| FrontPage 98 includes a Wizard to easily create dynamic
content by incorporating data from a database into an ASP page. This page briefly reviews
the steps in using this wizard when your web site is hosted by a web hosting service. We
assume the web hosting service supports ASP and provides DSNs. 1. Place Data in
an ODBC-compliant Database
ODBC standards for Open Database Connectivity, a [primarily] Microsoft standard
for accessing databases across different systems. You will need to place your data in a
database with an ODBC driver - typically Microsoft Access, SQL Server, or Oracle. Make
sure your hosting service supports your database type. Note that there are different ODBC
driver versions, and that if your hosting service uses an older version, your ASP pages
may not work if you are using advanced SQL statements.
2. Import Data into Web
Import your database into your FrontPage web, typically in the
"_private" or "cgi-bin" directory so it is not readily visible to web
browsers. If your data is sensitive, you may need to look for a more robust solution.
3. Request and Acquire a DSN from your Web Hosting Service
You will request your hosting service to establish an ODBC DSN (Data Source Name)
on their server to your database. A DSN is a pointer to your database. You will
provide your hosting service with a DSN name (e.g., "CSC96B"), the database
format (e.g., MS Access), and where the location of the database file in your child web.
4. Create the Page
Create a page with an .asp file extension and basic page elements (title, META,
footer, etc.) and non-dynamic text. Then place the cursor where you want the data and
select from the INSERT menu "Database - Database Region Wizard".
- The first screen will request your DSN name that you provided to your hosting service.
The webserver will use this to locate your database. If you are using your hosting
service's SQL Server services, you will need to provide a username and password.
- In the next screen allows you to enter your SQL statement. You can also include
parameters for more complex forms.
- In the next screen you enter the colums you wish to be output.
5. Save and Test
Save and test your page. If you view the source, you will see all of the ASP code
that FrontPage 98 has created for you. If you wish to further modify the page, you can
right click on the table in FrontPage Editor and either edit the entire table
("Database Region Properties...") or a specific field ("Database Column
Value Properties...").
[csc96b/_private/footer.htm]
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