FTP with Filezilla part 1

Using an ftp program will make it an easier and quicker process of uploading files and managing your website.

You will need to have your ftp log-in information to create your ftp connection. This information usually consists of:

host

port

user name

password

If you have your own website using cpanel, then your ftp info can be found in the ftp manager. If you still are unsure then contact your hosting company.

There are numerous ftp programs out there so which ever ftp program you decide to use, get it downloaded and installed. They basically function the same.

WindowsXP, Firefox(download plug-in) and Internet Explorer also have the ability to ftp.

I recently installed Filezilla ftp client to give it a try, so will base my tutorial on this program. Filezilla is an open source program and is free to download.It can be found here.

After installation, when you first launch Filezilla you will see a window similar to the image below. The lower left pane will contain the drive, folder and file structure of your computer. After you configure your ftp access account in filezilla and are logged-in, then you will see the folders and files in your ftp space/website file structure in the right pane.



To create your ftp access account in filezilla, click on "file" and choose "site manager".




A new window will open.
1. - Click on the "new site" button.
2. - Name your site
3. - enter your information
4. - Click connect




If properly configured, when you click "connect", you will see the log-in process in the top pane and the ftp/website folders and files will display in the right column, similar to the next image.



Now you can transfer files back and forth from your pc to your ftp space as easy as drag and drop.

Files can also be deleted.

*Just be aware that ftp does not afford a "waste basket" (as cpanel does) with the opportunity to restore mistakenly deleted folders/files. Be alert to what you are doing and double check before deleting anything, because deleting a folder containing files or a single file will permanently erase is.

For future quick connecting you can enter your host, username and password in the quick connect fields.



If you find you cannot make a connection but the configuration appears to be correct, try setting your transfer mode to passive. It may be thatyou are connecting via a proxy or are behind a firewall.

To check for this passive mode setting, click on "edit" and select "settings".




In the window that pops up
1. - In the left column select "ftp".
2. - In the right column, under the "transfer mode" heading, tick the bullet for "passive".
3. - Click "ok" and try connecting again.