standard word processor. We suggest using this if you choose to edit online
WHO
Shows who is online on your present server.
You can change your password from the EASY USER MENU when you logon to your account via TELNET.
How Do I Password Protect Parts of My Web Pages:
Allow certain Users into Certain Sections
You have the option of protecting selected web pages from viewing or transmission to certain users. With the Password Protect option only users with the correct access password (which you provide) will have access to select areas of your web pages. All other users have access to your normal pages but can't see your protected pages. To set this option up contact us. A $15 one time setup fee applies, but there is NO MONTHLY FEE!
WEB FILES, Where to Put and What to Name:
Your web page document root is /usr/dom/tagname/www,
where tagname usually equals x plus the first seven letters of your domain name. See your welcome information we sent you when your account first activated. An example, if your domain name was scorpion your tagname propably would be xscorpio.Put your web pages here.
There is a symbolic link in your home directory so you can just type cd www to get to the web documents directory. This means when you use FTP to connect to your website, you can type cd www to get to the correct directory for your web pages. Put your files there.
The first file should be called index.html or welcome.html