Tutorial FTP
Getting started with FTP
The process by which files are transferred to the web server is called "FTP" (File Transport Protocol). You have unlimited access via FTP 24-hours a day. As such, you can create and maintain your web pages on your own computer and upload files to your web site at your leisure.
Internet providers such as AOL, Compuserve, and Prodigy may have a built-in FTP interface. If you have a PPP internet account and need an FTP program, you can download software for for either the PC or Mac below. PC users should download WinZip if you do not already have a program to extract .zip files.
For the PC, WS_FTP is available for download on a 30-day trial/demo period. Users will be asked to purchase the product after that time.
• WS_FTP
For the Mac, "Fetch" is available:
• Fetch
• Fetch documentation
Configuring Your FTP Software
The following information is contained within your account activation notice and is needed to connect to your backup server via FTP:
• USERID
• PASSWORD
• FTP HOSTNAME
The hostname tells your FTP software to connect to the backup server upon which your data resides. In general, the process of configuring the various FTP software programs is the same. We recommend WS_FTP for PC computer users and will be using it in the upcoming examples.
Each time you run WS_FTP the Session Profile window will be displayed. A profile contains the information needed to connect to your web site. Creating a profile now will eliminate the need for you to configure the software each time you wish to connect to the web server via FTP. To create a new profile, click the "New" button and enter a generic profile name at the top of the Session Profile window. Next, enter the userid, password and hostname for your account as illustrated below
Be sure to select "Auto detect" for the Host Type. (see Fig.1) It is best to select "Save Password" and "Auto Save Config" to maintain these settings for future use. All other fields can be left blank. You are now ready to connect to the web server. Click "Ok" to continue.
How to Transfer Files
When you connect to the backup server, you will connect directly to the root ("home") directory of your account. WS_FTP will display a split screen where files on the left-hand side are within your own computer. (see Fig.2) You will see several folders on the right-hand side which are landmarks suggesting a successful connection to your account.
You can transfer files directly to the root level and/or create subdirectories. Be sure to upload textL documents and scripts in ASCII mode and images in BINARY mode. To transfer a file to a subdirectory, double-click the appropriate subdirectory to open it before transferring the desired file(s). |
