We recommend using WS_FTP because of its simplicity and ease of use for
the beginner. We have a free, full version copy for you to download if you
need it.
DOWNLOAD FREE COPY
The process by which files are transferred to the web server is called
"FTP" (File Transport Protocol). You have unlimited access via FTP 24-hours a day. As such,
you can create and maintain your web pages on your own computer and upload files to your
web site at your leisure.
Internet providers such as AOL, CompuServe, and Prodigy may have a built-in
FTP interface. For help with using these applications see the respective
documention.
Configuring Your FTP Software:
The following information is contained within your account activation
notice and is needed to connect to your web site via FTP:
- USERID
- PASSWORD
- FTP HOSTNAME
The hostname tells your FTP software to connect to the web server
upon which your web site resides. In general, the process of configuring
the various FTP software/interface is the same. We recommend WS_FTP for PC
computer users and will be using it in the upcoming examples.
Each time you run WS_FTP the Session Profile window will be displayed. A
profile contains the information needed to connect to your web site.
Creating a profile now will eliminate the need for you to configure the
software each time you wish to connect to the web server via FTP. To create
a new profile, click the "New" button and enter a generic profile name at
the top of the Session Profile window. Next, enter the userid, password and
hostname for your web site as illustrated below.
Fig.1
Be sure to always select "Automatic Detect" for the Host Type. (see Fig.1)
It is best to select "Save Password" and "Auto Save Config" to maintain
these settings for future use. All other fields can be left blank. You are
now ready to connect to the web server. Click "Ok" to continue.
How to Transfer Files:
When you connect to the web server, you will connect directly to the root
("home") directory of your account. WS_FTP will display a split screen where
files on the left side are within your own computer. You may see several
folders on the right side such as 'www', which is a landmark suggesting a
successful connection to your web site.
Double click on the "www" directory to get to your web directory, this is
where all your files should be uploaded, and/or you will create
subdirectories. The only system directory that you may need to use is
cgi-bin; this directory is reserved for custom scripts. To make your home
page load automatically, name the HTML document "index.htm" in lowercase and
upload it to the www directory of your account. To upload a file or files,
simply highlight the file(s) on the left and click the right-arrow button
(=>) in the center of the screen. Be sure to upload HTML documents and
scripts in ASCII mode and images in BINARY mode. To transfer a file to a
subdirectory, double-click the appropriate subdirectory to open it before
transferring the desired file(s).
As soon as a file is uploaded to the web server, it is available for all to
see. If, after uploading a file, you are still unable to see the updated
file via Netscape, you need to clear both disk and browser cache. This
function can be found by selecting Options > Network Preferences in Netscape.
Remember that you must first be connected to the internet through your
local internet service provider in order to connect to the web server.
Notes to Mac Users:
Select "raw data" transfer mode when using Fetch to transfer both HTML and
images.