Upload Files to an Ftp Server

FTP servers are file servers that you can connect to in order to upload and download files. FTPs are common in the business, academic, and computer-enthusiast worlds, as they allow many different people to access a shared collection of files. You can connect and upload files to an FTP using tools built-in to Windows and OS X, or you can use a dedicated FTP client for more features.

Steps

Using Windows Explorer

  1. Open the "Computer"/"This PC"/"My Computer" window. You can find this in the Start menu, or by pressing ⊞ Win+E. This window displays all of the drives and devices connected to your computer.
  2. Right-click on a blank spot below your drives and select "Add a network location". This will open a new window.
  3. Select "Choose a custom network location". This will allow you to create a new FTP connection.
  4. Enter the address for the FTP server. For example, to connect to Mozilla's FTP, enter ftp://ftp.mozilla.org.
  5. Set your username for the FTP server. if the FTP server requires usernames in order to connect, enter the username you want to use. Otherwise, keep the "Log on anonymously" box checked.
  6. Enter a name for the FTP and finish the wizard. The name is simply for your reference to help you find it on your computer.
    • By default, you will attempt to connect to the FTP server as soon as the wizard is finished.
  7. Enter your password (if prompted). If you are connecting to a secured FTP, you'll be asked for your user password when you first connect. Enter the password when prompted or the connection won't work.
  8. Navigate to the folder you want to upload to. When you connect to the FTP, you'll see a folder layout much like Windows. Navigate to the folder that you want to upload to. Your user account will need to have permission to access and upload to that folder.
  9. Drag files that you want to upload into the FTP window. Drag and drop the files into the folder you want to upload to, just like you would if you were moving files between folders on your own computer. Windows will calculate how long the files will take to upload, and then begin uploading the files. You can monitor the progress of the upload in the box that appears.[1]

Using OS X Finder

  1. Open a Finder window or have the Desktop active. This will allow you to open the proper window.
  2. Click the Go menu and select "Connect to Server". You can also press ⌘ Command+K to open the "Connect to Server" window.
  3. Enter the address for the FTP you want to connect to. For example to connect to Mozilla's FTP, enter ftp://ftp.mozilla.org.
  4. Click the "+" button next to the Server Address field (optional). This will save this server in your Favorites list if you plan on connecting to it often.
  5. Click the "Connect" button. You will be prompted for your username and password if the FTP requires it. If you are allowed to, you can choose to log in as a Guest (anonymously).
  6. Browse through the FTP server's folders. After you connect to the FTP server, you'll be able to browse through the folders just like you would your own folders in Finder. Navigate to the folder that you want to upload your files to. You'll need have access to the folder and permission to upload in order for the files to transfer.
  7. Drag and drop the files you want to upload. Find the files on your computer that you want to upload and drag and drop them into the folder on the FTP server. A progress bar will appear, indicating how long you have until the upload has completed.[2]
    • Creating an archive for a large number of files will make it easier to upload them all at once.

Using an FTP Client

  1. Understand when you want to use an FTP client. Although Windows and OS X have FTP functionality built-in, the tools are rather limited. If you're going to be uploading a lot of files and need features like queuing and upload resuming, you'll want to use an FTP client to connect to the server.[3]
  2. Download and install an FTP client. There are tons of FTP clients out there, some of which are free and some that cost money. One of the most popular free clients is FileZilla, which is an open-source FTP client available at filezilla-project.org and can be installed on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
  3. Create a new connection. When you start your FTP client, you'll need to create a new connection profile. This will save your connection information, allowing you to quickly reconnect in the future.
    • Enter the FTP address, your user name, and your password (if required). Most FTP servers run on port 21, so you won't have to change this value unless specified by the server.
  4. Connect to the FTP server. Once you've entered in all of your information, you can connect to the FTP server. You'll see the connection log in the status section of the client as your computer contacts and connects to the server.
  5. Navigate to the folder you are allowed to upload to. Many FTP servers restrict uploads from users to specific folders. Refer to your FTP server's documentation to see what folder you have permission to upload to. Use the right panel to navigate through the FTP's folders.
  6. Use the left panel to navigate to your files. The left panel in the FTP client shows your local computer's directories. Navigate through the folders to find the files you want to upload.
  7. Start uploading the files. Either double-click a file to begin uploading it, or drag it from the left panel to the right panel.
  8. Monitor your uploads. The upload progress will be displayed in the bottom panel of the FTP window. Wait until your upload has completed before disconnecting from the FTP server.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/work-with-files-ftp-site#1TC=windows-7
  2. ↑ http://osxdaily.com/2011/02/07/ftp-from-mac/
  3. ↑ http://www.networksolutions.com/support/how-to-upload-files-using-ftp/
Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Upload_Files_to_an_Ftp_Server&oldid=325344"