How to Upload to an FTP Server

FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is a method of storing and retrieving files remotely over a network connection. In any FTP connection, there are two participants: the FTP server, which holds the remote files, and the FTP client, which uploads or downloads the files from the server. Files can be uploaded to an FTP server via one of two methods: using an FTP software program such as FileZilla, or by using a web browser.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. If using a software program, connect to the server using its IP address. This should be provided to you by your IT department, or by the owner of the FTP server.

2. If using a web browser, connect to the server using either its IP address or its DNS location. FTP sites and servers are designated by the "ftp://" in front of the address, rather than "http://".

3. Log in if necessary. Some FTP servers allow anonymous logins, which do not require a username or password.

4. Most FTP client software programs use a drag-and-drop interface for ease of use. Simply drag the file to be uploaded from your hard drive to the directory on the server. The file will be transferred.

5. If using a web browser interface, use the buttons in the HTML form to browse to the file you wish to upload, and click "Upload." The file will be transferred.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that most ISP packages are much slower to upload files than to download them. Don't be surprised by long upload times. For faster transfers, before uploading, compress the files, when possible, using a compression program such as WinZip.

References

• FileZilla
• WinZip