Knowledge Base

What is FTP and how do I use it.

FTP is File Transfer Protocol. You use a FTP client to transfer files from your computer to your web space.

All you need to do is enter some information into the program in order to login to your server. Your Username, password and the address of your domain IE. ftp.your_domain.com. A couple programs that I like is Filezilla and FlashFXP. Filezilla is free and FlashFXP is commercial. If your going to be spending a lot of time building and changing your site, I would opt for the commercial product. FlashFXP does have a 30 trial, if you would like to try before you buy.

  • FlashFXP : Out of all the FTP clients I've used over the years, I like this one the best. Easy to use and stable.
    • To get up and running, after you install it, you need to setup a site. On the tool bar, click "Sites" then "Manage Sites".
    • In the dialog box at the bottom, click "New Site".
    • In the boxes on the right all you need to fill in is:
    • "Site Name" Something you will know the name of, like your business name.
    • Next to "IP Address" type in ftp.your_domain.com.. your domain being what you have registered with me when you signed up.
    • And your user name and password in the other two fields. don't worry about anything else.
    • Click "Apply" and then "Connect".

If you have done everything correctly, you will be logged into your website.

  • Filezilla : While this is a great program, I use FTP so much, I've had some minor problems with it Freezing on the transfer of large amounts of information. On another note, I haven't used this program for a while and it may have changed, so your better to try it and make your own decision.
    • I just downloaded the latest version of this program, I think for ease of use, I would stick to FlashFXP. It is much less confusing. I'm not saying this a bad program, but it will be a bit confusing for beginners. Ok, a lot confusing.

In closing, these are not the only programs available. WSFTP is another one I've used and a couple of others that I can't recall the names of. Go out and find what works for you.

For those who are using other software. The FTP portion will ask for this information.

  • Remote Host - This is your personal URL. ftp.your_domain.tld is what it needs.
  • Remote Directory (server) - This is /public_html/ This is important, otherwise your files won't show to the world.
  • Username and Password - This is the information that you where givin when you signed up. It should be in your welcome email.
  • When you connectect to your webspace, you should see a directory called CGI and a file called .htaccess and your done. Move your files to your server.

I found this link on the web that covers a few other FTP Programs. I haven't reviewed it and I didn't write it.

http://ftphelp.secureserver.net/index.html

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