Variables, as we have discussed, are available in three types: Global, Local, and User. Local and User variables last only as long as a page is being served or a user is visiting your site. Because they are relatively temporary, these variables can not be directly edited. Global variables, by contrast, are permanent, and can be set directly using the NetCloak user interface.

To set global variables, open the "Lists" window and choose the "Variables" tab.

Figure 9: The Variables tab of the NetCloak Lists window.

Creating, modifying, and deleting Global variables is easy. To create a variable, simply enter it's name and value, and click the "Set Variable" button. To modify an existing variable, click on it in the "Variables" list, edit the value, and click "Set Variable". To delete a variable, simply select it in the list and click "Remove".

Global variables changed in the user interface will be immediately reflected when used in commands on your site. This is an excellent way to simplify site maintenance. For example, assume each of your pages used a macro for the page header. You could put something like this in the macro:

     <HIDE><SHOW_GLOBAL MaintMode "On">     <REDIRECT "http://mysite.com/MaintMode.html">     <SHOW>

"MaintMode.html" could be a page that tells visitors that the site is currently being revised and that they should check back later. Now, any time you need to make major revisions to the site, you can just edit the Global variable so that it's value is "On". When you are done making changes, change the value to "Off" and the site will be accessible again.