Quick
Guide to FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
Below you'll learn all about
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and How it
Works...
Ever wondered how
web
designers get their
web page files from their hard drive to the
Internet? Many designers use FTP (File
Transfer Protocol). With FTP, you can
transfer almost any file you want to your website's
server easily.
What is FTP?
FTP is used to transfer
files, programs or other types of information from
one computer to another. When you "upload"
web page files to your web host's server (or
computer), you are actually transferring your files
from your computer to theirs.
Only, theirs is programmed to
show on the World Wide Web. The FTP tool
enables you to upload web
pages, download
software quickly, transfer information between two
of your own computers, and much more.
Anonymous FTP
Explained
You may have
heard the term "anonymous FTP." This
type of FTP tool is used for downloading software
from a computer where you do not hold an account
personally. This enables you to get Microsoft
or Apple updates, download programs from
universities, and even try out software demos
before you buy them.
Is FTP Software
Required?
FTP software is not always
required to transfer your files to the Internet.
Your web host might provide online browser FTP
where you can transfer from their website.
Unfortunately, you will often be limited to
transferring only a few pages at a time, and it's
usually slow-going.
If you foresee transferring
lots of web pages to your website server, you
should get a professional FTP program such as
WS_FTP offered by Ipswitch.com.
This software has many great features for online
business owners and enables you to transfer many
pages at once. It's very fast as
well.
Other FTP
programs available include: SmartFTP,
FTPGetter, AbleFTP, Auto FTP Manager, FastTrack
FTP, FileZilla FTP, and 1st Choice FTP Pro.
Check out several FTP programs before ordering so
you'll be able to choose the one that will best fit
your needs - and your budget.
** Mac
Users: Fetch FTP Program by
FetchSoftworks.com
How to Setup Your FTP
Program
If you buy an FTP program,
you will need to obtain your setup information from
your web host provider. This information
typically includes:
.
*Server
Name (example: ftp. servernameexample. com):
Your server name will probably be either your own
website address or an IP number. In some
cases, it's the hosting provider's website
address.
*Username & Password:
You will also need your username and
password. This is usually the same username
and password that you use to login to your hosting
account for management. If you use a control
panel, it's probably the same password.
Again, this depends on the host as well.
*WWW Directory: You
will also need to know which directory to transfer
your files into on your server. There are CGI
directories, WWW directories, or Public
directories. CGI directories are only to be
used if your website has CGI functions. All
public files that will be displayed to your
visitors will typically go under "WWW" or "Public"
directories. This too can vary with web
hosting services, so be sure to check with your
host or read your hosting agreement to be sure.
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