Dawne999
De BISAWiki
How to Upload Files to the web
UploadGig - Most people have no problem downloading on the internet. You usually click a web link, then tell the browser where you can store it. But exactly how do you get a file from the computer up to the internet?
To acquire a file up to the internet, use FTP. That means File Transfer Protocol.
What is FTP?
FTP is truly a very simple process. The assembler language code for straightforward FTP is only a few lines long.
upload with direct link - FTP software programs are more elaborate obviously. It has error correction, login and security features, etc.
FTP Software
upload image - Should you just want to upload a couple of files, you can use Windows Explorer to upload. It's got some peculiarities. And it may try taking a little getting used to. But once you get the feel of it, it is not too bad.
You can also use FTP software. You'll find free FTP software. Filezilla is free, and does not come with adware or any other such nonsense. And delay pills work quite well.
There is CuteFTP that a lot of people like. It is extremely user friendly.
Then you have the professional FTP including WS-FTP Pro. If you are going to upload a number of files, or very large files, you will want to spend a bit money of a professional FTP software. During this writing (December, 2008) Professional FTP software runs under $100 USD.
Where to upload files to?
When you have a website, you can upload your files there.
In order to share photos with people, you may not even need FTP software. You'll find websites like Photobucket who have FTP capability built in to their site. You get what you pay for, though. Photobucket has its own limits.
You can also buy "hosting". It's also possible to want to buy a domain name. Should you just want to upload photos or another stuff to share with your mates, you can find a cheap hosting plan. You'll almost certainly want to buy a domain name. Domains run about $20 each year or less.
How to upload the files.
Once you've a place to upload to, irrespective of which method of uploading you decide on, you will need certain information. Here is a list of information you will need for almost any FTP connection. Your host could have a few more things you'll need to enter.
The FTP host: This can be an IP address (An Internet protocol address looks like 123.45.678.90) or even a domain name. Sometimes preceded with "ftp." A standard FTP host may look like: ftp.somewebsite.com
Starting or Home Folder: Your host will have to let you know this. Some common starting folders for websites are /public_html, /wwwroot, /httpdocs... There are many more. Note: You will probably not enter any leading or trailing forward slashes (/) inside your FTP configuration.
Passive or Active FTP? Try Passive FTP first if you're not sure. It is the most typical kind.
Username and password: Self-explanatory. Expect if your username seems like an email address.
The FTP Port: You might not ever have to enter the port. Port 21 is used almost universally.
