How to Access FTP Files or Sites

Large files shared by teams are often stored on FTP sites.

To access an FTP site, you'll need the domain name or Web address where the site is located. You'll also need a username and password if the FTP site is restricted or password-protected. FTP sites are basically file repositories. You sign in and upload or download files to the FTP server. If you've got a username and password, use an FTP client to access the site. From there you can upload or download files.

Things You'll Need

• FTP domain name
• FTP client
• Username and password (optional)

Instructions

1. Request access from the FTP site owner. There are few FTP servers open to the general public, although some servers allow anonymous access. For academic and corporate sites you'll be given login information from the IT department or help desk.

2. Download and install an FTP client if you don't have one. FTP clients are programs that allow you to log in and upload or download files. Some free clients are FileZilla (Windows), Cyberduck (Mac) and gFTP (Linux). Windows XP has a built-in FTP server through "My Network Places."

3. Open your FTP client and start a new account. In most clients you'll go to "File" > "New" or similar to open a connection dialog menu.

4. Enter the FTP domain name. This could be something like "ftp://ftpserver.yourcollege.edu." Make sure your connection type is set to "FTP."

5. Add your username and password in the appropriate fields. If there's a check box option to save the connection settings for future use, check the box.

6. Click "Finish" or "Add" to complete the setup. Your client may automatically try to connect, or you can click the connect button. Most clients have a connect button in the top toolbar or look for a menu option like "File" > "Connect."

7. Browse available files on the FTP site. The window will appear like a file window on your desktop. There may be a split screen window with your computer files listed on one side and the FTP files listed on the other.

8. Upload or download files using buttons in the toolbar or menu options. Some programs support drag-and-drop file exchange from one window pane to the other. Check your help file if necessary, but most FTP clients are intuitive to use.

References

• WordPress Codex: FTP Clients
• Go Daddy Help Center: How to FTP to Your Server