FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol and is used to send files from your computer to the internet. This is how a webmaster (you) gets their website from their computer onto the web.
In order to move these files, you will need some software called an FTP client. We're going to review a free FTP program called Filezilla (PC only)
Connecting with an FTP client
Filezilla is an 'opensource' or free FTP client and can be downloaded from filezilla sources you can fine on internet.
Once you have the program downloaded and installed; open it up. The first thing we need to do is set the program to connect to your web host. You will need the following information:
Address: Your FTP server can be found next to the corresponding user on the accounts table in your FTP Manager.
User: your ftp username
Password: your ftp password
When you open the program for the first time you need to enter in all of your connection information to connect to the website. This can be done in one of two ways. If you have many FTP sites, you will want to keep them organized by using the 'Site Manager'. If you're only managing one site, use the 'Quick- connect'
Site Manager
Click File.
Select the first option; 'Site Manager'.
A window will open called 'Site Manager'. On the left you see a yellow folder that says 'My FTP Sites' and on the right you see 'Site Details'. Make sure 'My FTP Sites' is highlighted.
Down in the lower left hand corner click the button that says 'New Site'. A new FTP site connection will appear, give it a name that will help you to remember what website it is. You will now be able to enter all of your information into 'Site Details'.
Enter all of your information into 'Site Details'.
Host: In your 'Connecting with FTP' information this is 'Server or Host Name:'
Port: is always 21 and is usually pre-filled in most FTP programs.
Server Type: Leave as FTP
Logon Type: Set to 'Normal'
User: Enter the FTP user 'username'
Password: Enter the FTP user password
Hit Save and Exit.
Once you have created your connection you can connect to it by going to File -> Site Manager. Under 'My FTP Sites' select your website and click 'Connect' down at the bottom this will then connect you to your website.
Quickconnect
You can also create a quick connection on ftp manager:
At the top of the screen you will see four input boxes: Address, User, Password, and Port.
Enter your address in the Address Box.
Enter your user number in the User Box.
Enter your Bravenet password in the Password box.
Leave the port as is.
Click 'Quickconnect'. This will connect you to your website.
You can quickly and easily connect to your website - click on the arrow next to 'Quickconnect' for your list of quick connect sites.
Now you should be ready to upload files.
