Section 15.1• Identify Webmastering tasks• Identify Web server maintenance techniques• Describe the importance of backups

Section 15.2• Identify guidelines for updating a site• Edit and update a Web page• Use FrontPage reports• Check for broken hyperlinks

Section 15.3• Control access to a Web site• Create a login screen• Monitor Web site traffic using FrontPage Usage reports

15.1 Web Server MaintenanceGuide to Reading

Main Ideas

Web server maintenance is the primary responsibility of a Webmaster. Maintenance includes diagnosing and repairing a server’s hardware and software, and backing up critical system data.

Key Terms

hot-swappable hard drives

hard drive mirroring

backup

incremental backup

pp. 394-397

pp. 394-397Web Server Maintenance

Webmasters are the primary individuals responsible for Web server maintenance.

A Web server’s primary function is to upload and download files. This depends on two components:

• Communication hardware

• Communication software

Maintaining a Web Server

15.1

15.1 Web Server MaintenanceMaintaining a Web Server

Webmasters must also be aware of the storage space requirements of the site. They can use solutions such as hot-hot-swappable hard drivesswappable hard drives or hard drive mirroringhard drive mirroring to maintain storage.

hot-swappable hard drives Storage system used by some Web servers that contains multiple hard drives; allows a Webmaster to replace one drive for another in case of failure of the drive. (p. 395)

hard drive mirroring Storage method in which data are written to more than one hard drive at the same time; helps keep Web servers fully functional at all times. (p. 395)

pp. 394-397

15.1 Web Server MaintenanceMaintaining a Web Server

Webmasters should also be concerned with the loss of critical data.

They can solve data loss through data backupbackup. Incremental backupsIncremental backups are more efficient than complete data backups.

backup A copy of a specific set of data, usually stored in a different place such as a tape, CD-ROM, or another hard drive. (p. 396)

incremental backup Copies only the data that has changed since the last full backup to the backup device. (p. 396)

pp. 394-397

pp. 394-397Web Server Maintenance

The Webmaster plays an important role in making sure Web sites function properly.

The Role of the Webmaster

15.1

pp. 394-397Web Server Maintenance

• Activity 15A – Becoming a Webmaster (p. 397)

15.1

15.2 Updating InformationGuide to Reading

Main Ideas

Published Web sites require regular updating. Webmasters often archive rather than discard the elements they remove. Preparing technical documentation is an important part of Web site maintenance.

Key Terms

file management

direct server update

local client update

archiving

pp. 399-403

pp. 399-403Updating Information

Visitors return to sites that contain dynamic information. Consider the following guidelines for updating your site:

• Think about how your changes will benefit your visitors.

• Frequently update content elements such as the site’s graphics, text, last-updated date, and recommended links.

• Try to maintain the site’s overall structure, navigation bars, logos, color schemes, and contact information.

• Create a schedule for regular updates.

Guidelines for Updating a Site

15.2

15.2 Updating InformationEditing and Updating Web Files

A comprehensive Web maintenance plan should include a strategy for file file managementmanagement..

There are two methods for updating files: direct direct server updateserver update and local local client updateclient update..

file management The process of creating, naming, moving, updating, and deleting files on a computer system. (p. 400)

direct server update The act of updating or revising a Web site’s files directly on the Web server where the site resides. (p. 400)

local client update The process of revising Web pages by copying the files from the Web server to a local (client) workstation, updating the files on the local workstation, and uploading the revised files to the Web server. (p. 400)

pp. 399-403

pp. 399-403Updating Information

FrontPage has a variety of reports that help you monitor your Web site.

• Site Summary Report

• Files Report

• Problems Report

• Workflow Report

Using FrontPage Reports

15.2

15.2 Updating InformationArchiving Web Pages

It is important to archivearchive your Web pages. You can use the old pages as templates for new pages.

Remember to archive the HMTL pages as well as the associated files and folders.

archiving The process of saving and storing old Web pages and their components. (p. 403)

pp. 399-403

pp. 399-403Updating Information

Many Web site publishers provide various forms of technical documentation to accompany their software. Such documentation might be intended for Web site users, Webmasters, or even Web site developers.

Regardless of its intended readership, documentation can be an essential part of an effective Web site.

Developing Technical Documentation

15.2

pp. 399-403Updating Information

• Activity 15B – Updating a Web Site Locally (p. 400)• Activity 15C – Checking for Broken Links (p. 402)

15.2

15.3 Keeping a Web Site SecureGuide to Reading

Main Ideas

Many Web sites collect valuable information about the Web surfers who visit it. Part of a Webmaster’s job is keeping this personal data secure from unauthorized access.

Key Terms

access control

password

user authentication

global access control

pp. 405-408

15.3 Keeping a Web Site SecureControlling Access to a Site

Webmasters can use various methods to set up access controlaccess control to a Web site:

• PasswordPassword controls and user authenticationuser authentication

• Global access controlsGlobal access controls

access control A security measure in which a site’s availability is restricted to a specific set of authorized users. (p. 405)

password A set of letters or numbers that a user enters to gain access to a Web site. (p. 405)

user authentication The process of checking the password the user enters against the one assigned to the user. (p. 405)

global access control A security measure in which groups of users are granted or denied access to computer system data; different groups of users are often given different levels of access to system data. (p. 407)

pp. 405-408

pp. 405-408Keeping a Web Site Secure

There are several methods for monitoring traffic on the Web site.

FrontPage usage reports track many different kinds of information, including how often a visitor comes to your site, what operating systems and browsers they are using, and how they found your site.

Monitoring Web Site Traffic

15.3

pp. 405-408Keeping a Web Site Secure

The need for Web site security is well established, as is the technology to implement such security. However, the question still remains as to how much security any given Web site publisher should be required to provide.

Webmasters often must make ethical decisions when monitoring Web sites. Along with repairing hardware and software, ethical choices are sometimes part of the Webmaster’s job.

Ethics and Webmastering

15.3

pp. 405-408Keeping a Web Site Secure

• Activity 15D – Creating a Login Screen (p. 406)

15.3

Chapter 15

For more resources on this chapter, go to the Introduction to Web Design Web site at webdesign.glencoe.com.

Resources