Introduction

FTP [File Transfer Protocol] is one of the oldest protocols still in use on the Internet today. This is mostly due to its proven speed, reliability and functionality. Since so many web administration tasks involve sending files to the server, understandably FTP can be put to use for nearly all of them.

FTP clients are available for all operating systems capable of connecting to the Internet. Some are better featured than others though, and are often found as shareware.

• What FTP can do -
  - Navigate through your files and directories
  - Upload & download files
  - Create and delete directories
  - Manipulate file & directory permissions

Connection Quickstart

Firstly you must obtain an FTP client that is capable of the required functionality.

• Configuration - To set up your FTP client to connect to your account requires three things:
  - server address - enter your domain name or your server IP address
  - login ID - your login ID you received with your account
  - password - the password you chose when you ordered your account

Upon logging in, the 'remote' window of the FTP client will show a list of files in your home directory. Of special note is the public_html directory, where you will want to place any files you wish to be accessible through your web server, and the public_ftp directory, for files you want accessible from your FTP server. The home directory is described more specifically in the Home Directory section.

View FTP Configuration Demos here.

Site Management

To start uploading your web site, upload your files into the public_html directory. Be sure your main page is named either index.html or default.html and is in the public_html directory, as the web server will look for one of these two files when people access your domain directly.

• Windows Clients
  
  • Bulletproof - http://www.bpftp.com/
  • CuteFTP - http://www.cuteftp.com/
  • WS_Ftp - http://www.ipswitch.com/products/ws_ftp/index.html
    
    
• Macintosh Clients
  • Fetch - http://www.fetchsoftworks.com/