A note about directories

If you've ever been to Yahoo you'll notice that most of the main sections are divided into sub-directories. (/this/that) and somtimes a name like "something.htm." The directories are folders on another computer. In this example you might want to think of a computer as a filing cabinet. The filing cabinet contains folders which are all neatly arrranged and used for a specific topic. On a computer the folders are called directories and they should likewise be neatly arranged. Each directory should contain webpages that are about acertain topic and usually contain a directory for your pictures. The arrangement would look something like this if you viewed it in the Windows Explorer:

The diagram here assumes that you are familiar with the Windows Explorer or File Manager. If you have never viewed the Windows Explorer, you should try to envision each lower level directory (folder) being placed inside the directory (folder) above it. (This is where the filing cabinet analogy becomes problematic because most people do not put folders inside of folders in a filing cabinet but...) In other words, the "picture directory" is inside the "organized directory" which is inside the "first" or "root" directory. It is important to remember that this is what your directory sturcture looks like on the server computer which is controlled by your Internet Service provider. You may wish to create a copy of this directory structure on your home computer to make it easy to view and change your webpage(s) when you are not connected to the Internet. Please also note that the "first" or "root" directory may carry your last name (ie Smith) or similarly simple name. The "first organized" directory might be named "hobbies" and the "picture" directories for both might be named "graphics."