Switching from NetSol's integrated Web Designer to an external app (Xara)

Server Config
1

I am a newbie and this is my first website. I purchased a package from Network Solutions and used their integrated web designer to quickly get my site online. However, now I need more control in the layout, etc., and want to switch to a 3rd party app, such as Dreamweaver. I have Filezilla installed and operational and pointed to the ftp account.

How do I switch? Net Sol’s advice was to create a subdirectory in htdocs with the new code and “point” the domain to that directory, that way the site can remain live while I work on the revamp. I’m assuming that means change the path to that particular subdirectory by editing the ftp account? Would it be easier just to use create another ftp account?

Also, this is a dumb newbie question, but when someone types in the name of the site, and my domain is pointed to the new subdirectory with the new code, how does the server know to go to the home page? Is there something like a .bat file that is read first?

Thanks for any help in clearing up these questions.
Mike

2

You can use Filezilla to download your code, and edit it on your computer then use Filezilla to upload to your host.

I am not familiar with Network Solutions control panel, but you should have an administrative area where you can setup where the domain points. Another option may be a 301 redirect.

You could create a sub-directory and recreate or duplicate your code for every page and when you are satisfied with the results, you can just copy that to your htdocs directory overwriting everything there with new code. I strongly suggest you keep a copy of your current code so that you have something to use if a mistake keeps things from working properly.

If you want to make small changes and edit the live code you can do that, and not bother with a complete rewrite.

I have recently had a look at a site that is built using an integrated program, and it was enough of a mess that I will offer to do a complete rewrite. (family member site).