This list of frequently asked question's is targeted mainly to the development and maintenance of La Sierra University web pages on La Sierra University web servers. Please note that some of this information will ONLY be accessible on-campus at La Sierra.

What do I use to work on my web page?

The IT department (including the office of the Webmaster) currently ONLY support Dreamweaver on both Windows and Mac. If you choose not to use Dreamweaver, you may use any available program to work on your web page; however, we will not be able to provide you with any support. (Support entails questions, issues, problems, that may arise during the use of any "unsupported" product).

Where do I get Dreamweaver, and how do I use it?

Visit our Dreamweaver How-to's page here to learn how to get a copy, and how to use Dreamweaver.

How do I get my department's web pages to look like the University website?

Visit our Dreamweaver Templates page here to download and use the standard University web page templates.

What does FTP mean?

FTP stands for "file transfer protocol". Simply put, this is the method used to move files from one computer to another over a network. Both Dreamweaver, and various FTP specific programs use this same method to transfer files. A few popular FTP clients are Cute FTP or Filezilla for Windows, and Fetch for Apple's Mac computers. Filezilla is currently free to the general public, while the University is currently beneficiary to a free campus license for Fetch for the Mac. Contact the Webmaster if you'd like to access the software license key for Fetch.

I used to be able to login with Dreamweaver/an FTP program. Now I get a message saying I can't, but I can still login to my email.

While the email system and the FTP system use the same password database, each program requires passwords to be changed at different intervals. The FTP server requires an updated password ever 90 days. You can change your password by going to this page. Once you've changed your password, you will need to update it anywhere you have it saved.

What's the difference between upload/download and put/get?

The only difference between these words is semantics. Upload is the same activity as "put", while download is the same activity as "get". When you upload, you move files from your local computer/device "up" to the webserver, file server, target computer, etc. When you download, you get files from a remote server/computer "down" to your local computer.

How do I get access to upload files to the web server for my personal (student) web site?

If you are registered for enrollment at La Sierra, and have a valid La Sierra University email account, you can setup a personal web page. Once your email address is activated, you need to use an FTP program to put your files on the web server. View the FAQ above about FTP prgrams if you are not sure what any of this means.