Upload files using FTPTopics on this page: FTPFTP stands for file transfer protocol, an internet protocol which you can use to upload or download files. You need an FTP client to upload or download files from another computer; although IE can upload files it would be better to use a dedicated software. There is also an ftp command line in Windows XP. FTP is useful for large files which you cannot send by email. This is one of the ways to download Linux ISOs (CD image files). The recipient needs an FTP server which is running and accepts your login which can be anonymous or password required. This is also one of the ways to upload your website to a web server (if it allows FTP upload). You also need an active internet connection, preferably broadband on both sides. If you use a router you need to configure it according to its user manual. There are many free (e.g. FTP Surfer, WS-FTP LE, SmartFTP, FileZilla) or shareware (e.g. Cute FTP) FTP clients available and the steps will be generally similar. You can find them in www.download.com and www.tucows.com or do a search on the internet.
MethodThe following shows you how to upload files using FTP Surfer which has a simple Explorer like interface (Fig.1, steps 1-6). The first example shows an FTP upload using an FTP client to an FTP server on the same computer for demonstration purpose. All identifiable personal information has been masked. You should configure your firewall to let your FTP client programme access port 21 or whatever that you or the server specify. If you use the inbuilt Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) in Windows XP you shouldn't need to configure it (you will need to if you run an FTP server). If you use a third party firewall like Norton Firewall or Zone Alarm it will prompt you for settings the first time you run the FTP client. 1. Open your FTP client. 2. Type the FTP URL or IP address in the address box. Connect to the internet if not already. Wait for login. 3. Navigate to the upload (or whatever chosen) folder in the recipient's folder directory tree in the left pane. 4. Navigate to the file or folder to be uploaded in Windows Explorer (or directly in your FTP client window for local files, if available) on your computer. 5. Drag and drop the file or folder to the FTP client window: it should start upload automatically. If not, R click the folder icon and choose upload. 6. Once started uploading, a window pops up and shows an upload progress bar and upload speed. On the server window (GuildFTPd used here) it shows one client logged in using port 21 (the default) and the current upload status.
Fig. 1. Uploading a file from by FTP.
This is another instance of FTP, this time involving a file upload to another PC via the internet (Fig.2). The FTP client window shows the successful login messages. In this case, the root folder is the current destination directory using passive (PASV) mode. The progress box shows an upload speed of 30.2KBs (269Kbs on a separate AnalogX Netstat Live monitor).
Fig. 2. Uploading a file by FTP via the internet.
Please note: This is not a dedicated support page for FTP Surfer. You can visit their FAQ page for further help.
Copyright © 2003 by Kilian. All my articles including graphics are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. I hereby disclaim all warranties with regard to the information provided. In no event shall I be liable for any damage of any kind whatsoever resulting from the information. The articles are provided in good faith and after some degree of verification but they may contain technical or typographical errors. Links to other web resources may be changed at any time and are beyond the control of the author. Articles may be added, removed, edited or improved at any time. No support is provided by the author. All the products mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies. Last updated 31 Jan 2004 |
