Permissions:

Read - 4 - r Write - 2 - w Execute - 1 - x None - 0 - -

- Read permissions are enabled with number 4 or letter r.

- Write permissions are enabled with number 2 or letter w.

- Execute permissions are enabled with number 1 or letter x.

- No permissions are enabled with number 0 or a dash.

Each of these permissions will be set for each of following:

Owner Group Other

To give you a better idea of how permissions are set, below is an example of a script that requires permissions to be set to 755 -- it breaks down like this:

7 - Represents permissions for Owner (you). The owner has been given Read, Write and Execute permissions. 4+2+1=7. This can also be written like this: rwx

5 - Represents permissions for Group (individuals with access to your server). The Group has been given Read and Execute permissions. 4+1=5. This can also be written like this: rx

5 - Represents permissions for Others (website visitors). The Others have been given Read and Execute permissions. 4+1=5. This can also be written like this: rx

755 is equal to rwxrxrx

Changing File Permissions with Your FTP program:

If you would like to set your file permissions through your FTP program, you can do so like this:

1. Log into your server and locate directory that contains your file. 2. Highlight file that you would like to change permissions. 3. Place your mouse pointer over file and right click to launch a menu. 4. Click on "chmod (UNIX) to launch "permissions" window. 5. Set your permissions and click on OK.

In addition to setting permissions with your FTP program, most web hosts will enable you to set permissions through your web page management system.

If you're managing your own website, having a good FTP program is an absolute must. Not only will it provide you with some independence, but it will also enable you to have complete control over your files.

Copyright © Shelley Lowery 2002.

2. File Formats - There are two main types of images on Web: GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) and JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) files. Each format compresses files differently and each exhibits different strengths and weaknesses.

The GIF standard works better for images with large areas of similar, flat colors, such as logos, drawings and diagrams.

JPEG is better at compressing photos and images with complex and widely variable colorings. Within each standard, you can adjust quality settings. Those adjustments will affect file size and image appearance.

The key to optimization is to try out all different options to achieve smallest possible file size while maintaining an acceptable level of quality.

3. Reuse Your Images - increase efficiency of your site by making intelligent use of fact that browsers usually cache (save for later use on user's hard drive) downloaded files, including Web site images. Therefore, when a page calls for an image that's already been used, it loads and displays much more quickly on subsequent page views because it is coming from a local hard drive rather than Internet.

Therefore, one of wisest things you can do is to reuse images; whenever possible, use same logo on multiple pages, same graphic buttons and same graphic dividers. After first time a user loads these elements, they'll pop up very quickly on subsequent pages.

4. Text - text on pages loads far more quickly than images, permitting you to convey more information more efficiently. Don't have a page on your site that makes user scroll down several times. Too much text on one page will slow download time of your site. It will also make it very tiring for your visitor to read all your text.

5. Web Site Enhancements - there are hundreds of other elements you can choose to include on your site. This may include such things as: search boxes, pull down menus, opinion polls, hit counters, rotating banner ads, associate programs etc. You can have a multitude of options to add virtually unlimited functionality (and clutter) to your web site.

To sort out if you need any of these extras, ask yourself question: How does it help me accomplish purpose of this web site? If you can't think of a good answer, chances are you don't need extra element. Make sure they fit into your site's overall aesthetics. Check how they affect load times.

By reducing download time of your web site, visitors will return because they remembered how fast it was to find what they wanted (rather than slower site of your competitors). This may ultimately increase number of your sales.