Personal Web Space FAQ

You can publish personal Web pages using WebFiles. You can also use a secure FTP (SFTP) client or the AFS client. You'll need your NetID and password to log in. Before you publish your pages, please read Duke's acceptable use policy.

• How do I get Web space and how much do I have?
• What is my personal Web address (URL)?
• Is training available for creating Web pages?
• What should I name my main page, and how do I publish it on the Web?
• What are some tips for creating Web pages?

How do I get Web space and how much do I have?

All Duke University faculty, students, and staff may have an AFS account that includes personal Web space. Each account is allotted 5 GB (separate from the 250 MB allotted for email).

What is my personal Web address (URL)?

When you use your personal Web space to host your site, the URL is www.duke.edu/~NetID. For example, Sally Marie Smith's URL might be: http://www.duke.edu/~smsmith.

Is training available for creating Web pages?

Yes. OIT's Student Technology Services offers students free Web publishing training .

What should I name my main page, and how do I publish it on the Web?

1. Name your home page index.html.
2. Use your NetID and password to log into WebFiles. You'll be connected to your home directory.
   
3. Click the Shared Spaces tab.
4. Under Your Personal Web Space, click Upload to public_html.
   
5. Navigate to the desired file.
6. To view your Web site, visit http://www.duke.edu/~NetID. (Replace NetID with your NetID).

Alternatively, you may use a secure FTP (SFTP) client or the AFS client to publish your site. If you use an SFTP client, connect to the host login1.oit.duke.edu. The complete directory path to your home directory is afs/acpub/users/x/y/netid/public_html, where x is the first letter of your NetID and y is the second letter.

What are some tips for creating Web pages?

• Graphics can greatly enhance the attractiveness of your pages. If you use them, be aware that some browsers don't display graphics at all. View your pages in several browsers to see what they look like.
• Using a few good graphics and effects is more effective than using too many. Large graphics can take a long time to download if a user has a slow connection.
• Put your most important or most requested information on your home page. You don't want visitors to your site to have to click through links to find the information they're looking for.
• Use a template to give your site a consistent look.