Frequently Asked Questions - Publishing

Why do I see only a list of my files when I plug my address into the browser?

In your directory, you need to have a file that uses your server's default name. This is the file that the server ships out to the surfer if they don't specify any file name. For example, on most servers, the default file name is index.html. This means that if the surfer enters the following address:

http://www.mcfedries.com/

then the server will send them the following file:

http://www.mcfedries.com/index.html

If you don't have a file by that name, the server usually (but not always) will simply present the surfer with a list of the files in your directory. What you need to do is rename your main page to index.html (or whatever).

How can I get my own domain name?

There are two types of domain names available:

• A regular domain name of the form yourdomain.com (or perhaps yourdomain.org). To get one of these domains, you either need to deal with a registrar — such as register.com or Network Solutions — directly, or you need to sign up with a Web hosting providing that will do this for you. Either way, it will cost you US$70 up front for two years, and then US$35 per year after that. If you go the direct route, you'll have to find a Web host who is willing to host your domain.
• A subdomain of the form yourdomain.webhostdomain.com. There are many Web hosts who will provide you with this type of domain, often for free.

How do I register my site with search engines?

There are two routes you can take:

• Manual: This route involves surfing to each search engine and then adding your site by hand. Look for a link named Add a Page, Add URL, or something similar.
• Automatic: This route involves using a service that will submit your site to a number of search engines. Here are some of the more popular ones:
  Submit It
  Add Me
  Register-It
  See also the Yahoo! Promotion Index

How do I copyright my page?

There is no official process you have to go through to copyright your Web page text. According to copyright law (see http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/), as soon as your text is published in a fixed form (such as being uploaded onto your Web server), then your copyright is automatically in place. To be safe, always include a copyright notice at the bottom of all your pages. The usual format is the word "Copyright", followed by the © symbol (use either © or ©), followed by the year of publication, followed by your name (such as Copyright © 2000 Paul McFedries).

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