The final step of getting yourself online is by publishing your files to the web server. This is done by using an FTP program (File Transfer Protocol=FTP). The FTP server, running FTP server software, listens on the network for connection requests from other computers. The client computer, running FTP client software, initiates a connection to the server. Once connected, the client can do a number of file manipulation operations such as uploading files to the server, download files from the server, rename or delete files on the server and so on.

Any software company or individual programmer is able to create FTP server or client software because the protocol is an open standard. Virtually every computer platform supports the FTP protocol. This allows any computer connected to a TCP/IP based network to manipulate files on another computer on that network regardless of which operating systems are involved (if the computers permit FTP access).

Most web publishing software such as Microsoft Frontpage, Dreamweaver, Adobe Creative Suite and NetObjects Fusion has integrated site management software which allows users to directly upload their files to designated server.

Despite integrated FTP software, there are paid and/or free FTP client available on the Internet. An FTP Client is software that is designed to transfer files back-and-forth between two computers over the Internet. It needs to be installed on your computer and can only be used with a live connection to the Internet.

Here are some of FTP clients available:

• CuteFTP – from $39.99 with free 30-days trial (developer: GlobalSCAPE)

• WS_FTP - from $54.95 with free 30-days trial (developer: Ipswitch Inc.)

• Secure FTP - from $25.00 with free 30-days trial (developer: Glub Tech)

• Direct FTP from $34.00 with free 30-days trial (developer: CoffeeCup Software)

• CoreFTP – free (developer: Core FTP)

• FileZilla – free (developer: Tim Koss

When publishing your web site, there are some final check points you need to do.

Graphics optimization

Ensure all graphics have been optimized and set in the smallest size as possible. This is to ensure shorter loading time to your visitors.

Browser compatibility

Every browser has its own characteristics. If you primarily designed your web site based upon Internet Explorer, you will notice that your web site behave a bit different in Netscape or Firefox. This is due to fact that certain script and HTML functions work differently in different browser types, and a visual and functional check should be made to ensure the displayed results are acceptable.

Visual Presentation

Once you have successfully upload your files, pay attention on visualization especially related to language usage, spelling and grammar, graphics relationship to contents, and contents validity. This is very important if you wish to catch your viewer’s impression.

Links characteristic

Determine your links behaviors when they are clicked. Make sure you direct your viewers correctly to where you want them to go, either in the same window or in a new window. Use appropriate link colors, their intent and destination, and also maneuverability among related pages.

Meta tags, title tags, and meta description tags

Pay detailed attention to tags. They are information inserted into the "head" area of your web pages which are hidden by those viewing your pages in browsers. These tags are very important either for web viewers and web browser. In more simplified words, meta tags identify your web site identity.

Subscription & Contact links

Test your link and become your own subscriber, or contact yourself via the contact link. Make sure you receive all the contents or being directed the way you want your visitors to be.

These are the check points you need to ensure when publishing your web site. Don’t jump the track. Instead, follow the sequence in order to serve the best for your visitors. Great design is good but functional web site is better.