FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol and is the most common method for file transfers, regardless of type and size, from one computer to another via the Internet.
Once you have connected via FTP, you can receive or send files. If you are interested in any of the files on the server host, you can choose the download option so you can transfer to a specific directory on your computer. If you want to transfer files from your computer on your server you must upload them by selecting the folder and then the files you want to move. The files are then copied from one directory to another. The procedure is similar to copying files from one folder to another on a computer. In this case one of the directories may be found on a computer in France and one in the U.S. or Japan, for example.
In conclusion, FTP is used when: there is a transfer (upload) files between you and the host of a Website, a replacement of a file or image, a load (download) files from another computer. This method allowa access to another person’s computer to download a file from a particular site or to upload files there.
What software do you need to do that? To connect to an FTP server, you need a special program called FTP client that can work with this protocol. An example is the FTP program built into Windows 95. There are some FTP clients with a more friendly and graphical interface that incorporate new technologies, which lead to improved performance and increased functionality. Usually, these applications, FTP clients are offered as shareware, but there are free programs also.
One of the most used program is WS_FTP (http://www.ipswitch.com). Other FTP programs you can download are present in the whole Internet. Just search for them.
To connect to an FTP server, you must know the address. This is the FTP host address that you got from your ISP. There are two possible types of connection: with an identification name (login) and password (password) for an account on an FTP server, with anonymous login, the login using the word “anonymous” and as a password, the e-mail address.
By entering the login and password that you received when you registered to that host computer, you gain access to an account that will entitle you to access a specific directory where you can transfer files. Connecting with anonymous login is used only to download files because of security risks that may occur.
How to work with an FTP program? In general, FTP programs are not part of the highly complicated and demanding applications. After you have installed an FTP client, you must learn how to use it. Read the help pages and then make several attempts to adjust the program. A better idea would be to watch videos on YouTube.
First two directories must be created on your own computer, called upload and download. Then select a few test files and copy them into the upload directory. Access the FTP program and connect to that FTP server. Select the files to be transferred to test and give the command of transfer. Once they have been uploaded, test files should be visible in the FTP client window.
Repeat several times until you get accustomed with the program. Make sure to delete all the files in the final test of the host computer before starting the actual transfer of the files to the Website.
You must use ASCII option when transferring HTML files and binary when transferring graphics or multimedia files. Usually, there is also a feature called auto-detect and the program automatically selects the type of the files transmitted and the way in which the transfer will be made.
Most FTP programs are setup to use Port 21. Do not change this setting until you clearly indicate to use a different port. In most cases you can ignore the other options: Use firewall, PASV mode, description.
When you want to accomplish the transfer, make sure first that you have moved all the files you need in one directory.
Finally, transfer all the files: HTML, Gif, Jpeg and so on. In the folder that you have available on the FTP server, check if all the files were transferred without errors.11