Building Managing Web Sites Introduction 112022 2000 Valtara

Welcome & Overview • Overview of the class/logistics • Instructor biography • Review of

Class Rules/Guidelines • Class starts at 5: 30 pm sharp! • Normally a 5 -10 minute break mid-class. • Honor code – no cheating. • No inappropriate use/hacking of class webserver. • Students responsible for backing up project files. • Students encouraged to acquire Front. Page 2000 and Personal Web Server. 1/1/2022 © 2000, Valtara Digital Design 3

Class Rules/Guidelines • All homework handled via email/class webserver. • No guaranteed support for users accessing class webserver outside of lab. • Homework is due via email or on the class webserver on the date posted. • No late homework will be accepted. • E-mails to instructor are encouraged. • Students responsible for checking class website. 1/1/2022 © 2000, Valtara Digital Design 4

History of the Internet (A good history is to be found in the PBS program Revenge of the Nerds II: The Internet) • In 1960 s, U. S. Department of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency began funding an experimental network called ARPANET • Network for government agencies & contractors to share expensive/scarce computing resources • Goal of network redundancy and stability • Users quickly discovered the network was valuable for collaboration via email & file sharing 1/1/2022 © 2000, Valtara Digital Design 5

Internet History (continued) • During the 1980 s, a common networking protocol (TCP/IP) was adopted for the network, greatly speeding ARPANET growth • Many universities and other institutions join network because TCP/IP included with UNIX • ARPANET becomes backbone of an “Internet” of local and regional networks using TCP/IP to share email, files (FTP, Gopher), and computer resources (Telnet). General public not allowed. 1/1/2022 © 2000, Valtara Digital Design 6

Internet History (continued) • In 1988, National Science Foundation replaces ARPANET with NSFNET. • During early 1990 s, researchers develop HTTP network protocol, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), & web browser (Mosaic) to post readable versions of their papers on the Internet. – Documents had minimally formatted text – Documents included “hyperlinks” to other documents • The World Wide Web is born! 1/1/2022 © 2000, Valtara Digital Design 7

Internet History (continued) • World Wide Web (WWW) gains popularity because users can immediately see content and use hyperlinks to browse to similar content. • In Spring 1995, the National Science Foundation moves the Internet backbone to commercial operation and opening it to the general public. • E-mail most heavily used Internet service -- but the “Web” becomes the most recognized. 1/1/2022 © 2000, Valtara Digital Design 8

Internet History (continued) • Netscape’s “Navigator” browser initially becomes the browser of choice driving HTML standards. • In 1996 Microsoft moves heavily into the Internet market, introducing “Internet Explorer” browser. The “Browser Wars” begin! • Netscape and Microsoft browsers compete for market share and HTML standards splinter. • Continuing cycles of better tools lead to more web sites, HTML improvements, new types of content (java, streaming media, XML). And so it goes. . . 1/1/2022 © 2000, Valtara Digital Design 9

Internet History and the Web • The Internet has long history with wellestablished, open standards (TCP/IP, DNS) • Open standards allowed rapid adoption and growth of the Internet • The WWW is young with still evolving standards (HTML, HTTP, etc. ) • Understanding Internet/web protocols and standards is critical 1/1/2022 © 2000, Valtara Digital Design 10

Significance of the World Wide Web • Very recent development • Enormous resources directed at it in short period of time • Standards important, but very much in flux • Many opportunities for specialists & generalists 1/1/2022 © 2000, Valtara Digital Design 11

The Web IS Client/Server • Fundamental truth that drives the webmaster • Client/Server technology is complex • For each web page viewed, at least 2 computer systems involved – probably many more • This complexity drives demand for skilled web professionals 1/1/2022 © 2000, Valtara Digital Design 12

Webmaster Overview • Originated when one person did everything • “Webmaster” function commonly farmed out to different people • Current industry controversy over the title and its relevance/appropriateness – Concerns from job seekers and employers – Defining a core skill set 1/1/2022 © 2000, Valtara Digital Design 13

Alternatives to “Webmaster” • Alternate job titles – “Person whose fault it is” – Web Administrator/Manager – Internet/Web Architect – Web Author – Web Developer 1/1/2022 © 2000, Valtara Digital Design 14

Webmaster Functional Areas • Systems administration • Content authoring • Content management/Web architect • Communications clearinghouse • Coordination/Evangelism 1/1/2022 © 2000, Valtara Digital Design 15

Webmaster Functions: Systems Administration • Managing the server (the “box”) • Configuring webserver software • Configuring the network • Monitoring bandwidth requirements • Maintaining server and service availability (24 hours/day x 365 days/year optimal) 1/1/2022 © 2000, Valtara Digital Design 16

Webmaster Functions: Content Authoring • Knowledge of HTML & other web protocols • Knowledge of content OR working relationship with content experts • Creation of HTML pages – “Static” vs. “dynamic” content • Knowledge of design principles and graphics • Keeping up-to-date on new techniques 1/1/2022 © 2000, Valtara Digital Design 17

Webmaster Functions: Content Management • Determine site content and functionality • Coordinate and organize content from different content authors/sources • Maintaining a consistent “look & feel” • Manage site change and growth • Manage navigation tools (site index, search engines) 1/1/2022 © 2000, Valtara Digital Design 18

Webmaster Functions: Communications clearinghouse • Most websites have an email address similar to “webmaster@yourdomain” • Webmaster email often used by clients for webrelated AND other questions • Email communications expectations • Web presence can generate more and/or new types of questions from clients 1/1/2022 © 2000, Valtara Digital Design 19

Webmaster Functions: Coordination & Evangelism • Strategize and convince management and “nonbelievers” how to use existing and new Internet technologies • Build external user base • Provide training & standards to content authors • Educate content authors about new technologies and their significance 1/1/2022 © 2000, Valtara Digital Design 20

Webmaster Associations • • Association of Internet Professionals Association of Web Professionals International Webmasters Association The Webmaster Guild See http: //valtara. com/Resources/ for more info. 1/1/2022 © 2000, Valtara Digital Design 21