Forum Moderators: phranque
thanks
regards
Henry
In my case, I needed something to increase efficiency for the news side of my business. As I mentioned in the other thread, Homesite has the 'deployment wizard' that is suppose to accomplish the same thing, but with all my various domains, it doesn't work reliably.
After spending considerable time trying to find a better solution, I finally came across WebDrive 3 years ago, and have been VERY pleased with the results.
In summary, you load the software on any Microsoft OS local computer, configure it for your server, and it maps the entire server to provide you a local "X:" drive mirror of the server.
From then on, my HomeSite projects (index files, etc. for various domains) are loaded from the X: drive rather than C:. For example, I have a project called "News" that loads my 10 index files from 10 different domains on the server into HomeSite. I then make whatever changes to the files, click 'save all,' and the WebDrive icon flashes saving them all to the server. [Any changes to your new local "X:" drive is saved to the same locations on your server].
The whole operation is completely transparent. The only thing you notice is the small WebDrive icon flashing in the tray when it is updating the server.
I used to make the changes on my local C: drive, then transfer to local X:. After awhile, I skipped that step and now use X: exclusively. The only problem I have ever had was when there was a power outage during the 'X: save.' Since local "X:" IS your server, it wiped out some files.
To overcome this problem, I set up 'Handy Backup' to backup all changed files to a C:\BACKUP locally, and another copy to one of my other servers. I haven't had any problems since, but I feel more comfortable having the added backups.
One other tip is to extend the default FTP timeout on your server, otherwise you are waiting an extra minute or so to connect. With extended timeout, as soon as you save, the icon is flashing and your files are immediately updated. (Also, make sure you are secure between you and your servers. I have 'wrappers' all over them, and set up to only recognize my IP).
This software is probably not for everybody, but for power-users with multiple domains on their server, its great!
I run across dozens of tools every year, but very few are worthwhile. WebDrive is one of those few that I wouldn't live without.
Steve
PS: I have no association with the company whatsoever (although I wish I did).
Jordan
You shouldn't have any problems with this Jordan, but for others, this is an advanced method that can cause problems if the configuration is not initially set up properly.
For anyone that is inexperienced with server administration, make sure to backup your server files before proceeding and ask for a little help from your system administrator if you have any questions relating to WebDrive's configuration.
Jordan
Good luck Jordan!
I am definitively going to give it a try
cheers
Henry
All your computer's programs are immediately web-enabled when you install WebDrive. For instance, when you're done creating a graphic in PhotoShop, just save it right to your server!
I have seen some stability issues with WebDrive. I think it has to do with it disconnecting from the server, or maybe I need to configure some of the options differently. If anyone has any ideas, I'd love to hear about them.
Minor instability notwithstanding, WebDrive is a great program and saves me a ton of time. It also helps me keep my mind on my work since I don't have to take those little breaks to FTP new or changed files. I'd recommend it to anyone.
I have WindowsXP.
however
search for southrivertech
cheers
henry
