CoffeeCup - HTML Editor, Flash & Web Design Software

This is probably the most difficult step in the page making process, and the least understood. Therefore, before you learn how to upload your files, you need to understand about how the Internet works. If you already have a web hosting company, and you just need the gritty details, click here to skip ahead. While the following definitions may be over simplified, for our purposes, it works.

Exactly what is the Internet?

In simple terms, the Internet is a series of computers (or servers) hooked together. These servers contain the data needed to display web pages, search engines, or other applications.

How do I fit into the Internet?

While there are a variety of ways to connect, most likely you connect to the internet using an ISP (Internet Service Provider). When you connect your computer to the ISP, the ISP will connect your computer to the rest of the internet (all those servers).

Where does my web page go when I upload it?

Just because you have an ISP, and are able to connect to the internet, it doesn't mean you have a server to store your web pages on. ISP and hosting servers are two entirely different entities. A hosting server keeps your pages on file, and allows other people on the internet to view your page, an ISP only allows you to see pages already hosted on these servers.

There are two types of hosting companies. Hosting companies that will host your site for free (Yahoo!'s Geocities or Lycos' Tripod) are examples of free hosts), and companies that will host your site if you pay a monthly/yearly fee (Bluedomino.com). So why doesn't everyone choose the free sites? Free sites are very limiting, and don't allow you to store much on your pages. You will probably not be able to run cgi-scripts. Worse, you may not be able to choose a domain name, and you will probably have annoying banners on your site. By paying for a site, you get flexibility and capabilities beyond what any free site could give you.

Enough already, I have a host and I want to upload!

So you have a host? The first thing you need to do is find your ftp host name, username, and password. If you are not sure about the information you have, contact your hosting company and get the information from them. Only they can give you this information. If you have a free host (geocities, tripod, etc.) You must contact your host on instructions for uploading, as they may not accept FTP connections.

Once you are sure you have your ftp host name, username, and password, you can go to
Tools->Applications->FTP Upload and Download.

The first time you do this, an add server wizard will appear. You can also access the add server wizard by clicking on Servers->Add Server.

Here are the details for each blank:

Profile Name- You can name your server anything you'd like, just something to remember your configuration.

Host Name/Address- In this blank you can enter the FTP hostname your web hosting company gave you. If you do not know your FTP hostname, contact your web hosting company.

Username, Password- This is the username and password given by the hosting company that allows you to connect to the server. If you don't need one, you can check the "Anonymous" option. If you don't know your username and/or password, contact your web hosting company.

Initial Remote Folder- This is the directory on the host server that will be displayed once you connect. Most host servers will automatically connect you to the proper directory. If your host company gave you a remote starting directory, you can enter this here. Several common names include "public_html", "public", "web", and "www".

Initial Local Folder- This is the directory on your computer that will be displayed once you connect. You can leave it blank, or you can enter your working directory (unless you have changed it, this directory is C:Program FilesCoffeeCup SoftwareWorking).

Options:

Anonymous- If you do not need a username and password to connect to your FTP server, you can check this to login anonymously.

Passive Mode- Checked by default, this option allows you to connect if you are behind a firewall. It can cause certain servers to not display files, allow uploads/downloads, or not connect so this should be the first option turned off when troubleshooting.

Save Password- Checked by default, this option will save the password for easier access. This option should be turned off when using a public computer.

Stay Connected- This option will override the program's timeout feature and keep the connection open, unless the connection is terminated by the server.

Once you have entered all the information, click the "Connect" button.

This will attempt to connect to the server. If you have entered all of the information correctly, the Server window on the right will display the contents of your server folders.

Now you can upload your files. Simply click the mouse button on your file, and without releasing, drag the cursor to the Server window, and release. Here are some important tips:

1. Directories are important. You need to upload your files to the directory your web hosting company has specified as your web folder. Different hosting companies have different names for this folder. Examples include web, www, and public_html. If you have any doubts on what this folder is, contact your web hosting company.
2. Your main page should probably be named index.html or index.htm.
3. Don't forget to upload your pictures, movies, and applet files with your page.