Using FTP
Written by Alan Friday, 29 January 2010 08:00
Most of you have probably heard of File Transfer Protocol (FTP). As the name suggests, FTP is used to transfer files between computers on a network, such as the Internet. You can use FTP to exchange files between computer accounts, to transfer files between an account and a desktop computer, or to access software archives on the Internet.
Why would you want to use FTP? Basically, it’s for uploading or downloading files. For instance, I have a home server running FreeNAS which I have all of our important files backed up on. FreeNAS supports FTP access and I have enabled it. Now, when I am away from home and need a file I can simply access the server via FTP and download the file to whatever PC I am at.
You can use FTP in your web browser simply by replacing the “http” with “ftp” in the address bar. But if you want a more powerful option then you will need a dedicated FTP program. There are many good, free ones available. My recommendation would be Filezilla, but you can try others and find one you like.
Filezilla also has a portable version available, which you can keep on a USB key. Now whne I am away from home and don’t even have my laptop with me I can plug in my USB key to any PC, open my FTP program and get whatever file I need from my server.
Most FTP sites grant “anonymous” access. This means you do not need a user name or password. There are thousands of these sites that contain a myriad of programs, data files, and informational text. At these sites, public directories and files that may be read by the rest of the world via FTP are set aside. These directories are usually named /pub. You can usually find specific directions and information about the site in greeting messages or in files with names like README.
Below is the basic connection screen for Filezilla. All FTP programs will have this same basic interface.
In the Host field you would enter the web address. For anonymous access leave the Username and Password fields blank. You may or may not need to enter a number into the Port field. If you do, then it will likely be included in the address – something like 192.168.0.1 Port 21.
Below the above screen you will have a two-pane window displaying your PC on the left and the server your connected to on the right. Double click the folders to access their contents and then use the upload or download option to transfer a hightlighted file from one to the other.
That covers the basics of FTP. For more in-depth information you may wish to look online, but this will get you started and doing most of what any average user requires.
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