Once web pages have been created, updated and tested to your satisfaction, the webmaster must move the newly updated files from the local machine "up" to the MCPS web servers in order to make the changes "live" on the web site.

Using FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

To move files from their personal computers to the web server, webmasters use an FTP client such as SmartFTP, WS_FTP, or Fetch. Webmasters must have a login and password to use FTP to access the MCPS web servers. To get a login and password, an administrator of your school or office must fill out a Webmaster Account Request Form. This applies to all school and office webmasters. (See Hew to become a webmaster.)

Why you shouldn't use FrontPage or Dreamweaver to FTP

Many HTML editors such as FrontPage and Dreamweaver incorporate FTP clients as an embedded option. This can be a convenience, but requires setting up the correct preferences in the editor. Setting up these preferences for a variety of HTML editors is beyond the scope of the support of the Web Services Team. In addition, some HTML editors make decisions on graphics locations and perform "automatic" functions when they FTP. This can be very confusing to newer webmasters.

To simplify and demystify the FTP process, Web Services Team STRONGLY recommends that MCPS webmasters separate their FTP function from their page editing function and use one of two utilities listed below to upload files to the MCPS servers.

For Windows Users: SmartFTP or WS_FTP LE

Beginning with TechMod06, schools have SmartFTP installed on all workstations. Home users supporting the MCPS web site may download SmartFTP and use it at no cost.

• Get SmartFTP | How to Use SmartFTP

As of July, 2004, WS_FTP LE is no longer available for download. A newer, more robust FTP application is available from the Ipswitch site for purchase or a free 30-day trial. The webmaster using a PC platform can use WS_FTP Home or WS_FTP Professional, both are graphical FTP clients for Windows users.

The How to Use WS_FTP document has directions specific for Windows users. For TechMod05 schools and earlier installations, WS_FTP LE is part of the image and can be used in the schools and offices where available.

• Get WS-FTP Home | How To Use WS_FTP

For Macintosh Users: Fetch

The webmaster using the Macintosh platform will use Fetch, a Macintosh FTP client that is free to educational users. See the Fetch document for specific directions.

• Get Fetch | How To Use Fetch

Updated May 21, 2007 | Contact Webmaster