Set up a Website in AFS

Introduction

The Andrew File System (AFS) exists on a file storage server. Storage space is available to all staff and students who wish to create personal websites. Once created, your AFS personal website will be available at https://sites.ualberta.ca/~ccid (with your CCID replacing "ccid").

(Note: as of April 2023, AFS space is no longer available for alumni and new students.)

In order to setup a personal website in your AFS Storage Space, you must create a "public_html" directory on the Central Login Server, add your web pages in the "public_html" directory, and set the appropriate permissions so that the files can be viewed by the public. This document will assist you in preparing your Andrew File System file storage space for your personal website.

Please note that IST does not provide support for web design or help with creating an index.html or home page file. You can get started with the basic HTML tutorial at https://www.w3schools.com

Applicability

This document applies to all users with a valid CCID who wish to use AFS storage to publish a web page. (Note: as of April 2023, AFS space is no longer available for alumni and new students.)

Prerequisites

1. A valid and active University of Alberta Campus Computing ID (CCID)

2. Access to Terminal (Mac) or PuTTY (Windows) software to connect to login.srv.ualberta.ca.

Terminal is built into the Mac operating system.
For Windows, download PuTTY from their website.

3. To login to the Central Login Server, review the instructions in KB0012061 )

Procedure

To create the folder and set the proper permissions,

1. Log into the Central Login Server

2. At the system prompt, type mkdir public_html and press Enter

(This step creates the public_html directory, where all your web files should be stored)

3. Type fs setacl . webservers l and press Enter (Note: The period is required and the last character is a lowercase letter L

(This step creates “look” or “list” permissions)

4. Type fs setacl public_html webservers rl and press Enter

(This step creates “read” permissions)

5. You must also create an HTML file named "index.html" in the root of public_html

6. Upload your "index.html" file with one of the file transfer applications below

7. To log out of the Central Login Server, type exit then press Enter.

Adding files for your web site:

You have now set up the permissions for your website. You may add your index.html file and any additional content for your website with a Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) application such as WinSCP, Filezilla or Cyberduck:

Windows and Mac:

Filezilla

Cyberduck

Windows Only:

WinSCP