Using FTP
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, a procedure to move files between your computer and a web server. It's 2-way; you can upload files to your website and you can download files from youe website to your computer.
There are several excellent free FTP programs out there. Our own list of recommended freeware/shareware has a number to choose from-- you won't go wrong with any of them.
Almost all FTP clients follow the same basic structure. The screenshots used below are from WS_FTP LE; your own FTP application may look a bit different different, but most of the same settings and functions will apply. Consult your FTP client's documentation for more information.
Settings (opens a pop up window)
- Click the Connect button to bring up the
Session Properties
dialogue box. - Click New to create a new connection.
- Profile Name can be anything to identify this connection
- Host Name/Address (FTP Server):
ftp.yourdomain.com(use your actual domain name here). - User ID and password are the same as for your domain's CPAnel login
- Choose Auto Detect or UNIX Standard for host type.
- Check "remember password" for easier use.
- Port is 21 (probably preset to this)
- Remote Location is
/public_html. - PASV should be enabled.
- Proxy settings are used for some firewalls.
- To save settings, click Apply, and then OK to connect to your webspace.
Functions (opens a pop up window)
- Connecting will take you to /public_html. This is where your home page goes, and where your website will reside.
- Your computer files are shown on one side and your remote directory (website) files are on the other.
- You move up in files/folders (hard drive) and remote directories (site) by clicking on an arrow with two dots and clicking folders.
- You can upload, download, view or edit files files, make subdirectories, change permissions, or delete.
- Before uploading, check settings for file type uploading or set to AUTO DETECT
- Text-based files (e.g. .html, .txt, .css, .javascript, .php) files must be uploaded as ASCII
- Graphics, media files, Java classes, ZIP archives, and other non-text files must be uploaded as BINARY
- Some FTP programs come with an editable list of ASCII file types. Add additional file types as needed, and then set your FTP program to Auto-detect the filetype when uploading.
Hidden Files
- In each connection's "Session Properties", click the Startup tab. In the "Remote file mask" box, type -al. (screenshot)
- While connected, type -al in the white box just under the "MkDir" button in the Remote Site panel. Then click "Refresh" to see the files. (screenshot)
- Also, look in the settings for toggles to turn the display of hidden files on and off.
Uploading
- To upload a file, highlight file from your computer directory side.
- You may upload one or many files, including entire folders.
- To upload more than one at a time, hold down CTRL key and highlight all desired files
- Make sure you have your intended target (main directory or subdirectory) for the file on site directory side.
- Click the arrow which points towards the site directory, to upload the selected file(s). Or right-click the selected files and choose "Upload".
Tips
- Keep backup files in your computer; do not use website as only source of files
- Keep a secondary backup on removable media (Zip disc,cd,floppies....etc.)
- Arrange folder(s) on your computer with the same file structure as you made in your site directory
- Check your page(s) on the web to make sure you have uploaded all files necessary
