how to use FTP to upload and download files

FTP is the File Transfer Protocol, and is the Internet method for the bulk-uploading and downloading of files. There are many pieces of software (see below) which will enable you to upload and download, but the essential information that you will have to give the software is:

FTP server address:

Your ISP will tell you this; it will look something like ftp1.interdns.co.uk.

FTP login id:

Your ISP will tell you this.

FTP password:

Your ISP will tell you this.

local folder:

The path to the folder on your local computer where you have what you want to upload.

use Windows Explorer

If you use Microsoft Windows, you can use Windows Explorer for this:

• Open two copies of Windows Explorer.
  This is a standard Windows application and will be somewhere in the programs menu.
  Note: this is NOT Internet Explorer.
• Position and resize their windows so that they are both visible at the same time. For example: have one on the left half of the screen and the other on the right half.
• Use the left-hand copy of Windows Explorer to see the file system on your local machine.
  View the folder whose files you want to transfer.
• Use the right-hand copy of Windows Explorer to see the file system on the remote machine:
  • In the address bar, type the ftp address for your web site. This won't necessarily be derived from your domain name. For example, it might be something like ftp://ftp1.interdns.co.uk/.
    (This is the Internet address of the FTP server used for updating your domain. You can get this information from your ISP - Internet Service Provider.)
  • A login window will appear.
  • Input the UserName and Password you have been given for your site (by your ISP).
  • Use normal browsing to view the folder where you want to transfer the files.
• Now drag and drop (or copy and paste) the files you want to transfer.

If you have a different operating system, you may be able to use its native FTP program to achieve the same effect.

use FileZilla

FileZilla is a program which runs on your computer to enable you to make FTP transfers (FTP = File Transfer Protocol). When you have installed it, it works in a similar manner to Windows Explorer (see above).

other FTP programs

If you have a smartphone, you won't be able to use FileZilla, but there will some other FTP program you can use. Just look on the Web.