1. Do not include any space in a name

A space usually indicates the end of a URL. Although programmes like Dreamweaver and Windows Explore allow spaces in file and directory names, these names can be confusing to other systems (e.g., UNIX) and programmes (e.g., browser programmes).

This rule applies to all files placed on the Web, including .html, .gif, .jpg, .ppt files, etc.

aboutcampus.html

about campus.html

2. Do not use special characters

Special characters may be interpreted differently in different systems or programmes. Characters you definitely should not use are:
| ; , ! @ # $ ( ) < > / \ " ' ` ~ { } [ ] = + & ^ <space> <tab>

It is safe to use hyphen or underscore.

birds-waterloo.html

birds(waterloo).html

3. Use short but meaningful names

This will result in short but meaningful URLs.

workstations.html

libraryworkstations- usemanuel.html

4. Use .html for HTML files

Use ".html" instead of ".htm" for a consistent website. The Library website resides on "library", a UNIX computer, and ".html" is used for HTML files on UNIX servers.

legalmaterial.html

legalmaterial.htm

5. Use lower case

UNIX servers are case sensitive. It is convenient for both users and site maintainers to use lower case in file/directory names consistently. It is easier to type and to remember.

contacts.html

ListofContacts.html

6. Use index.html as the home page

"index.html" is a default page in a directory. For example, the URL http://www.lib.uwaterloo.ca/ leads users to the page http://www.lib.uwaterloo.ca/index.html

Using "index.html" results in a shorter URL. This file can be used as the first page to be accessed in a group of pages pertaining to the same subject.

index.html (as home page for mysite)

mysite.html (as home page for mysite)