FTP - How do I use FTP From Online Manual

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After you download the SMF package, the next steps to install it would be to unzip the files and then upload them to your site. Uploading is usually done via an FTP client. This can be done by FTPing to your site and transferring the SMF package from your computer to your site. The following is a quick start on using FTP.

For more information on using FTP, please see Packages - How to upload packages using FTP

What is FTP?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is the simplest and most secure way to exchange files over the Internet.

The most common use for FTP is to download files from the Internet. In addition, the ability to transfer files back-and-forth makes FTP essential for anyone creating a Web page, amateurs and professionals alike.

The virtual 'key' to get into an FTP site is the UserID and Password.

When connecting with an FTP Client, uploads and downloads couldn't be easier, and you have added security and additional features. For one, you're able to to resume a download that did not successfully finish, which is a very nice feature for people using dial-up connections who frequently lose their Internet connection.

What is an FTP Client?

An FTP Client is software that is designed to transfer files back-and-forth between two computers over the Internet. It needs to be installed on your computer and can only be used with a live connection to the Internet.

The classic FTP Client look is a two-pane design. The pane on the left displays the files on your computer and the pane on the right displays the files on the remote computer.

File transfers are as easy as dragging-and-dropping files from one pane to the other or by highlighting a file and clicking one of the direction arrows located between the panes.

Additional features of the FTP Client include: multiple file transfer; the auto re-get or resuming feature; a queuing utility; the scheduling feature; an FTP find utility; a synchronize utility; and for the advanced user, a scripting utility.

What are the available FTP programs?

You should be able to find a wide range of FTP programs by using a search engine, but here is a list of some that you can try:

Windows

  • Filezilla (please make sure you have set the "Transfer type" to "Auto", not "Binary"! To set this, go to the "Transfers" menu in the Settings panel)
  • SmartFTP

Mac

Linux

Other

  • Net2FTP (online file manager that can be uploaded to your website)
  • FireFTP (browser integration for Firefox)


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