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Quick
Guide to FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
By Candice Pardue
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.
---
Article written by Candice Pardue.
Secure your web hosting today for as little as $4.95 per
month. Go
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Disclaimer: Even though
we have made every effort to provide solid and accurate
information about "FTP" on these pages, Online Success for
Internet Business accepts no responsibility or does not
insure or imply any degree of success in a web based
business or website design career by reading the material
listed on this website. Degrees of web or Internet success
varies greatly dependent upon the attitudes, attributes and
ambition of each individual designer. Please thoroughly
check out any information you find on this site before
indulging in a web design business or presenting yourself as
a webmaster. And, remember to use these tips on "FTP (File
Transfer Protocol)."
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