OmniUpdate

What is OmniUpdate?

OmniUpdate is a content management tool that allows the user to update his or her web site through a web browser, from anywhere with an Internet connection. It is offered through WebSiteASP, an online service provider in California.

Getting Help with OmniUpdate

All OmniUpdate sites have access to online help. The help details how to insert images, upload files of all types, insert links, and the basic process for editing a web page. Simply click on the blue "Help" button at the top right corner of the browser window, to the left of the "Exit" button. A new window will appear with the list of help topics.

If you still require help, please contact Steven Splinter.

Sign Up for OmniUpdate Training

Contact Steven Splinter to arrange for training.

OmniUpdate FAQ

Can I use DreamWeaver|Go-Live|Front Page|etc. with OmniUpdate?

No, unfortunately. All web pages in OmniUpdate are stored in a staging server, for quick access when you want to edit a file. When you publish a file, a copy of that file is sent to our servers. DreamWeaver, Go-Live, etc., cannot access that staging server. They can only access our servers. This means it's very likely two people could work on the same site, one in OmniUpdate and one in DreamWeaver, and overwrite each other's work without knowing it.

Should I choose DreamWeaver or OmniUpdate?

It depends on your resources and skills. We recommend OmniUpdate for most situations. It can be used by the greatest range of people, with the greatest range of skills, and requires no additional software. It is perfect for maintaining content on a site quickly and efficiently. However, it lacks fine-tuned control that many experienced developers appreciate, as well as access to powerful features that DreamWeaver and its kind can give. OmniUpdate is also dependent on an internet connection: the faster, the better. We recommend it for departments in which there are no staff with advanced technical skills, or for sites that will be maintained entirely or in part by people without technical skills.

DreamWeaver, a visual HTML editor, is a powerful stand-alone program that many experienced web developers use. It allows one to create not just web pages but entire web applications, assuming one has the skills necessary to build them. It has a steep learning curve, though, and the user must know HTML code to use our layout effectively with DreamWeaver. Also, the DreamWeaver application costs money; while the University supplies it on its computers and supports it, the Web Design and Development office has no copies on hand to distribute. We recommend it for experienced developers who know what they're doing with web sites and don't mind working with HTML, or for those willing to put in the time to learn how.

I uploaded a file in OmniUpdate, but cannot see it. Where did it go?

The file is exactly where you put it. OmniUpdate has two ways to view the files in your site, one that shows only text files, and another that shows all files. To see all of your files, click on the "Switch to Live Server" button within the "File Manager" tab. It may take a minute to show the file listing.

Why does it do this? Since OmniUpdate can only edit web pages and text files, those are what it stores on its staging server and those are what it shows you by default. Anything that is not a web page or text file--an image, a PDF document, a Word document or Excel File, etc.--is transferred to our server for holding.

Are there any naming conventions for the files?

Yes. All file names and folder names should have lowercase letters, numbers, underscores, and dashes only. Note that OmniUpdate and Dreamweaver will both allow you to create files with mixed case letters and other characters like percent signs, spaces and dollar signs. However, our servers follow the more restrictive naming convention, though, and will rename all files to fit the convention, no matter what you name your files. We highly recommend that you follow this convention for all files in your web site, so there is no confusion at any point as you edit your site. More information