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Basic FTP Know-How
Posted by Stephen Grisham, Sr. | Posted in Internet | Posted on 24-05-2009
The initials in the acronym FTP stand for File Transfer Protocol. Generally it is utilized for uploading files to online servers.
Even if you are not aware of this, you probably use FTP regularly. An additional typical FTP use is for downloading files online. You most likely use FTP when you download big files like a video or music. Also, being able to move files to various places makes FTP necessary for anybody designing a Web page.
An FTP address resembles a Website address with the exception that it usually has an “ftp:” rather than an “http:”. A server might be created to be dedicated solely to connect via FTP.
A computer that is set up to host web pages is called a web server; similarly, a computer that only receives FTP connections is called an FTP server or FTP site.
An FTP Client (FTP Software)
FTP Client is just a glorified title for software created to transmit files through an interconnected system. In reality, the internet is a massive, “wide area network” or WAN.
FTP clients may also include the following features: create folders on the remote server, change permissions (CHMOD), rename files, delete files, transfer multiple files, etc.
Where is FTP software available?
1. If you have to send many files, use an excellent Professional FTP system such as WS-FTP Pro.
2. It is possible to use Windows Explorer for FTP, but many people find it difficult to use.
3. One effective and complimentary FTP client is Filezilla.
4. Typically it is possible to locate a complimentary trial edition of FTP clients if you intend to upload a limited number of files or simply wish to try it out.
Prior to uploading files with FTP, you will need:
1. The FTP Host (Server) usually ftp.somewebsite.tld or simply an IP address
2. The FTP Username
3. The FTP Password
4. Use Passive FTP? (Ordinarily “Yes”)
5. Apply Secure (SFTP)? (Typically “No”)
6. The FTP Port (Usually 21)
7. Almost never will you be able to upload to the initial folder you are connected to when the host connects. Typically web contents are placed in a folder called /public_html or /www or /httpdocs depending upon which operating system is used. In order to publish a website, you must know this. In addition, you must know the name of the main page. (Normally index.htm or index.html, or home.htm) if publishing a website.

