Case's Ladder User Homepage Guide
 - Create a new file -

The File Uploads page will allow you to transfer files from your hard drive to the server held at cases.


Screenshots available if THIS color!

 What is 'Create a new file'?  Top

In short 'Create a new file' is a feature that allows members to create HTML files from scratch. There are two tools to achieve this [Standard HTML] and [Ez-Web]. They are both designed to help members create a web page. The 'Standard HTML' is designed for those experienced in HTML (or those learning) whereas 'Ez-Web' is designed for those with no HTML knowledge.

 What is HTML?  Top

HTML is a language that was developed and has grown specifically for the Internet. It stands for HyperText Markup Language (aren't you glad you asked!). Being a language, it requires a program to translate the language/set of instructions to something more meaningful for us all to understand and see. If you want to see what HTML looks like, then from the menu bar of this page select 'source' from the 'view' menu (Internet Explorer [IE] screenshot). Don't worry if this all looks like gobbledygook - at first glance it always does (but pssst don't tell anyone - this is a good way to see how others have achieved anything you see on the web, like and would like to emulate!). But if you are interested in learning HTML a list of some useful on-line tutorials is included below.

Thankfully we do not have to understand HTML to view our pages. This is what your 'browser' is for. The browser is a program that is designed to translate all the HTML code and present it as the writer intended. The most common browsers on the market are Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator. There are many other browsers on the market but all have the same intention - to translate HTML.

 Is HTML the only language?  Top

No.

There are many many other languages currently used for presenting web pages but when wishing to present data virtually all use HTML as the building block.

Writing in other languages (such as perl, php, asp) will require advanced knowledge of HTML and other programming techniques. Case's Ladder User Homepages will not support pages written in these langauges (see permissible files).

 Where can I learn HTML?  Top

Here is a list of very usual places to learn:

You could also buy a book!

 Options post Log-In?  Top

After logging into your account ('How do I access my homepage/account ?') you should have 3 options:

  1. Standard HTML

    If you have some knowledge of HTML and wish to write directly onto your homepages - then this is as good as place as any! Select Standard HTML. You should be directed to a page with a large white box and the suggestion to create a new file called 'filename.html' above. Saving a file with a name already created will overwrite. Please make sure that you create an unique name unless this is your intention.

    Once your code has been written you can either 'preview' the file by selecting the [preview HTML] link or save your file by selecting  .

    Files can always be edited and amended via the 'File Manager' and using the available operation buttons (Screenshot)

  2. Templates

    These are currently not available. However keep looking out for these additions in the future.

  3. Ez-Web

    This tool allows you to make a web page from scratch without any HTML knowledge. This is a very basic HTML editor. It will at the very least allow you to make the a simple HTML page - perhaps you could even write a new 'index.html' page! There are more advanced and certainly more expensive editors on the market.

    Assuming that you want to experiment with Ez-Web the first screen you will be greeted with is this.

    Your first task will be to decide on a filename (remember if you want this to be your 'frontpage'/'homepage' then the file will need to be called 'index.html'. All your files will HAVE to end with either ".html" or ".htm" if they are going to be viewed correctly on the browsers of those wishing to view your file.

    Keywords/Description. Values entered in 'keywords' are those that search engines will pick up and enter in their databases. The description should describe your page. Search engines that recognize descriptions may display them in the search results page, but be brief, some will limit to the first 20 words or so.

    Page Title: The title entered here will appear on the top of the window with your page.

    Background Color / Image: You can choose these values from the options available.

    Text color: Link color: Visited link: These values are the "default" values for the entire file. All text (unless otherwise instructed) will appear in the color chosen. The link color will be the color showing all available links to other pages and sites. The visited link will be the color of all links that you have previously visited.

    Now that you have set your default settings, it is time to start writing some useful information! Afterall - there is no point having a web page if you cannot have it saying what you want! This help guide is not to teach you how to do so but how to carry out the most basic elements available. Your page will be put together in 'blocks' and as many blocks as you require.

    You should in the next box see a drop menu with Text as the first option. Clicking the arrow will show other options available (Screenshot):

    • Text: If you wish to add some text to the page (and most times you will!) ensure that Text is selected from the drop-down menu and click on the words 'INSERT HERE' (Screenshot) - this will open a box beneath and will allow you to enter the text you desire. Your text will appear in one long line even if you have new lines in the text box. To start a new line you will need to select 'New line' from the drop down menu on the next block.

    • Link: This option allows you to enter a URL that when pressed will divert the user to that page. Enter the web address in the box 'Link URL'. All web addresses must have the 'full' URL (URLs normally start with https://..... see URLs). If you do not wish the whole address to appear as the link but some other description then enter the required description in the 'Link Text' box. Any value entered in the Mouseover Text will appear on the Status Bar (the bottom of the screen) if the user has the Status Bar on in their browser settings.

    • Image: This option allows you to enter an image onto your web-site. You will need to enter the 'full' url for the location of the file. If you wish to limit the size of the image then enter the required dimensions (in pixels) in the width/height box. Entering values in the border box will dictate the thickness of any border entered. The Link image box allows you to use the image to link to another site similar to the Link option above.

      Please remember that to incorporate images on your web-page that are NOT yours or that you do not not have permission to use is theft and a breach of copyright. You are asked to obtain permission and any complaint received by Case's Ladder could result in the suspension or removal of your account or the files contained therein.

    • New line: Hmmmm - sorry to state the obvious but this will enter a new line in your web page!

    • Email Link: Choose this when you wish to have a link for users to E-mail you. Enter your address and any alternative text to create the link.

    • Start font: Allows you to change from the default text settings. Your can change the color, the font type and size. You can also choose how the text appears (normal, bold, etc. and where it appears on the page).

    • End Font: Will reverse, or "turn off" the last font change made.

    • Horizontal rule: Allows you to add a line across the page in varying styles.

    After you have entered all the options you require - press Preview File to see your handy-work. If you are happy press the  and the file will be saved for you.

 I want a more advanced editor and I don't want to pay!  Top

Search the Internet for HTML editors or if you have Microsoft Word and Microsoft Works they do have the facilities to "save" files as HTML.

If you are a Netscape Navigator user there is an built-in editor called 'Composer'. As with any editor or program you use once you have saved your files you will need to 'upload' the files on the server (see uploads)

Case's Ladder User Homepage Guide - Create a new file Top