FTP File Transfer Made Easy
FTP File Transfer Made Easy
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Table of Contents
There are several free FTP clients available online, and in this guide we will be
using the popular FileZilla utility, available at: http://filezilla-project.org
Note: FileZilla offers both a PC and Mac OS X version of their FTP client.
FileZilla offers three different installation packages, and if you are new to
installing and configuring FTP clients, I recommend downloading the full
featured “Installer Version” available at:
http://wiki.filezilla-project.org/Client_Installation#Downloading_FileZilla
With this version you only need to download the file, run it and the program will
get installed by itself. The installer version also comes with debug files, which
helps solve problems should a program crash occur.
Visit the download page and choose your system’s platform (PC or Mac), to
start downloading the FileZilla FTP client.
If the download does not start automatically after a few seconds, click on the
link labelled this direct link.
Sometimes the mirror chosen for the download is unavailable. You can select a
different mirror by clicking on Select a different mirror.
Depending on which browser you are using you will (normally) see a window
where you can decide what to do with the file you are downloading.
The easiest way is just to hit run or open and the file will download and then be
run. You might get some warning messages telling you that you are running a
potentially dangerous file downloaded from the Internet, but let me assure you,
Sourceforge is a reliable download source and it shouldn't be any problem.
If you are familiar with how to save the file and would like to do that, go ahead.
Just remember to save it where you can easily find it afterwards and then open
it from that location.
Installing FileZilla
A screen will be displayed where you can choose the Installer Language, select
the language you require from the list. Then click on OK to continue.
You should now see the following window where you will have to accept the
terms of the license agreement to continue. Read through it and click "I Agree".
Choosing Components
Next you need to choose which parts of the FileZilla client you want to install. If
you hover your mouse over a choice, FileZilla will show you a description of the
item.
The next window will ask you where to install the program. If you don't have any
special needs, click Next.
Regardless if you chose to install the start menu shortcuts or not, you will be
asked what you want to name the folder with the shortcuts to FileZilla inside.
The default name "FileZilla" should be good for most people. You can also
choose not to install these shortcuts.
When you click Next, FileZilla will get installed. If no errors occur it should
complete in some seconds. When it's done, click Close to finish the installation.
Congratulations, you've now successfully installed the FileZilla Client!
To connect to an FTP server, enter the address of the server into the host field
of the Quickconnect bar (i.e. domain.com - see image below).
If it is a special server type like an SFTP server, add the protocol in front of the
address. In case of an SFTP server, start the address with 'sftp://' (i.e.
sftp://domain.com).
Enter the port of the server into the port field if it is not the default port (21 for
FTP, 22 for SFTP).
Important Notes:
Refer to the hosting account information sent to you by HostGator as you will
need to enter in your hosting username and password when connecting to your
website via FTP. When FileZilla asks for a “server name”, enter in your website
domain, excluding the www.
After a successful connection attempt, a list of files and folders appears on the
right side of the main window.
The current folder is listed in the edit field on the top. Below you will see the
remote directory tree and below that, the contents of the current remote folder.
There are three ways to change the folder.
Second, you can change the current folder by clicking a folder in the directory
tree. Last but not least, you can always enter the folder name into the edit field
and press enter.
You will notice a folder called ".." displayed in virtually all directories. This folder
allows you to go up to the parent directory of the current folder.
Navigating on your machine works almost like navigating on the server. The
current local folder and the local directory tree are displayed on the left side of
the main window by default.
the queue. Click on the button on the toolbar to start the transfer.
Or, you can click on a file, then drag the file (a box is added to the arrow cursor)
to the folder where you want to move it. The folder will be highlighted when you
are over it. Let go of the mouse button and the file will be moved to the folder.
That’s it! You can upload your website files as well as all images and graphics
used on your website. Make sure that you get into the habit of creating
individual folders for all files and images so that you are able to effectively
organize and manage your website.
Notes:
For additional details on configuring and using the FileZilla Ftp client, visit:
http://wiki.filezilla-project.org