Web Site Access
What is FTP?
FTP or File Transfer Protocol is a commonly used method to transfer files from one computer (desktop computer) to another (web server). FTP provides means to put and get files, change permissions, and create directories. Drawbacks to FTP include the lack of a locking system and security (passwords and file contents are sent in clear text). WebDAV and sFTP (secure FTP) are recommended whenever available.
What is WebDAV?
WebDAV stands for "Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning". The process is a secure way to authenticate and protect data on a webserver. Unlike FTP, WebDAV is able to automatically lock and unlock files on a server to help protect them from being changed by more than one person at a time.
WebDAV, when used in conjunction with Secure Sockets Layer (or SSL) provides an encrypted connection betweek you (the web editor) and the remote webserver. This way confidential information can be exchanged between your computer and the server, such as documents, usernames, and passwords.
The RCOE Web Servers utilize 128-bit SSL Encyption during all WebDAV communication. This is shown by the requirement of https:// in the URL.
Connecting to your website
Using WebDAV
During the setup of most programs, you will be asked to provide the following information:
Web Address (URL) of your website (For Contribute):
This will be the full URL to the folder you are allowed to edit. For example, a url here would be www.mydomain.appstate.edu or www.mydomain.appstate.edu/newsletters/.
WebDAV URL or Host URL:
This is the address to the editing server. It will be:
https://webdav.rcoe.appstate.edu/[Your WebDAV directory]
Common WebDAV directories are:
CI - Curriculum and Instruction
HPC - Human Development & Psychological Counseling
LRE - Language, Reading & Exceptionalities
LES - Leadership & Educational Studies
CDCLINIC - Communication Disorders Clinic
Your WebDAV directory may also be the actual address of your website, for example:
https://webdav.rcoe.appstate.edu/www.site.appstate.edu/
Enable File Check In and Check Out:
You MUST enable this feature for WebDAV connections if your client supports it. Must clients have this feature built in and activated at all times while with others you must turn it on manually. Failure to enable this feature may result in your website changes being overwritten.
Username / Password:
This is your RCOE Domain username and password. This is commonly the same account used for email and other university services. If you are unable to login with your username, please use the password change form to reset your RCOE password.
Using FTP
During the setup of most programs, you will be asked to provide the following information:
Web Address (URL) of your website (For Contribute):
This will be the full URL to the folder you are allowed to edit. For example, a url here would be www.mydomain.appstate.edu or www.mydomain.appstate.edu/newsletters/.
FTP Host:
This is the address to the ftp server. It will normally be:
ftp://[WebAddress] or just [WebAddress]
FTP Host Directory:
This is the folder where your website files reside. It will normally also be your [WebAddress]. For example, the following might be the full FTP address for your website:
ftp://www.theapp.appstate.edu/www.theapp.appstate.edu/
Username / Password:
This is your RCOE Domain username and password. This is commonly the same account used for email and other university services. If you are not sure what it is, please see the change password form.
Enable File Check In and Check Out:
You should enable this feature if anyone other than yourself works on your website or if you work on your website from multiple computers.
Other FTP Options:
The following are other options that you may need to know when configuring your web access:
Use Passive FTP: No
Use Secure FTP: No
Automatically upload files to server on save: No
