By using File Transfer Protocol (FTP), it is possible to upload software, document files, music files, or any other kind of digital file from one computer to another.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard Internet protocol that provides one of the easiest means for computers to exchange files over the Internet. Similar to the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), which transfers displayable Web pages and associated files, and the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), which transfers e-mail, File Transfer Protocol is an application protocol that utilizes the Internet’s TCP/IP protocols. FTP is generally used to transfer Web page files from the page creator to the computer that serves as the server for people on the Internet. FTP is also used to download programs and files to a computer from a server.
This is the method that you would use to transfer information from your work computer to a website server:
1. You would choose this option if you are wanting to upload files to an off-site computer that does not allow uploads from a web-browser. This would be the case in a situation where you upload files to a website for which you have purchased storage. FileZilla is an example of an FTP program that can be used to transfer data from a computer to a server.
2. Open the FTP program, and enter the host address in the space provided.
3. You will need to enter your login ID and password. If the off-site computer is set up to permit Anonymous FTP, it may be possible to login without using a password or by using “guest”.
4. Click connect.
5. Once the connection is established, you should see two windows containing a list of folders and files. The window on the left shows folders on your computer’s hard disk, while the window on the right displays files on the off-site computer.
6. Navigate through files in the left-side window until you have located and opened the folder in which the file you want to upload is stored.
7. Continue navigating through the files in the left-side window until you find the file you want to upload. Now, select the file to be uploaded to the off-site computer.
8. Now drag the selected file from the window on the left to the window on the right-hand side. Nearly all FTP programs will allow you to upload files in this manner. If the FTP software that you are using does not allow this, click on the the help tab at the top of the page for uploading instructions.
9. Once the file is finished uploading, check to make certain that the uploaded file is listed with the other files on the right-hand side. If it is, you have been successful in your transfer of information from your computer to another computer in an off-site location.
