Transfer Content to a Website What is FTP?

File Transfer Protocol FTP is a protocol – a set of rules Designed to allow files to be transferred across the Internet One of the first Internet services – used purely for information exchanged Originally used only by systems administrators and scientists

How does FTP work? FTP is an example of a client-server system It is a program on the local computer (client) and is used to transfer files to and from a remote computer (server)

FTP servers Have an address, similar to a URL Prefix ftp:// instead of e.g. ftp.ftpplanet.com

Anonymous (Public) FTP Servers Allow you to gain access to, browse and download files by connecting anonymously Files made available to the public are usually stored in a folder called PUB FTP server administrators can 'lock' or hide files to restrict access e.g. ftp.microsoft.com

Private (Restricted Access) FTP Servers The server's administrator or your ISP determines whether folders and files can be accessed on a FTP server A server administrator will also decide who can access their server, or specific folders and files on their server What do you need to access files on a private FTP site?

FTP Clients FTP client allow you to Upload Download Delete Replace Move … files to an FTP server with ease

Connecting to an FTP Server Using a web browser Uploads can be difficult Downloads are not secure Command-line FTP client DOS program (Start > Run > FTP) Using a GUI FTP client Graphical User Interface (secure and easy)

GUI FTP Client A GUI contains windows and clickable buttons and menus Standard GUI FTP client window is a two- pane design Left pane displays the files on the LOCAL computer Right pane displays the files on the FTP SERVER

Open the site manager

Set up a new site

You can set up multiple sites and they will be listed here. You can select the site to connect to from this list.

Discussion Point is commonly used to transfer files across the Internet. When would you FTP rather than files?

Choosing an FTP Client Most have the same basic features and functions The difference is generally in the layout of the FTP client window, and some may have added functionality

Things to consider Preferred interface Cost Features and Functions The purpose for using FTP client Organisation's guidelines and policies

Choosing a Suitable FTP Client Has an easy-to-use interface that clearly displays both the local (your computer) and remote (FTP server) locations Has tools to manage multiple accounts on multiple servers Logs (records) your FTP sessions Enables you to select active or passive FTP connection (discussed later)

Popular FTP clients CuteFTP Home and Professional SmartFTP NCFTP Bullet Proof FTP Filezilla FireFTP Fetch FTPWorks...

Port 21 This is the port number that you use to connect to an FTP server A port is like a door to the server FTP protocols are handled by ports 20 and 21 by default HTTP is handled by port 80

Firewalls Prevent unauthorised connections to your computer Can affect the connections by blocking the ports needed to connect to the remote FTP server You can configure your firewall so that ports 20 and 21 are open

Configuring the connection type If you connect to the Internet with a modem you are using Dial-Up Networking (DUN) If you connect with a cable modem, DSL or through a computer network, you are using a Local Area Network (LAN) LEAVE THE SERVER TYPE SETTINGS ON AUTO-DETECT

Data Transmission Mode Passive Mode (PASV) Helps avoid conflicts with an FTP server's security system Allows you to bypass a server's firewall and security settings on some routers Active (PORT) Mode Used when a connection or transfer attempt fails in passive mode, or when you receive data socket errors

Port Theft When you connect in PORT mode your files become vulnerable to 'port theft' A third party can interfere with file transfers LEAVE THE CONFIGURATION SETTINGS ON DEFAULT

Secure Connections Secure Socket Layers (SSL) Transport Layer Security (TSL) These communication protocols are designed to allow you to transmit data securely. Data is encrypted during transmission and prevents eavesdroppers Your Server must support the use of these protocols (ISPs usually charge extra)