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Tron Web Publishing System: FAQ

What is Tron?

Tron is a browser-based web publishing system that enables you to maintain web pages without using an HTML editor (Dreamweaver, FrontPage) or an FTP client (WS-FTP, SmartFTP). It has a text editing interface very similar to Word, as well as a simple image editor.

What are the benefits of using Tron?

Tron saves you that most precious commodity: TIME.

You don’t need to:

  • Know how to use three different applications (image editor, HTML editor, FTP client)
  • Know HTML to edit text. Tron’s text editor is similar to Word.
  • Create and update web pages for staff directory and email addresses. This will be pulled directly from the MCPS Staff Directory.
  • Design pages. All pages will be in a template designed just for your school.
  • Do all content updating yourself. Currently, other webmasters at your school have access to all folders on your site. Tron enables us to give them access to select subfolder(s) on your site. (Coming in first quarter 2007!)

By simplifying the publishing process, you can focus on updating your content, rather than on the mechanics of HTML.

How do I obtain access to Tron?

Moving your site into Tron is not an automatic process. Web Services will do the work of creating your new site and putting content into the site. So the migration involves close collaboration with Web Services. Read the rest of this FAQ, then fill out our Tron request form if you and your school/office administrator are ready to migrate your site to Tron.

What is my role in the process of moving my site to Tron?

Most important, make sure your principal/administrator is aware of and supports the project. You will need time for at least two meetings with Web Services and to perform tasks related to the migration. (See Our Job, Your Job and Tron Migration Step-By-Step for details and deliverables.) Web Services cannot complete the project without your involvement, so please be sure that you can commit the time necessary before contacting us.

How long does it take to move a site into Tron?

The speed of the process is driven mostly by you. The more quickly you meet with us and provide us with the files we need, the more quickly your site will be completed. Generally, sites are completed in one or two months.

Will I need training for Tron?

Yes. Web Services will provide on-site, one-to-one training when your new Tron site launches. You will receive documentation, and can contact Web Services with questions or ongoing support. Tron will be integrated into Webmaster training beginning in the 2007-08 school year.

Can other staff in my school or office publish pages in Tron?

Yes. Currently, secondary webmasters have access to all folders on your site. Beginning in first quarter 2007, we will be able to give other staff at your location access to specific
folder(s) on your school or office web site. You will continue to act as your location’s primary webmaster, with full access to all folders on your Tron site.

What software do I need to maintain a Tron site?

You need to run Internet Explorer 5x or higher on a PC. You or your school technical support staff will also need to install eWebEditPro, Tron’s text editor, on any workstation that will be used to maintain your web site. At this time, do not use the system with IE 7 or Macs. This will likely be available sometime in the next year.

What features does Tron offer?

Tron has a calendar, a newslist and a staff directory feature. In the near future, Tron will also include slide show and poll capabilities.

Updated December 22, 2006 | Maintained by Web Services