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 screen shot 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. Place your copyright notice on all pages.
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 ~ Center Contents on Page
** Note: 2007 - Centering is now done automatically
Q ~ What size should my web pages be?
A ~ 1024x768 is currently the most widely used resolution among viewers. 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.
Q ~ Where does SiteBuilder store my files and how do I back them up?
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 assistive technology 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 (Not in Fire Fox) 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 in SiteBuilder 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 the Promote Your Site And Store section 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 ~ Do I have to use the Homestead footer and copyright? How do I remove them as I would like to make my own.
A ~ No you definitely do not have to use that copyright or footer. To change it go to: Properties Editor - Page Properties - Footer - Style - Click the drop down box and choose 'No Footer'. It's at the very bottom of the list. Illustration on removing the Homestead footer. #8 toward the page bottom
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. Alternatively 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 program 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. Limited design capability.
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 or use a template. 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 or moved my guest book and my 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.
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
Q ~ How can i move Homestead SiteBuilder from one computer to another?
A ~ Log in to your Homestead Account on the new computer. Click Advanced in the left side menu. On the page that opens, select Launch SiteBuilder. This will load the program onto your computer and transfer all the files as well.
Use the internal search feature to the right or the site map for easy access to information.
Have a question or feel you can help others who use Homestead Site Builder, Site Builder Lite, Quick Sites or Store Front? Join us at the Homestead Connection Forum - the Community of Homestead users
FAQs
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Homestead Website Design and SEO - S&J Enterprises
Q ~ Is there a Forum for Homestead users to get help using the SiteBuilder program?
A ~ Yes, the free Forum is member owned and operated and offers help to Homestead users with web design questions, search engine optimization, how to use SiteBuilder, site reviews and also gives members a free listing in the Directory. The Homestead Connection site offers additional help with the SiteBuilder software as well as providing tutorials, scripts and tips for webmasters.
The Homestead Connection Directory gives Homestead users a free listing to help market sites and increase Search Engine awareness.
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The Homestead Connection
offers users of the site builder software from Homestead several ways to get information and help with their website building.
The Homestead Connection is the main site. It affords webmasters who use the SiteBuilder program a resource to find answers about the mechanics of the program as well as website design information, tutorials on adding scripts, and more.
Designing With Homestead - The Blog covers current trends in design, offers the occasional opinion and gives Homestead users up-to-date info on search engine optimization.
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Q ~ How can I contact Homestead about my site?
A ~ You can either:
Submit a Help ticket by logging in to your account at Homestead orPhone them at 1-800-710-1998 Their office hours are PST.Q ~ Is there information about website design suggestions?
A ~ Yes! The downloadable Website Design Guide can be used as a guideline to building a visitor and search engine friendly site with Homestead Sitebuilder software.
2010 Edition
