FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

FTP is the simplest and most secure way to exchange files over the Internet.

A FTP server is an application running on a computer which may also be hosting other server applications like a web server. In fact, using FTP is the easiest way to upload content to a web server. FTP is like a large filing cabinet of files where FTP decides which files to keep locked and which remain public for upload and download access.

A FTP client can be used to access files on a FTP server.

One simple FTP client can be a web browser with a "ftp://..." URL instead of a "http://..." URL.

Downloading files is typically allowed using anonymous logins. Uploading files almost always requires a username and password.

Specialized FTP client software is designed to transfer files back-and-forth between two computers over the Internet. It needs to be installed on your computer and can only be used with a live connection to the Internet.

The classic FTP Client look is a two-pane design. The pane on the left displays the files on your computer and the pane on the right displays the files on the remote computer.

A good free FTP client software package is AceFTP. To set up:

• After installation, run and chose "File->Connect":

  

• In the site profile screen, double click on "New Site Profile":

  

• Specify a profile name and then define the server, username and password:

  

• You can also set the local and remote directories or leave them blank:

  

With the FTP server defined, use like this:

• Select a profile from the connection menu:

  

• When connected, local files are on the left and remote files are on the right. Select single or multiple files and use the transfer buttons between the two file windows to do transfers:

  

• When you are done, use the disconnect button and exit:

  

© Craig Schomp