Q ~ How do I protect my graphics or text from being copied?
A ~ You don't. If you absolutely don't want your content or graphics taken - don't put them on the web. You can discourage those new to the web by using a 'No Right Click' script or by placing a transparent .gif on top of the actual image, but a simple screenshot abrogates both of those. The best method is to watermark the image in such a way that it is difficult for someone with photo editing software to remove it. In addition, place your copyright in the Alt Text of the graphic as well as displaying it on the bottom of each page.
Q ~ Why should I center my page content and how do I do it?
A ~ By centering the page content, the page will sit in the middle of a viewers screen regardless of what resolution they are using. A site built at 800 and centered, will sit in the middle of the page with space on either side of it.
To center: Properties Editor ~ Page Properties ~ Advanced Tab ~ aCenter Contents on Page
** Note: 2007 - Centering is now done automatically
Q ~ What size should my web pages be?
A ~ The second most popular resolution used by viewers is 800x600 (1024x768 is first). Sites built over 800 will create a left to right scroll which is not considered good web site design practice. The increased useage of mobile devices also indicates the need for a smaller page size. If there is printable content on the page, a width of 760 will print out on a standard 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper without dropping part of the text onto another page. The general recommendation is to design pages between 780 - 800.
Q ~ How do I backup my files?
A ~ Right click on 'Start' - Click 'Explore' - Click the 'Program Files' folder in the dropdown on the left - Click the 'Homestead' folder - Click 'Homestead SiteBuilder' (this folder may not be there in which case you move on to the next step) Click 'data' folder - Click 'user' folder - Click 'Sites' folder - If you have more than one site several folders will appear, identified by a series of numbers, i.e. 1234567899 - RIGHT click the folder you want to back up - choose Copy from the dropdown menu - Go To Your Desktop - RIGHT click and choose Paste. The copied folder will be placed on the Desktop. It is recommended that you rename the file (right click on the folder and choose rename). You can then move the folder to wherever you choose.
Q ~ What is Alt Text/Tags?
A ~ Alt Text/Tags identify an element, photo or graphic with a written description. Search Engines can not 'read' pictures and some users with visual handicaps use a 'reader' that also can not 'read' pictures. By providing Alt Text/Tags you provide both the SEs and those who are visually impaired, the ability to know what the picture is about. Additionally, when a viewer's cursor passes over the object your description will appear. Alt Text should be added to all important photographs and graphics (clip art, etc.) on your pages.
To use Alt Text: Click on the object to select it - On the 'Properties Editor' go to the blank box titled Alt Text and describe your object. Save.
Q ~ How do I find my Real Tracker Stats?
A ~ There are three ways to access the stats.
1. Open Sitebuilder. Click the House icon (Home) on the SiteBuilder Bar - Click 'Site Stats' in the window that opens and that will take you to your stats.
2. In the top toolbar Click View > Home > Site Stats > Check your Site Stats. Hold down the Control key while clicking on Check your Site Stats if you use a Pop-Up blocker.
3. Go to Homestead and log in to your account. Scroll down to Online Marketing that is below the 'Searchlight' icon and click on 'View site stats.' Again, if you have a Pop-Up blocker, hold down the Control key while clicking on 'View site stats.'
Q ~ Can I use a Power Point Presentation with Homestead?
A ~ Yes. Drag your PP file from your computer into the SiteBuilder's FILE MANAGER. Create a link on the page to the file. Save and publish.
Q ~ How do I get rid of the footer on Quick Sites? I want to make my own.
A ~ Properties Editor - Page Properties - Footer - Style - Click the drop down box and choose 'No Footer'. It's at the very bottom of the list.
Q ~ How do I know what my page will look like in different browsers?
A ~ You can download the most common browsers, like FireFox, Internet Explorer and Safari and then check your site in each of them. An alternative is to go to Browser Shots, a free platform that will test your web design in various browsers and put up screen shots so you can view your site in each of the selected browsers.
Q ~ I've made changes to my pages and published them but the published pages don't show the edits.
A ~ Refresh ~ When you visit pages your computer stores them in Temporary Files called the Cache. If you were to visit a page again it would load faster as the page has been saved to the Cache. Click on the Refresh button in your toolbar when you are viewing a page and the browser will display the page complete with changes. Altenatively your internet settings can be changed to automatically refresh pages when you visit them. Go to: Internet Toolbar - Click Tools - Click Internet Options -Under Temporary Internet Files Click Settings and then select the refresh option you prefer.
Also, as you visit the web, Temp files get larger, thus eating up space on your hard disk. Regular cleaning of the Cache is recommended. In Windows XP Click on Tools in the upper toolbar of the browser window ~ Click Internet Options ~ Under Browser History Click Delete ~ Select the items you wish to delete from the next window that opens. Click on Settings under Browser History to select the number of days you want to store visited sites. The fewer days you select. the less build-up there will be in your Cache.
Q ~ What is the difference between SiteBuilder and SiteBuilder Lite?
A ~ SiteBuilder Lite: The SiteBuilder Lite is designed for users who have no knowledge of HTML coding or image editing, or for those users who have limited time and resources to create their own site from scratch. It is designed with ease of use in mind, allowing the user to make quick changes and updates to their site, without having to install any additional software. This allows the user to update their site from any PC, as long as it can connect to the Internet and Homestead's servers.
SiteBuilder: If you have Web site design experience, or would like to start your site on your own, SiteBuilder tools enable you to start your Web site with blank pages. The easy-to-use site building tools let you design your site just how you like it by dragging and dropping site components such as text and graphics into place on your pages. If you wish to insert HTML code into your pages, or import your own HTML pages, you have that freedom as well. More bells, more whistles, more design control. Requires you download the SiteBuilder software.
Q ~ I changed the name of my page and my guest book entries disappeared.
A ~ Saving a page with a new name will break the link between database-supported Elements such as Guestbooks, and Hit counters. While the Elements themselves will appear on the new page, all information associated with them will be lost. See Tips for how to save the entries in your guest book permanently.
Have a question about using Homestead Site Builder, Site Builder Lite, Quick Sites or Store Front? Join us at the Homestead Connection Forum - the Community of Homestead users.
Q ~ What is the Root Folder or Directory?
A ~ The root folder is the main folder for your site and bears the name of your site. All other files and folders will reside within this folder. See the example at: Root Directory
