Getting space on a web server

When you have a computer and a connection to the Internet, you have most of what you need to become a Web publisher. The missing ingredient is the capability to share the pages you create with people around the world connected to the Web. You gain that capability by putting your pages on a Web server. Most colleges and universities allow students to publish Web pages on servers designated for student use. Before you can publish your Web page, you will need to set up an account and find out how to make your own subdirectory.

Probably your easiest option is to use a server at your college. Your computer center will have step-by-step directions on how to set up your subdirectory, and often these directions are posted on your school's main Web site under "computers" or "computing."

Other options for publishing on the Web include:

1. Internet service providers such as AOL, Microsoft Network, and Road Runner
2. Free space offered on sites such as GeoCities (http://www. geocities.com). The catch about the free space is that you have to put up with a lot of advertising.
3. Your own computer as a Web server (which is considerably more advanced)

Get your space on a server first because you'll want to see your pages on the Web once you make them. Write down the name of the server, your login name, and your password. You'll need them when you put your pages on the Web.

Before you begin making your own Web pages, think about how you will name and organize your files. You will save much time and energy later if you think about these issues now.