How do I know what server is best to use (remote or local) and how does the using of a server work? Do I need specific access rights to publish my personal website on a remote server?

Hi Siegrid,

'Local' means just the files on your own PC or network drive.

'Remote' means the remote server: you usually require a username and password. The most common form of connection for web site uploading is FTP (File Transfer Protocol).

Normally, you would arrange hosting (usually you pay for this annually) - search the web for 'web site hosting' or use a company like Freedom2Surf who can do domain name registration for you too.

A bigger supplier for hosting (and more expensive) would be someone like http://www.rackspace.com

Web space (or 'remote server' in Dreamweaver terms) is usually just a folder on a computer. When someone types in your domain name (eg. www.example.com), the web browser eventually ends up at this folder, and displays the files it finds in the browser.

So all you're doing is copying your local files to the remote computer (server).

So to answer your question, you will always use LOCAL server (to make and develop the web site). And then if you want people around the world to see your site as well, you'll need to upload the files to the REMOTE server.

When you sign up (pay) for hosting, you will be given the details required to make the FTP connection. (eg. hostname, username, password, remote directory) - Put those details into your Dreamweaver Site definition (Remote tab).

I hope this clears it up. Any further questions, please do ask!

Regards, Rich

PS. There is lots of Free hosting available too (do a search). However, there is often a catch eg. displaying the hosting provider's advertising banner at top, or having pop-ups appear when people visit your site. Try http://www.110mb.com for starters. Also Compare free hosting.