* Web Site Creation

[imac_boy]

I have been looking into creating a web site for my family tree using FH6 and I just wondered if anyone had any tips or advice regarding this please? Are there any instructions/articles out there on the internet that I should read before doing this? I am also concerned about security and privacy of course!

I know that this is quite a general question to put to the forum and one thing I wanted to know about is how one goes about amending/updating the website after creation as I assume no one settles on the ideal format/layout straight away???

Anyway I am hoping some kind individuals can give me some pointers???

Thanking you and compliments of the season to all.

[tatewise]

Firstly, are you prepared to pay for a website with your own web address & domain name, such as www.imac_boy.org?

If yes, then you must understand about web hosting services, FTP tools to upload your web pages, and username/password security to keep your details private, but allow nominated users access. You also must learn how to best use the FH Publish > Create a Website wizard as advised in how_to:make_family_tree|> Make a Family Tree CD/DVD or Website. This option requires a fair degree of computer literacy to get it all to work satisfactorily.

If you want something free and easy to use, then there are many online tree services. However, they require use of the plugins:help:export_gedcom_file:export_gedcom_file|> Export Gedcom File Plugin, but offer quite straightforward upload tools. Some to look at are listed below. No subscription is needed even for Ancestry and FindMyPast. They all have built in security features for privacy.
fhugdownloads:contents:service_ancestry|> Service ~ Ancestry
fhugdownloads:contents:service_find_my_past|> Service ~ Find My Past
fhugdownloads:contents:service_rootsweb_worldconnect_family_trees|> Service ~ RootsWeb WorldConnect Family Trees
fhugdownloads:contents:service_zoompast|> Service ~ ZoomPast

Also have a look at links:index|> Member Web Sites.

[imac_boy]

Thank you tatewise that is a huge help! The information that I had gleaned about using FH to set up a website made it sound fairly easy, which is why I thought I'd get other views on doing it before plunging in! I will look at all those links before deciding what to do, but what you have posted, gives me food for thought and once again I am indebted to you for taking the time to reply!

[Valkrider]

Two things to consider:

1> How often you will be updating the data
2> How large is your tree

If your answer to 1> is often or to 2> is large then you should seriously consider using a database driven website rather than a static page one created by Family Historian or similar. The static ones usually require a large data upload to refresh the site as pages and links can change as you add / remove people to your database.

[imac_boy]

Valkrider Thank you for that and I will certainly consider that option too! Looks like this is a bigger subject than I rather naively thought!!!

[tatewise]

There is the FTP Website Manager Plugin that helps reduce the upload overhead with static web pages.

You need to be clear about the purpose of your online tree. Is it to try and obtain missing branches with 'hits' on other trees? Is it for friends and relations to view? Just for vanity or what?

Your questions have prompted me to create some links:how_to_build_a_website|> How to Build a Website advice, but it is still under construction.