Once a website is completed, follow these steps to bring it to the world. Note, this process will create a completely public facing website; there is no other option.
- Upload an entire website folder. This only works in Chrome, or using the Google Drive desktop agent. The website must be within a folder because the folder is where the website is 'hosted'.
- Share the entire folder as 'Public on the web'. No other setting will allow the 'Preview' button to work.
- Check the box to the left of the folder
- Click on the Share (person with a plus) icon
- Change the privacy setting by clicking 'Change'
- Choose 'Public on the web' > Save > Done
- Open the folder on Google Drive and open the homepage. This will display the code in a preview screen.
- Click the blue 'Open' button on the bottom right. This will open the code into a color-coded previewer.
- Click the 'Preview' button on the menu bar. This will preview the page as a website.
- Copy the URL from the newly displayed webpage. This URL can be shared with anyone in the world for access to the website.
If you want to include Flash files in your upload, you must be sure to publish both the SWF file as well as the related HTML file from Flash. Once this is done, it is a breeze to follow the steps above and get it fully functional.
Do you have any additional tips and ideas? Comment below or send them my way!
Chad McGowan is a high school technology teacher and professional development specialist in educational technology. Over the past 16 years, Chad has taught a variety of math and computer courses for grades 7-12. Since 2000, Chad has been guiding other professionals, pre-k-12, in educational technology. Follow Chad on Twitter @ahstechteacher and through this blog.