Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Note: The IRT Web Help Desk only provides help with issues relating to School of Medicine Web pages, sites and applications. If you need help with anything else, please call 5-8000 or contact IRT Desktop Support.

General Questions | HTML and Design Questions | Access Questions

General Questions

I already have access to the IRT server, but I'm having trouble connecting to my site. Please see:
- Setting Up Dreamweaver to Connect With WebDAV
- Reconnecting With WebDAV (MX 2004 only)
- Or submit an Online Help Form for futher assistance

Can IRT build a site for my School of Medicine department, division, center or group?
Please see Building Your Site.

I already have a site developed. Can IRT host it for me?
Please see Hosting Services.

How do I take over maintenance of existing web pages on the med.stanford.edu server?
Please see our Maintainer Page

How do I take over maintenance of an existing site on the www.stanford.edu (Leland) server?
Please read our page for School of Medicine sites on the Leland server

Can IRT redesign our existing School of Medicine site?
Please see our Redesign Page

I'd like to have IRT develop an online tool or database application, or have IRT host an existing tool, application, database, CGI, PERL or other utility.

If you would like IRT to develop a Web application or to host an existing one, please contact Michael Halaas, Director of the Web & New Media Services Group at 650 498-6387.

How do I use multimedia (Flash/video) on my site?
Please see our Multimedia Guide.

How do I set up a site that isn't related to official School of Medicine Activities?
Please see our page about Personal Sites

How can I update my browser?
You may want to obtain your browser from the Essential Stanford Software site. There are various free download sites including Apple, Microsoft, Mozilla, Netscape or Opera. Or search for browsers in Google.

I'm working out of the Hospital and I can't upgrade my browser, why?
See our guide for LPCH and SHC sites.

How can I get my site listed in Stanford's and major search engines?
Please check out our guide to Publicizing & Site Searchability.

Where can I learn more about how to maintain a School of Medicine site?
IRT has multiple training resources training resources including in-person classes and online documentation and multimedia.

How can I stay up-to-date on IRT information and news?
Aside from checking our Web site, we recommend that all developers sign-up for our Web Announce e-mail list.

How can I stop getting all that @*#(!!# junk (spam) e-mail?!
While there's no ideal way to stop it completely, we have compiled an extensive reference for dealing with and protecting yourself from spam.

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HTML and Design Questions

How can I make my Web pages accessible to users using various browsers and platforms?
Please read our Web Accessibility Issues page to learn how to be aware of the subtle issues of accessible Web design.

What should I think about if I want to create a useable and visually appealing web site?
If it's an official School of Medicine site, it should be in the SoM Web format, introduced in the 2004 Redesign. Your biggest job will be preparing the content. Please see Site Development for guidelines and instructions for requesting and preparing to build a new site.

Where should I go if I have a question about what a specific HTML tag does and its proper use?
- Visit the World Wide Web Consortium, 'The bare bones guide To HTML' or WebMonkey.com.
- Ask WebHelp.

How do I create web graphics?
Graphics for the web can be created by many popular programs such as Adobe Photoshop or Macromedia Fireworks. Regardless of what program you use to create these graphics, they must end up as gifs or jpegs for use on the Web. The Web developers at IRT may be of some help in this area.

Where can I find stock photos for my site?
Stock photos and graphics are a great way to easily spruce up the look of your site. Check out our online catalogue of images.

What if I need to scan a picture?
Talk to Visual Arts Services (650.723.6813) and they can help you in this area. Most copy shops also now offer scanner time or services. Educational Technology Services with Lane Library also offers scanners and other multimedia devices for use to anyone with a valid SUNet ID.

How can I password-protect my directories so I can decide who can see certain pages?
Look at our page about using secure directories.

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Access Questions

A person without a SUNet ID needs access to our Web site to view content and/or make updates. Can s/he get access?
Yes, although a SUNet ID is now required to work on School of Medicine sites, any school faculty or staff can sponsor a free, limited SUNet ID.

I'm having trouble connecting to my site. Where can I get help?

Please see:
Setting Up Dreamweaver to Connect With WebDAV
Reconnecting With WebDAV (MX 2004 only)
Or submit an Online Help Form for futher assistance

Can I get another account for another person to work on my site?
Maybe. Ideally, there should be just one account per department or site. You can always have others provide you the edited files to upload. If you wish to appoint a non-Stanford contractor or volunteer, you will need to request an account for them.

Can I let another person use my password/username to work on my account?
Absolutely not! For security reasons, do not ever give away your password/username. All access is controlled by SUNet ID and must be establisehd by IRT. Contact Web Help for asssistance.

I can connect, but can’t upload a page or file to my site. What should I do? Copy down the error message, if any and contact Web Help.

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