You’ve Been Served: Lab
UNIT: Server Publication
Activities
Pre-Game
A couple of things to do to get ready: Go look at what the finished product from this lab will be by clicking here: Finished Lab. There's a lot of detail in this assignment, but it's broken down for you in high level directions explained below. It is very important that you read thru this lab instruction in it's entirety. You only need to create a server directory structure and class course page once this entire semester, so really, stay with this -- the final product is impressive!
Activity One: Server Connectivity
Obtain a Secure File Transfer Program ("SFTP") program. [Note: Even if you are already well-versed in another SFTP product, we recommend you become familiar with other products to expand your software experience base.] The products we recommend using are free shareware products: Cyberduck for Mac users and WinSCP for Windows users. SFTP products function as a pipeline to transfer files from a local client pc to a server. Links to these downloads can be found here: Cyberduck Download or WinSCP Download. If, for some reason, you can't connect to the server, let your Instructor know so that we can help you. No worries, we'll get you taken care of!
Activity Two: Create Course Directory Structure with Correct Permissions
While connected to the HTA server, create a course directory structure to hold your lab work for this class. You'll be utilizing some of the features of your SFTP product to create an subdirectory named N241. Move your myFirst.html file into this directory. Check your progress to date by opening a browser, going to the Class Gallery, clicking on your name link, and viewing your server contents so far. If you don't see a link to the myFirst.html file, verify you followed the directions correctly. If need be, contact your instructor so we can help you. The detailed instructions on how to complete Activity Two, are of course!
Activity Three: Create a Personal n241 Course Page with Links to Labs
Create a Class Course Page with links to your course lab work. To accomplish this, you will utilize this provided web page Index File Template and make some simple edits to personalize the page. Once you've finished the edits, save your file as index.html, and utilize your SFTP product to transfer the file to your n241 subdirectory on the HTA server. Be sure to update your browser, and then check your work by returning to the Class Gallery and clicking on your link. As a final directory addition, add copies of these files (HeadFirstLounge.html and drinks.gif.)to your directory. Once again, verify your work by refreshing your browser, returning to the Class Gallery and clicking on your link. Be sure to traverse each link on your index file and verify that all files display correctly. Troubleshoot as required, and contact your instructor as needed.
Activity Four: Begin to Understand the Software Testing Process
It might have been annoying to have to complete this lab in pieces. However, it is typical to arrange software production activity in milestone stages. If you complete your web development in one big effort, and you have a bug, it could be ANYWHERE in your product suite, or code, or process. On the other hand, if you complete your work in stages, like we did here -- if you verify that you can connect, view a simple file, then add more complex content -- you keep the scope of your troubleshooting manageable. Very clever, grasshopper.
Activity Five: Celebration
Are you kidding? This is SOOO past shouting "YAZZIR". You're now a published web author, off the porch, and running with the big dawgs.
