Before you can upload your Homepage there are a couple things you should check before you begin.

1. The first file of your Homepage must be called index.htm or index.html. If this is not what you named the first file you must rename it and, make sure that any pointers in your Homepage, reflect changed name.

2. In order to upload the Homepage files you will need some sort of ftp software. There are various products on the market, which provide help with Homepage design, and also offer uploading features. However, the best way to upload you page is still using a stand-alone ftp program. Our ftp package of choice is TLN_FTP, because it is functional, freeware and it is simple to use. If you don't have a copy you can download it here by clicking the link below.

After your page is properly setup, and you have ftp software you are comfortable with (consult help); you can proceed to the next section.

After your page is set to go, and you have obtained an ftp program, you need to create a session profile which will let you access your directory on our server.

The ftp screen is split into two windows; the left is the Local System side, which represents the computer you are working on. The right side, Remote System, this represents your personal account on our server.

Moving around in either the remote or local windows is relatively simple, to move up one directory just double click on the double dot symbol at the top of the directory list. To move into, or down, a directory just double click on the directory name.

There are various other functions and features, which are mostly self-explanatory, and there is a help button if you require further assistance.

In the Local window you need to be able to see your Homepage files, so at this point you need to switch to the directory on your computer where you stored the homepage files. (Refer to the section above if you need assistance)

Once the homepage files are displayed in the local windows you have to setup the directory the files will be uploaded to.

If you have been assigned an alternate directory for your homepage, you will need to upload your homepage files to that directory instead of your home directory. Also, you won’t need to place them in the public_html directory, just the root directory will do

To do this, click on the MkDir button to the right of the Remote System window. This will display a new window asking for the name of the directory. The name for the directory must be public_html. Type in public_html and press ENTER key.

You must match case and spelling on all directory and files names or you will have problems viewing your home page

The directory we just created is where the files must be placed, so at this point, double click on the public_html directory, which should move you into this directory.

Now we need to transfer the Homepage files from your system to the Remote system, to do this, click on the filename which will highlight it, then click the arrow button between the Local and Remote windows that points to the Remote side. After a short delay the file should be displayed in the Remote window. You must do the same for all the files and directories that make up your home page.

After all the files are uploaded we must set the permissions for the directories, to make them visible using the web browser. To set the permissions on the public_html directory, double click on the double dot symbol, to move up 1 directory. Then do a right mouse click on the folder public_html, then left click Chmod command drop down menu, In the window SET PERMISSIONS public_html that you are presented with type: 755 and press ENTER key.

You will know if you have done the step correctly because you see in the gray status window at the bottom the following 200 SITE CHMOD command successful.

Finally, the last step is to set the permissions on your home directory. To set the permissions on your home directory, double click on the double dot symbol, to move up 1 directory (this may take a few seconds to a minute or two to update the remote window ... you will have an hour glass as an icon in the TNL_FTP window...just be patient as your pointer will return) Use the scroll bar or the Page Down button to move though the list of users until you see your user name and then Right Click on your user name and type 711 in the Set Permission username window you are presented with type: 711 and press ENTER. In the gray status window at the bottom your should see 200 SITE CHMOD command successful.

That is it, you are finished, Click the Red DO NOT ENTER icon between the connection icon and the refresh icon (represented by a green arrow). This will disconnect the session and in the gray status window at the bottom your should see Logging out...

221 Goodbye.

Connection Closed

Click X to close the TNL_FTP program

Now if you have followed all the above steps, your homepage should now be visible using your web browser at the following location:

http://www.computan.on.ca/~your-username (substitute your-username with your actual username without the @computan.on.ca)

If you make future changes to your homepage, you will only have to upload the pages, as the directory and permission structure will already be in place.