Quick Start

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This page gives very simple "quick-start" instructions for setting up DAV file sharing. Much more detail is provided in the pages to follow, but for most users, the process is extremely simple.

Note: If you're in the Quick Start section, then I know you're in a hurry, but please take ninety seconds and read the Naming files section even if you're trying to just blaze through it and get going. Trust that I went to all the trouble to write it and to try to steer you there for very good reasons. It's really, really important if you want this technology to work well for you.

Mac OSX users can just use the "Connect to Server..." option in the Finder's "Go" menu, enter the folder address starting with "http://", and then provide the username and password in the following dialog.

For Macs using OS9 or earlier, launch Goliath and choose "New Connection..."; put in the full URL of the folder starting with "http://", check "Use Basic Authentication", enter your username and password, and click "OK". If everything is correct, you will see a window with your web folder right there on your desktop; you can upload into it by dragging and dropping files, exactly like copying.

Windows 98 and ME users should double-click "Web Folders" inside the "My Computer" window, and choose "Add New Web Folder." Windows 2000 and XP users should follow the same instructions, except that Microsoft has renamed "Web Folders" to "Network Places", but it is identical in all other regards. (If you don't see "Web Folders" or "Network Places" on the desktop or in the "My Computer" window, then you need to install it, so the Quick Start section isn't for you. Jump on over to the Windows page.) Enter the full URL starting with "http://", and click "Next". After it makes the connection, enter your username and password and click "Finish", then give your shortcut a name. You will see the new Web Folder shortcut in your Web Folders window. Double-click it to open your Web Folder; you can upload into it by dragging and dropping files, exactly like copying.

Each of these processes is explored in more detail on the following pages.