Set Up
Getting Started:
General Environment
Blogging software works on a server. This is not a PHP class, so it is optional whether you want to have a local server such as XAMPP or not. You should, however, have your server space set up. The instructions below will help you set that up.
Codecs Upgrade for Video/Audio
With new advancements in video technology, it becomes necessary to upgrade the codecs that come with your operating system. New codecs are needed for Xvid, DivX, and for other high definition bitstreaming. If you have noticed that you are having difficulty viewing some videos, this is very likely the reason. Download K-Lite Codec Pack - Full version - 15 MB (Windows) / Download K-Lite Codec Pack for Mac – Perian - Full version - 3 MB (Mac). Install the codecs and reboot your system. All settings can be left to the default during installation. After installation, there should be no need to make any adjustments to any of the audio/video filters, etc. Next time you click on an .avi file, the codecs should kick in automatically.
As with all new installations of software, please remember to create a System Restore Point prior to installing anything so that you have an easy way to revert back to an earlier point in your operating system registry, if need be. If you are not familiar with creating a system restore point on Windows 10 or higher, please refer to this web page: System Restore Point ~ Instructional Guide.
FLV Player
Some of the videos in this course require an FLV player. Try testing the videos first to see if a player automatically pops up for you. If not, here is a good freebie:
Windows Users
Mac Users
Print Screen Tools
Here are some fast little tools that can be used to take screen captures. Your instructor will be showcasing how to use a screen capture tool on a Windows operating system for JPG assignment submissions. Mac users, please see the note below.
Windows Users
Windows comes with a built-in screen capture program called the ‘Snipping Tool’ which is fairly easy to use. To open 'Snipping Tool,' select the Start button, type snipping tool, and then select it in the search results.
When it opens, you’ll see the following:
To choose the type of snip you want, select Mode, and then choose Free-form, Rectangular, or Window Snip. To take a new screenshot using the same mode you used last, select New. Use the Save at the top of the snip to save or copy it to the clipboard. Visit snippingtools.com to learn how to use the Snipping Tool. You can also use:
Mac Users
A Mac operating system comes with a very functional built-in screen capture utility, so there is no need to download and install a separate program. To take a screen capture, press the keys Command + Shift + 4, move your cursor to where you want to start the screen capture, click and drag to select the area, and when you have selected the area you want, release your click. You will find your screenshot saved as a .png file on your desktop.
Create A Working Folder and How to Edit Assignments
To ensure a safe backup of all your material, create a Blogging folder on your desktop. For all the graded assignments, prepare your answers in Notepad or WordPad and save your work to your Blogging folder. Then Copy your answer and Paste it into the Moodle text editor, remembering to hit Save Changes when you are done. If there is a requirement to upload a full document, you will be notified within the assignment request.
FTP Program Download
If you require an FTP program please download this one: Cyberduck for Windows or Mac.
Add Your Blogging Publishing Folder at the Web Server
Let's start with some background information on the web server for this course (studentuploads.ca) and how you will use it. As you will already be quite aware, you have your own folder at this server, which is protected with a username and password. Recall the email you received from us with three important pieces of information: your folder name, your FTP username, and your FTP password. Please locate the information now.
The purpose of your folder at the web server is to hold all the content that you publish during the Advanced program (and is visible on the internet). FTP is the protocol that is used on the internet to transfer files from local computers (like your home computer) to a web server at a remote location, and publishing to the internet requires third-party FTP software. Our web server is located in Eastern Canada, and you will be using the FTP protocol to transfer files to this web server.
Configure Cyberduck
Now, let's configure Cyberduck to access your designated publishing folder. Open Cyberduck and select Open Connection at the top-left of the dialog box. Fill in the four fields as listed below. Then click the Connect button once.
- Host: ftp.studentuploads.ca
- Username: firstl@studentuploads.ca (No capital letters or spaces. Refer to the email containing your username.)
- Password: your_password (Refer to the email containing your password.)
- Port: 21
If you see the Unsecured FTP Connection message, click Continue.
Once connected, you should see Cyberduck launch and your username at the top-left of the Cyberduck window.
Now right-click (or Ctrl+click on Mac) and select New Folder. Name your directory 209 and click Create. This directory will be your publishing folder for this course. You will be placing most of your work for this course into this folder. Once your publishing folder is created, click Disconnect at the top-right of the screen.
Please proceed to the Assignments Page before starting the assignments.