When you're updating your web site, do you have a test location on the server so you can check out the page before it's visible to the public? At times I would do this, especially for my sites that get a lot of visitors.

I also try doing the updates at a time of day when I have the least amount of activity going on, just incase something happens where the actual upload only goes half way.

Hi,

I do this when I am going to use a new mod or changing the code. Just to see if it all works but alos to make sure no erros will come up but also to see how it looks and feels etc.

-MGS-

I have a private area (htaccess protected) which is an exact replica of my site, a dummy site. I make my changes on their before I implement them on the real site.

I have 2 servers in my house, 1 has a few sites on it, and I use my tablet pc as a server for the LAN only to test the changes before i put them on th eother server.

What's weird i sthat my tablet pc is actually the better server.

(sorry for teh double post, but it won't let me edit)

Is a server similar to a normal computer? and can it be used to go to the internet, or play computer games, etc.?? and how much does it cost???

sometimes. there is server software built into WinXP Pro/Tablet/MCE, which is what i use on both of my servers. linux has server software, and it's usually more reliable. then, there are servers like the ones in businesses, where the server is just a machine that sets on a rack serving files all day. before you get a server for yourself and expect it to run, make sure your ISP will allow that and you have a static ip.