How To Use FTP

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Using FTP Software

You need FTP software to get files from your own computer onto your web space.

Once you get used to it FTP software is fairly easy to use and the good news is that the best program available is free! 

How To Use FTP 

There are a couple things you need to do before you can use FTP:

1. Make sure you have some web hosting space that allows you to use FTP

2. Download some FTP software like the excellent Filezilla. The FTP software link here goes straight to the main download page. If you're a Windows user, choose the link that says "FileZilla Client". Mac and Linux users will need to scroll down a bit further for their versions.

Remember where you download the file to!

Once it's downloaded, run the setup program and you're almost set to go.

The first time you run Filezilla, it can be a little bit daunting. I'll create a video soon but for now I'll talk you through using it.

On the File menu, select Site Manager.

Then click the New Site button and give the site a meaningful name (it's only you who will see this name but if you have more than one host over time, it makes sense to use something more than New FTP Site).

Then you need to complete a few other details. You can get them from your host's control panel or the welcome email they sent you.

Host is normally your domain name, missing off the "www." part. Leave the value for Port at 21 unless your host has said anything different.

Leave "Server Type" as FTP.

Click the Normal button in the Logontype box.

In the User box you'll need to enter the user name assigned by your web host.

The account box is usually left blank.

The password box should contain either the FTP password you set or the one assigned to you by your web host.

Now you're ready to test your connection by pressing the "Connect" button.

If you've typed everything in correctly, you'll see a listing appear in the right hand window. If not, you'll get some kind of error message in the top window which should help you identify the problem.

Free FTP software 

The best FTP software is Filezilla.

It works with Windows, Apple Macs and Linux systems.

It's just as easy to use as any commercial program and, in my experience, is faster and more stable than most commercial FTP software.

Even if you've paid for a program like Coffee Cup FTP, you should give Filezilla a try.

FTP Software 

Ws_ftp Professional 2007 Single User License

Amazon Price: $61.28 (as of 10/07/2008)
List Price: $64.95

If your company doesn't want to use open source software, this is the best commercial product I've found. It's long established, well supported and works exactly as you'd expect.

What Does FTP Stand For 

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol.

Put simply, it's the system that is used to transfer files from one computer to another across the internet.

You don't need to worry about the ins and outs - just know that it works simply and reliably.

That said, if you want all the glorious technical details, check out the Wikipedia article further down this page.

FTP Links 

Filezilla Free FTP Software
Simply the best FTP software available.
Website Hosting
You need somewhere to host your files on the internet. Hostgator are long established, reasonably priced and have a help team who actually respond to questions. Unless you're only ever going to have one domain name, choose the Baby option under shared hosting. And (contrary to what you'd choose on your own PC) make sure you use a Linux option.
Domain Names
It's normally cheaper to buy your domain names from a specialist. Namecheap are the best I've found. Search out their coupon codes (they change regularly) to save a little extra on your domain name purchases.
Website Design Software
You need to design your website. This is one of the easiest programs to use and there's a free trial so that you can make sure you get on OK with the software before committing to it.

FTP video 

Web Design Tutorial #3: Using FileZilla for FTP File Transfers

Describes how to upload and download files from the internet with the FTP file transfer program, FileZilla.

Runtime: 6:24 | 761 views | 0 Comments

 

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Great Stuff on Amazon 

Using Ftp (User Friendly Reference)

Amazon Price: (as of 10/07/2008)

FTP: Webster's Facts and Phrases

Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 10/07/2008)

FTP from Wikipedia 

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a network protocol used to transfer data from one computer to another through a network such as the Internet.

FTP is a file transfer protocol for exchanging and manipulating files over a TCP computer network. A FTP client may connect to a FTP server to manipulate files on that server. As there are many FTP client and server programs available for different operating systems, FTP is a popular choice for exchanging files independent of the operating systems involved.

Look who made this lens!

Trevord

Trevord FTP is the easiest way to get files from your computer to your web host.