Using File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is easier now than in the past thanks to advanced programs available today. Although they work in different ways, some basic principles apply to all FTP client programs.
How to Upload Files with an FTP Client Program
Start by downloading an FTP client program off the Web. There are many free options like FileZilla (http://filezilla-project.org/). After downloading, extract the zip file and click install.exe or setup.exe. Follow the instructions to install the program. When it’s installed, collect all the files you want to upload to your site.
Double click the program to open it. You will be required to enter some data. Enter a login name (for open FTP servers, enable the “anonymous” box). Click the Connect button. When using FTP programs, the connection time is usually quick. If you get an error message when connecting, notify the site or check the info you entered.
How to Upload Files or Entire Folders
You’ll see your folders listed in a window. To upload individual files, go to the folder containing them. Select them. There should be a window pane containing folders where you can upload the files. Select the appropriate one and click “Upload”.
Different client programs use different methods for uploading folders or directory trees. Some allow you to select them and just click “Upload”. Some FTP programs provide a drag and drop feature that enables easy uploading of files. Just open Windows Explorer and select the folders you wish to upload. Make sure the FTP program is open. Now drag the folders to the right pane or the upload window. This will upload the files to the site. If you’re uploading a lot of files, this will take several minutes. It also depends on the reliability of your Internet connection.
It’s a good idea to assess the speed of you Net connection before uploading several files. If your connection isn’t very good, consider uploading a few files or folders at a time. If you have a fast connection, it will only take a few minutes or seconds.
Using FTP with Windows XP
Windows XP has a built in FTP tool. If you don’t want to download any utilities, try this one. Click the Start button. Click the Run icon and type “cmd” in the window that appears. Click OK. A command prompt window will appear. Type “ftp” and hit the Enter key.
The program will turn the prompt into an ftp tool. Type “open” and the name of the site you want to upload to. Press the Enter key. If prompted, enter your username and password from the site.
Type “send” and include the path and file name.
For example, type “send C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMyDocumentsluesky.jpg”. The UserName should be replaced by the one you use and your My Documents folder should have an JPEG image file named “bluesky”. Make sure the file name and path you enter is correct. If you’re sure, you can now send the file.
FTP is an extremely easy protocol to master and use for easy and efficient transfer of files. The wide availability of free FTP client programs that facilitate smooth file transfer have enhanced its ease of usage.
Using File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is easier now than in the past thanks to advanced programs available today. Although they work in different ways, some basic principles apply to all FTP client programs.
How to Upload Files with an FTP Client Program
Start by downloading an FTP client program off the Web. There are many free options like FileZilla (http://filezilla-project.org/). After downloading, extract the zip file and click install.exe or setup.exe. Follow the instructions to install the program. When it’s installed, collect all the files you want to upload to your site.
Double click the program to open it. You will be required to enter some data. Enter a login name (for open FTP servers, enable the “anonymous” box). Click the Connect button. When using FTP programs, the connection time is usually quick. If you get an error message when connecting, notify the site or check the info you entered.
How to Upload Files or Entire Folders
You’ll see your folders listed in a window. To upload individual files, go to the folder containing them. Select them. There should be a window pane containing folders where you can upload the files. Select the appropriate one and click “Upload”.
Different client programs use different methods for uploading folders or directory trees. Some allow you to select them and just click “Upload”. Some FTP programs provide a drag and drop feature that enables easy uploading of files. Just open Windows Explorer and select the folders you wish to upload. Make sure the FTP program is open. Now drag the folders to the right pane or the upload window. This will upload the files to the site. If you’re uploading a lot of files, this will take several minutes. It also depends on the reliability of your Internet connection.
It’s a good idea to assess the speed of you Net connection before uploading several files. If your connection isn’t very good, consider uploading a few files or folders at a time. If you have a fast connection, it will only take a few minutes or seconds.
Using FTP with Windows XP
Windows XP has a built in FTP tool. If you don’t want to download any utilities, try this one. Click the Start button. Click the Run icon and type “cmd” in the window that appears. Click OK. A command prompt window will appear. Type “ftp” and hit the Enter key.
The program will turn the prompt into an ftp tool. Type “open” and the name of the site you want to upload to. Press the Enter key. If prompted, enter your username and password from the site.
Type “send” and include the path and file name.
For example, type “send C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMyDocumentsluesky.jpg”. The UserName should be replaced by the one you use and your My Documents folder should have an JPEG image file named “bluesky”. Make sure the file name and path you enter is correct. If you’re sure, you can now send the file.
FTP is an extremely easy protocol to master and use for easy and efficient transfer of files. The wide availability of free FTP client programs that facilitate smooth file transfer have enhanced its ease of usage.
