How to Start an FTP Site
File Transfer Protocol, or FTP, is a widely used method of storing and sharing files on the Internet. The files are stored on what's known as an FTP server, which is simply a rudimentary computer connected to the Internet with software that allows it to log users in and out and transfer data.
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Instructions
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Find a hosting service that will allow you to create an FTP site. Most major hosting services allow users to create FTP sites, but some charge more for the privilege. Weigh price against bandwidth and uptime, or time the server is available. If you're only occasionally using the server, you can save money by purchasing less bandwidth, but if it will be used everyday, you'll need to pay for that usage. Apart from bandwidth, you will also need to pay for storage space by the gigabyte. Also, make sure the site is compatible with whatever software you plan to use to access it.
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Register your site with your Internet Service Provider. While providers are different, almost all provide detailed instructions for registering your server's name.
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Create folders on your server. Make folders that are associated with projects, users or categories of files. For example, if you run an online magazine and photographers are sending you pictures, you might want a folder structure that starts with the name of the magazine and ends with a folder for the specific photographer within a folder of all the photographs. Permissions can then be set so that only you and the photographer can access his folder, keeping him from misplacing his files or accidentally deleting another photographer's files.
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Add user accounts and passwords. This can be done in the Administration section of your FTP setup, where you can set up accounts, adjust what sections of the server each user can access, how much data they can transfer and handle other user privilege-related issues.
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Access your FTP site via your FTP software, such as Fetch, Filezilla or Cyberduck. With the software, you can login, upload and download and modify folder contents from any computer with an Internet connection.
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References
- Photo Credit computer image by peter Hires Images from Fotolia.com
