how do i setup http downloading?

[chibacity99]

I am trying to setup a website which will allow vistors (family members) to download video clips. The users will be complete computer illiterates, and therefore I want to use http as oppose to ftp (so they can simply 'point-and-click' to download). I cannot find any info on how to set this up. I want to use a webhosting company, as opposed to using my own computer as a server, because I do not have broadband/DSL available in my area. Do I need to use CGI scripts? Where are the web hosting companies that can do this? I need something affordable (no more than $15/month), and preferably a company that charges little or no extra fees for repeated downloads. Any help/info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[sinhart]

This probably should have been in the html section.
All you need to do is to create a link to the video clip.
i.e. <a href="path to the file">Name of the file</a>
Then when the user clicks on the link it will start the download process.

[sinhart]

Do I need to use CGI scripts?

The need to use cgi scripts depends greatly on what you want to do with the webpage and the webhost you choose. Not all host are created equal. some allow use of their scripts only while others allow the use of your own scripts. Others do npot offer cgi support at all.
One of the main things cgi is used for is forms. If you plan on using forms on your site then definately try to get a webhost with cgi support and preferably, given your experience, one that supplies their own scripts.

[sinhart]

Where are the web hosting companies that can do this?
Try TheFreeSite.com under free webspace. Not all their listings are completely free and most have paid hosting available.

[chibacity99]

thank you sinhart, but i should have been clearing in what i was looking for. when i said "downloading" i wasn't referring on the html code necessary to post the vid. i know the HTML code for that. what i'm trying to find out is how to set up a site so visitors can download and SAVE the video on their own HD. still trying to find out how to do this.....i belive CGI is needed, but not sure.

[sinhart]

Originally posted by chibacity99
thank you sinhart, but i should have been .

The provided code WILL allow visitors to download and save the video when they click on the link. If you put the path to a .htm(l) document it would show the page. But for non-htm(l) items such as .pdf, .doc, .ppt, .wmf, etc it simply produces the download prompt.

If you are meaning to allow the visitors to view the video then that is something altogeather different. The link WILL NOT allow them to view the video until it has been downloaded and then only if they have the program on their machine to view it

[chibacity99]

thanks, sinhart. i didn't know it was that simple. i was confusing EMBED with HREF. don't i feel silly. thanks again for taking the time to respond

[Scriptage]

For cheap hosting check out dr2.net, they host my site, have full CGI / PHP mySQL support loads of bandwidth 100 mb storage space all for $10 a year.

[sinhart]

No Problem, been there, done THAT.