| Before publishing, you want to have acquired your server space and given your page a final once-over. Even if you miss a mistake, you can easily fix it later and publish the correction. The last thing you need to do before publishing is to get some important information from whomever is supplying your Web server space. Specifically, you need to know: | | -
The name of the communications protocol required for uploading your files ” Many servers allow you to use the Web protocol (HTTP) for uploading files, whereas some require that files be uploaded via FTP. (Composer supports both methods .) -
The complete address and path where your files will be stored ” You need to know the complete URL of the directory in which your files will be stored, including the server name, the path to your directory, and the name of your directory. Ideally, you have your own separate directory for all your files. Having your own directory prevents conflicts that might arise if any other file on the system (a page, image, or other file) uses the same filename as one of your files. | It's standard practice to name the top page of a multipage Web site index.htm (or index.html ). Unless you have your own directory on the server, though, do not name any page index.htm (or index.html ). Although this name is often used for the top page in a multipage Web page, if the directory already contains a file named index.htm , the server rejects yours ”or overwrites the other! | -
The rules or restrictions for filenames on the server ” Different server platforms have different rules for filenames. For example, DOS-based servers and some UNIX servers do not permit filenames longer than eight characters or file extensions of more than three characters . Ideally, you find out about these types of restrictions before you create and name your files. But, if you composed your page without first finding out about the server, you should check for naming restrictions and change any filenames as needed. | If you find that you must alter any filenames, be sure to check and adjust any links between pages before and after publishing. | -
Your unique username and password for gaining upload access to the server ” Your server supplier should give you a username and password for uploading your files. | If you get server space from your Internet provider, the username and password you use to publish will probably be the same ones you always use to connect to the Internet. | | |