Paths and Permissions

In this class we'll tackle two concepts that are central to web publishing.

The first is file addressing--relative versus absolute paths. This has its roots in the Unix operating system, but is also important in HTML, particularly when building complex sites. You'll learn the difference between relative and absolute addresses, and how to construct relative paths.

The second is permissions--how to allow selective access to files and directories for reading, writing, and execution.

Readings on Paths and Permissions

Readings on Unix Directory Paths

• Re-read Chapters 1 and 2 of the Unix book, paying particular attention to the discussion of relative paths, and the use of '.', '..', and '~' (pronounced 'dot', 'dot-dot', and 'tilde') in referencing files.
• Chapter 7 of the HTML book.
• RIT's "Digital Unix Paths" document

Readings on Unix Permissions

• Chapter 5 of the Unix book.
• "Enough Unix for Your Resume: Permissions, from Webmonkey

Second Project: Basic Web Site

In this assignment, you will take the content from the paper you submitted, and begin shaping it into a web site about that person or event.

The site should have a minimum of 5 pages--one main page, at least three content pages with information from your paper, and one page of references. Do not simply divide the text of your paper up into three chunks and put one on each page; the linear, narrative organization of a paper seldom transfers well to the hypermedia, screen-based environment of the web. Instead, think of another way to organize your content. It could be chronological, by type of information (biographical, technical, financial), by topic (accomplishments, history, current projects), or any number of other breakdowns.

The main page should be named index.html, and should include links to all other pages in the directory. It should also include links to the myCourses site (http://mycourses.rit.edu) and to your main IMM page (http://www.rit.edu/~yourid/imm). Your main IMM page should include a direct link to this assignment.

All files for this site (except images, if you use them) should be placed in your imm/project1 directory. Any images used should be placed in your imm/media directory. All links to files on your site should use relative references, with appropriate paths.

While you can add images at this point, you do not have to--you will not be graded on images. However, you will be graded on some basic aspects of design, all of which can be effectively implemented through effective use of color and typography. Here are the requirements for the site:

*Meets all requirements for number and content of pages, as well as location of files *Content is well-organized and well-presented. *Clean, valid HTML and CSS code (Clean means that it is easy to read, has sufficient white space, uses relative URLs wherever possible, doesn't include unnecessary tags, and uses CSS appropriately to streamline formatting. Valid means that it passes through the W3C HTML and CSS validators without errors.)
*Uses basic design principles ("C.R.A.P."), appropriate typography, and color, to enhance the delivery of your content.

Your site will be graded using the criteria below. The assignment is worth up to ten points; total points for each component are shown below.

The web site must be posted by 2pm (the beginning of class) on Thursday, October 21st. We will check modification dates; anything uploaded or changed after that time will be considered late, and the grade will be reduced by one letter grade for each 24 period following the deadline.