Transfering File with FTP (File Transfer Protocol )

Ftp (File Transfer Protocol)

Is a method for transferring files between two computers on a network. The two computers must be on the Internet. Examples of Ftp use are: to transfer files between your computer and your web space on a large computer, to transfer software or files to your computer from known Internet sites.


Ftp has two parts: the client and the site.

• The ftp client is a program on the computer you are using or are logged in to.
  
  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.
  
  
• The ftp site is a program on a remote computer that you want to connect to.
  
  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 UserID and Password. If the creator of the FTP site is willing to give everyone access to the files, the UserID is 'anonymous' and the Password is your e-mail address (e.g. name@domain.com). If the FTP site is not public, there will be a unique UserID and Password for each person who is granted access.

This handout describes the general capabilities of most ftp clients and servers. However, not all ftp programs are alike and you may find that your ftp client or the server you are connected to has slightly different behavior. In particular, the commands in this handout are presented in command line format, like that used on many large computers. IBM PC and Macintosh client software, such as WS-FTP or Fetch, present a graphical, window-oriented interface.


FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a fast, convenient and secure way to transfer files over the Internet. That is why many webmasters use FTP for uploading their websites on their hosting account and to add files and pictures to their web pages.



How to use FTP for transferring files?

To make an FTP connection you can use a standard Web browser* (Netscape, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, etc.) or a dedicated FTP software program, referred to as an 'FTP Client'. To use an FTP client you need to have an FTP account to the web account where you plan to upload your files. In case this is your hosting account, the main account for using FTP is your control panel account. You can also create additional FTP accounts for other users.


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).
When connecting with an FTP Client (such as FileZilla or CuteFTP), uploads and downloads couldn't be easier, and you have added security and additional features. For example, you're able to resume a download that did not finish successfully, and continue with it later on. This is a very nice feature for people using dial-up connections which frequently breaks down.

SiteGround has long experience in providing web space for clients using FTP. Our FTP hosting service is the best choice for you for it offers the richest set of features, FTP-expertized support team and lots of FREE tools.


How to create FTP Account

To create a new FTP account from the cPanel, please click the FTP Manager icon. Select the FTP accounts option and then click the Add FTP Account link. In the spaces provided please enter a username, a password and the specific directory you have created for the user.
SiteGround recommends that a specific directory is designated for each particular user. Leaving the directory space blank will allow your FTP users access to the main directory, and they will be able to alter the content of your website.

If you are willing to grant such access, please consider doing this for a limited time and then change your password. The more public your authentication data is, the higher the risk for your account.
Please note that using one and the same directory for the purpose of both password protected and FTP storage is not recommended.


FTP Commands

When the ftp client is started, it is ready to accept commands. Most ftp clients will prompt you for a command like this:

ftp>
Use the quit command to terminate your ftp client:
ftp> quit
Most ftp client programs will also respond with a list of available commands if you enter a "?":
ftp> ?


Using ftp with CUTCP telnet

Telnet is a program used to interactively log in to a remote computer. CUTCP telnet is a program that runs on a PC and is used in CIRCA labs and elsewhere on campus to log in to remote computers. This program can also function as an ftp server when you are logged in to a remote host. This means that you can use the host's ftp client to connect back to yourself. Here's how you do it:

1. First use telnet to log in to the remote host.
2. Press Alt/T. This will generate an ftp command with the proper network address and start the ftp client program on the interactive host.
3. When it asks for a name, enter anything.
4. When it asks for a password, press Alt/W. This will provide a hidden password to authenticate the connection.

Remember that when you have completed this connection, your PC is an ftp server, and the interactive host is running an ftp client. To transfer a file from the interactive host to your PC, use the put command. To transfer a file from the PC to the interactive host, use the get command.


Anonymous FTP

Many universities, government agencies, companies, and private individuals have set up publicly accessible archives on the Internet. 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.

Remember that anonymous FTP is a privilege granted by the organization that owns the computer to which you are connecting. Some general guidelines for using anonymous FTP are:

• Don't transfer files you don't need.
• Don't transfer an excessive amount of material.
• Restrict your transfers to off-peak hours, if possible.