Beginners Guide to FTP

FTP (File Transfer Protocol):

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is the simplest and most secure way to exchange files over the Internet. 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.

When downloading a file from the Internet you're actually transferring the file to your computer from another computer over the Internet. This is why the T (transfer) is in FTP. You may not know where the computer is that the file is coming from but you most likely know its URL or Internet address.

An FTP address looks a lot like an HTTP, or Website, address except it uses the prefix ftp:// as opposed to http://

Example website address: http://www.1and.co.uk

Example FTP site address: ftp://FTP.abc.co.uk

Most often, a computer with an FTP address is dedicated to receive an FTP connection. Just as a computer that is setup to host Web pages is referred to as a Web server or Website, a computer dedicated to receiving an FTP connection is referred to as an FTP server or FTP site

FTP Site:

An FTP site is like a large filing cabinet. With a traditional filing cabinet, the person who does the filing has the option to label and organize the files how ever they see fit. They also decide which files to keep locked and which remain public. It is the same with an FTP site.

The virtual 'key' to get into an FTP site is the User ID and Password. If the creator of the FTP site is willing to give everyone access to the files, the User ID is 'anonymous' and the Password is your e-mail address. If the FTP site is not public, there will be a unique User ID and Password for each person who is granted access.

When connecting to an FTP site that allows anonymous logins, you're frequently not prompted for a name and password. Hence, when downloading from the Internet, you most likely are using an anonymous FTP login and you don't even know it.

To make an FTP connection you can use a standard Web browser or a dedicated FTP software program, referred to as an FTP 'Client'.

When using a Web browser for an FTP connection, FTP uploads are difficult, or sometimes impossible, and downloads are not protected (not recommended for uploading or downloading large files).

FTP Client:

An FTP Client is software that 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.

File transfers are as easy as dragging-and-dropping files from one pane to the other or by highlighting a file and clicking one of the direction arrows located between the panes.

Additional features of the FTP Client include: multiple file transfer; the auto re-get or resuming feature; a queuing utility; the scheduling feature; an FTP find utility; a synchronize utility; and for the advanced user, a scripting utility.

All of these features will be explained in later tutorials. First you need to download and install an FTP Client.

When connecting with an FTP Client, uploads and downloads couldn't be easier, and you have added security and additional features. For one, you're able to resume a download that did not successfully finish, which is a very nice feature for people using dial-up connections who frequently lose their Internet connection.

FTP Accounts:

FTP accounts are useful if you have multiple people working on your webpage. A FTP account allows others that know the password to upload and download files to your website.

If you think your account is being misused then you can simply change your FTP account password to prevent users from uploading and downloading files.

Anyone with access to your FTP account can add, edit and delete the files within your directory. If you do not want anybody else messing about with your website then make sure only you have the password for your FTP account.

Anonymous FTP Accounts:

Having an anonymous FTP account gives you the ability to allow visitors of your website to download and upload files.

FTP Knowledge Increase your Options:

Even if you use a HTML editor that makes the FTP process almost invisible, it's still important to have a basic understanding of the process. If you rely solely on a single method, you limit your options unnecessarily. FTP-literate developers aren't constrained by particular tools or methods. They're free to choose Web design packages and web hosts based on their overall value - not just their FTP features.

Download a free FTP package (remember the virus scan!) and practice with it for a few hours. It's easier than you think and well worth your time.