This section deals with
using FTP (File Transfer Protocol) to upload and download web files from
your computer to a server and visa versa.
This FTP tutorial is designed
for "WS_FTP". If you have a different FTP client, most of the naming conventions
should be similar, just download a copy of "WS_FTP" using the Download
Links below.
Please be sure to you have the
proper "Tools" before we begin.
FTP Table of Contents
If
you already have "WS_FTP" or another FTP program, skip this section and
go to "The FTP Window"
Getting
Started: FTP Software
First, you'll need FTP software.
Our favorite for Windows clients is called "WS_FTP". It's powerful
and simple to use. The download link is below.
Download it and return to this page so we can go through the FTP process
together.
*NOTE
FOR BEGINNERS*
A word of advice for those who
don't have any prior experience in downloading software: CREATE A TEMPORARY
DIRECTORY (FOLDER) TO HOLD THE DOWNLOADED FILE (S).
1. When you click on a file
to be downloaded, a dialog box appears prompting you for action. Chose
"save file".
2. The next dialog box allows
you to browse through your directory structure to choose a destination
for your file (which should be the temporary directory/folder you just
created).
3. Now open up "Explorer/File
Manager" and find the directory/folder where you stored your downloaded
file.
4. Double click the file.
The computer will prompt you to begin extracting/installing the files.
Download
WS_FTP
Download
Fetch 3.03 (Macintosh)
*TIP
FOR WINDOWS 3.1 USERS*
If you clicked on a download button,
but you can't find any files in your temporary directory, then all is not
lost. Simply click on a directory above and then re-open your temporary
directory and ... your files appear like magic (this refreshes the directory
listing). There should be a file named "install.exe" or "setup". Run it
and follow setup instructions.
Now that you've
installed your FTP software, you are ready to proceed to the FTP
Window.
Basic
Field Settings for Experienced Users
Assuming you already know how
to configure your FTP software, here are specific settings:
Host
your domain name, i.e. domain.com
NOTE: You can also use your
IP address as the host name. If your domain name is ever down (for
instance, put on hold by InterNIC or something) then you can still access
your account.
UserID
your User ID, i.e. webxxxx
Password
your password
Remote Directory
public_html is a link to the
full path of /usr/local/www/data/UserID/public_html
This is where your files go that
appear on the web.
Your FTP directory is: /usr/local/www/data/UserID/public_html
Your home directory is: usr/local/www/data/UserID
File Format:
This should be BINARY
for graphics, zipped archives, and executables, and ASCII for most
everything else. CGI scripts MUST be uploaded
in ASCII mode.
Configuring
Fetch 3.01 (Macintosh)
-
Start the Fetch Program.
-
Go to the Customize menu and choose
New Shortcut.
-
Enter in the following fields:
a. name = Anything
you want (business name, etc.)
b. host = yourdomain.com
c. UserID = webxxxxx
d. password = ********
(note: your password is case-sensitive)
e. directory = /usr/local/www/data/webxxxxx/public_html
-
Click OK
-
Go to Customize menu again, this
time choose Preferences.
-
Click on the "General" Tab in the
Preferences window.
-
Click on Default Shortcut and select
the one you just created.
-
Click on OK - you're done!
Every time you start Fetch, It will
already have your information in it. All you have to do is click OK and
Fetch will get you to your site.
Uploading
with Fetch 3.0.1
Uploading with Fetch is simple.
There are two methods for uploading your files:
Drag and drop or clicking buttons.
Drag
and drop method
-
Start Fetch and log into your web
site by pushing OK.
-
Open the folder that contains your
HTML documents.
-
Specify either Text or Binary
for the transfer format.
Note: Binary format is used
for compressed files and graphics. Text format is used for CGI and Perl
scripts.
-
Drag the desired file and drop it
into the server just like moving files on the Mac! a file transfer status
pie chart should also appear telling you how much time is left before file
transfer is completed. If it's a small file, the upload should happen quickly.
A larger files take longer.
Note: Line noise, Internet
traffic, and your connection speed with your dialup ISP can slow things
down.
Note: Make sure that the file
you want as your "home" page is named index.html.
To rename the file:
Clicking
buttons method
-
Start Fetch and log into your web
site by pushing OK.
-
Click on the Put File button
-
In the new window, find the file
that you want to upload from your Mac to the server.
-
When you've found you file, click
the Open button.
-
In the Put file dialog box
you may rename the file if you wish and specify the transfer format.
Note: Binary format is used
for compressed files and graphics. Text format is used for CGI and Perl
scripts.
