Set up an FTP Between Two Computers

A File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a method in which computers from various remote locations can access files located on a specific computer, or server. Setting up an FTP can benefit you in many ways; including if you need to access files on your home computer while you travel or are at work, or if you want friends or family members to access certain files on your computer. To set up an FTP between two computers, you must first enable and set up an FTP server on one specific computer. You can then access the FTP server from any other Windows or Macintosh (Mac) computer, as long as you have the Internet Protocol (IP) address and server information for the computer with the FTP server.

Steps

FTP Server Setup on Mac Computer

  1. Enable the FTP server. This step should be performed on the Mac computer that houses all the files you want to share with other users.
    • Click on the Apple menu from your Mac desktop and select "System Preferences."
    • Select "Sharing" to display the Sharing window, then click on the "Services" tab.
    • Place a check mark next to "FTP Access" provided in the list of options, then click on the "Start" button on the right. After a few moments, the window will then display "FTP Access On."
  2. Configure your firewall settings. This will give users access to the files stored on the FTP server if a firewall is currently in place.
    • Click on the "Firewall" tab and verify that the window displays "Firewall On." If the firewall is not turned on, click on the "Start" button.
    • Select "FTP Access" from the list of options provided next to "Allow." This option will allow users to access the files saved on the FTP server.
    • Close your system preferences window. Computers from remote locations can now access your FTP server, as long as they have the proper IP address and configurations.

FTP Server Setup on Windows 7 Computer

  1. Set up the FTP server. This procedure should be done on the Windows 7 computer that contains the files you want to share with other users.
    • Open the "Control Panel" from your desktop or from the "Start" menu, then select "Programs."
    • Click on "Turn Windows features on or off" from within the category entitled "Programs and Features." A pop-up window will then display with additional Windows options.
    • Click on the plus symbol next to "Internet Information Services" (IIS), then place a check mark next to "FTP Server."
    • Click on the "Ok" button to allow Windows to enable and activate the FTP server.
  2. Configure the FTP server settings.
    • Return to your Control Panel, then select "System and Security."
    • Click on "Administrative Tools," then select "IIS Manager." A window will then open and display options in two different window panes.
    • Right-click on "Sites" from within the left window pane, then select "New FTP Site" from the floating menu.
    • Enter your settings for the FTP server; including a name for the directory, the IP address, and the users you want given access to the FTP server. Throughout the settings procedure, you will be prompted to click on the "Next" button to proceed to each screen with the settings wizard.
    • Click on the "Finish" button to complete the setup procedure for the FTP server.

Accessing an FTP Server from Mac Computers

  1. Connect to an FTP server from your Mac.
    • Click on "Finder" from the desktop of your Mac, then point to "Go."
    • Select "Connect to Server." A pop-up window will then display and prompt you for the server address or IP address of the computer with the FTP server.
    • Enter the IP address and click on the "Connect" button. The format in which you should enter the IP address is "ftp://<your IP address>/." If you do not have the IP address, you will need to consult with the administrator (admin) for the FTP server.

Accessing an FTP Server from Windows Computers

  1. Access any FTP server from your Windows computer.
    • Open Windows Explorer from any Windows computer, then type the IP address for the computer with the FTP server into the address bar. The IP address should have the format of "ftp://<your IP address>/."
    • Press the "Enter" key on your keyboard, then click on the "OK" button when the error message appears. The error message will state that you do not currently have access to the server.
    • Point to "File," then select "Login As" from the menu that appears on your screen.
    • Enter the username and password for the FTP server. If you do not have this information, you will be required to consult with the admin of the FTP server.
    • Press the "Log On" button. You will now be able to access all the files on the FTP server.

Sources and Citations

Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Set_up_an_FTP_Between_Two_Computers&oldid=324856"