Home Technology PC - Windows Reference FTP - file transfer protocol
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is used to upload and download files from FTP servers.
It is frequently used to update web sites.

Notes:
If you have a router with Network Address Translation (NAT) common with cable modems and DSL in the home or other kinds of firewalls you may need a program which supports "passive mode" (See Explanation at SlackSite.)

Other Options:

  • Use Command Mode FTP: Run > command
    Then type ftp with the address at the command prompt.
    This requires some computer command expertise.
  • Get a FTP program such as:
    FileZilla or WinSCP, recommended at lifehacker and Digital Trends.
  • Use Internet Exploerer (IE):
    Type "ftp://Username:Password@Host/directory/" into the address bar of IE. It's then possible to drag and drop any files you want to upload into this window.
    Host is your hostname e.g. ftp.geocities.com
    You may need IE 5.5 or greater.
    Notes at: Vision Internet
  • Use Map network drive option in Windows:
    Note: I could not get this to work in Win 98 SE.
    1. Right click on the My Computer icon and choose Map Network Drive
      or select Map Network Drive in "Network Neighborhood".
    2. Choose a drive letter (we recommend drive R: if it is available).
    3. Enter the folder name \\Host\directory
    4. Click on Connect using a different user name.
    5. In the login box, enter your user name and password.
    6. Click Finish.

See Also:

last updated 26 Mar 2006