FTP, short for file transfer protocol, is used to upload and download files to a remote server over the Internet. FTP is most often used by web designers to work with files directly in a website. However, it can also be useful in a telecommuting arrangement, as an alternative to email to send completed work. Instead of bogging down an email server – and an email inbox – with sent and received file attachments, simply upload work to a designated folder on an FTP server.
Many FTP software solutions are available and several are free, but it's necessary to spend valuable time finding, installing, and learning an FTP program The simplest solution may be to use what anyone with a computer already has: a browser or a command line.
Make Sure the Remote Site is Configured for FTP
To use any FTP client, an FTP server must be set up on the other end – at a PC or server at an employer’s office. To do this, Internet Information Services (IIS) must be installed and configured on the remote PC or server. IIS is installed from the “add/remove Windows components” icon in the control panel. Microsoft gives details for configuring an FTP server in IIS on their support site.
Use FTP from a Browser
On the user end, either use FTP commands or a browser; Windows XP Professional includes a built-in FTP client. Getting to a remote site is almost the same as browsing to a website. To access a remote site, just enter ftp: instead of http:, followed by the URL of the FTP server in the browser bar: for example, FTP:\\ftp.remotesite.com. When using an IP address, use FTP:\\192.168.1.1. Follow the prompts to enter a username and password in a separate window.
The browser will then display folders within the site. Drag files to and from the folder. This feature only works in Internet Explorer, not other browsers. And it’s only available in Windows XP Professional and above, not the Home edition of XP.
Use FTP from a Command Line
Using an FTP command line is another option. The easiest way to do this is to save the files to be uploaded to the username folder under C:\Documents and Settings, since this is where the FTP client defaults. To start FTP, click the start button and choose the “Run” command. In the “run” box, type “cmd.” This will bring up a C:> prompt in a window. At the command, type in “ftp” At the FTP> prompt, type OPEN, followed by the name of the server (example, ftp.remotesite.com.) Some of the commands to use to connect and upload a file are:CD followed by a space and the name of the directory, to change to a directory or folder
- DIR to view files in the directory or folder
- PUT followed by the name of a local file to upload a file
- GET followed by the name of a file on the server to download a file
- BYE to exit the server
- EXIT to close your FTP session.
More FTP commands can be found through Microsoft Technet, but for simple uploads, these should be all that is needed to save time uploading and retrieving files.
Beth Lumadue - I've always enjoyed the creative side of life , especially crafting, writing and decorating. After graduating from Temple University with ...
