FTP Tutorial

[Alakazam]

FTP or File Transfer Protocol is used to upload files on the server or download files from the server. In other words, FTP allows you to move files from your personal computer by uploading them to the Internet or downloading them from the Internet. Sure, hosts like Angelfire and Hypermart let you upload directly through your browser, but if you've ever done it before, you know it's really slow and tedious.


Before you can upload to your server using FTP, you have to go and download an FTP Client. I recommend that you download WS_FTP or Cute FTP, since they are the most simple and powerful. To download them, click here to go to Download.com and search for them. WS_FTP is free only if you are using it for personal purposes like a web site. Cute FTP is free for the first 30 days, but if you want to continue using all its features after that, you have to purchase it.


If you downloaded WS_FTP, double click on the program icon to open it. Once it's open, a window called "Session Properties should pop up; you should be on the General tab. Start by entering a Profile Name, such as Angelfire or anything you want. This doesn't affect anything, so just choose something that you'll recognize.


Here's where you have to know your FTP information. If you are unsure about anything, you should email your host or if it's a host like Angelfire, look on their FAQ page. For Host Name/Address, it should start with ftp. and then usually your host's URL, but check to make sure. Leave Host Type blank, but fill in your User ID and Password and you are ready to upload! To make things easier for yourself, click on the Startup tab and for Intial Local Folder, type in the path to your desktop (C:\WINDOWS\desktop).


Now that you've filled in everything, it's time to upload! In Session Properties, click on Apply (at the bottom) and then OK to connect. If you can't connect then your host is either down or you have some information wrong. Click on the Connect button at the bottom to verify all your information.


After you're connected, select the files/folder on the left side on your PC that you want to download/upload and then select the files/folder on your host on the right side that you want to either download/upload. In the middle of the program there are two arrows. The top one, which points towards your PC, lets you download files from your host to your PC, while the arrow below it lets you upload files from your PC to your host.


Lets say you want to create a new folder on your host; all you have to do is right click on the right side of the program and select "Make Folder". For other options, look at the buttons to the right or right click on the file/folder you want to alter. Well that's basically all you need to know to get started. This may seem complicated to you at first, but don't worry, after a while you'll get used to it.


If you downloaded Cute FTP, double click on the program icon to open it. A window should pop up which advertises the product, so click on Continue Trial to start the program. A window should appear with a list of various FTP sites. To create a profile for you own site, select New and fill in the information that it asks you for. If you are unsure about any information, look for it on your host's site or e-mail them.


After all the information is completed, click on Connect to connect to your host. If you can't connect, you either have some information wrong or your host is down. To go back and change your FTP information, select Site Manager in the File menu.

After you're connected, go into the folder you want download/upload. Next select the file you want to download/upload. Your host should be on the right side, while your PC is on the left side. To upload a file, click on the up arrow. Let's say you wanted to create a new directory, all you have to do is right click and a bunch of options will come up. Well that's basically all you need to know to get started and don't worry, after a while you will get used to it.