FTP Tutorial

FTP Tutorial

What is FTP?
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is the simplest and most secure way to exchange files over the Internet. FTP is used to send documents from your computer to another computer (for example the one where your pages are hosted), but you can also get files from remote computers to yours. WS_FTP_LE is the most popular program used for these transfers on the Web.

Whether you know it or not, you most likely use FTP all the time.The most common use for FTP is to download files from the Internet. Because of this, FTP is the backbone of the MP3 music craze, and vital to most online auction and game enthusiasts. In addition, the ability to transfer files back-and-forth makes FTP essential for anyone creating a Web page, amateurs and professionals alike.

How to us WS_FTP_LE:

Open your WS_FTP LE. (This is done by clicking on the Start button and then select Programs, then WS_FTP LE, and then WS_FTP LE.)

When the program opens up, click Connect.

In the pop-up menu that appears, choose from the profile names present, or click New
FTP Session Properties Image

If you click New, for Profile Name, enter My Page or Yourname.com or whatever you wish to call the profile.

For Host Name enter Yourname.com (this is will be given to you by your hosting company).

For Host Type leave it set at Automatic detect.

Enter your user id and password. Ignore the Account box (unless you were specifically given one).

Under Remote Host enter the path provided by your hosting company.

Under local PC, enter the drive your files are on, for example a:\ or c:\

You can click Save Password if you are on your home PC or if you will transfer files more than once.

Click Ok to connect the session.

When the session opens, the left side (or left pane) is a view of the files on your computer, or your Local System, and the right side is a view of the files on temporary personal Web space or Remote Site.
FTP Client Design Image

Ensure the button labeled Binary is selected for transfer type (this usually works well for all kinds of files -- however, the correct way is to select 'Binary' for transferring images or graphics and 'ASCII' for sending text files).

To transfer a file, highlight the file by clicking on it once. Then click the left transfer arrow located between the right and left panes.

There will be a pop up box indicating the progress of your transfer (how much time left, etc.).

When the transfer is done, the directory will refresh itself, and the file you transferred will now appear listed.

You can send multiple files by clicking on the first file, then holding down the shift button click on the last file you want to send. Everything between these files will also be sent.

Other Commands To Know:

MKDIR - make directory. Use MKDIR on the right side to make a directory on the server, and MKDIR on the left to make a directory on your computer.

DIRINFO - show directory list with file permissions.

VIEW - view the selected file in notepad.

RENAME - rename the selected file.

REFRESH - refresh file/directory list.

EXEC - execute the file.