Jordon18

De BISAWiki

How to Upload Files to the web

upload pic - 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 wait, how do you get a file from the computer up to the internet?

To obtain a file up to the internet, use FTP. That means File Transfer Protocol.

What's FTP?

FTP is truly a very simple process. The assembler language code for straightforward FTP is only a few lines long.

UploadGig - FTP software programs are more elaborate needless to say. It has error correction, login and security measures, etc.

FTP Software

upload music - In the event 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 isn't too bad.

You can also use FTP software. You'll find free FTP software. Filezilla is free, and does not come with adware or other such nonsense. And delay pills work quite well.

There is CuteFTP which a lot of people like. It is extremely user friendly.

Then you have the professional FTP such as WS-FTP Pro. If you are going to upload a lot of files, or large files, you will want to spend just a little money of a professional FTP software. During this writing (December, 2008) Professional FTP software runs less than $100 USD.

Where to upload files to?

When you have a website, you can upload your files there.

In order to share photos with folks, you may not even need FTP software. You will find websites like Photobucket who have FTP capability built-in to their site. You receive what you pay for, though. Photobucket has its limits.

You can also buy "hosting". You may also want to buy a domain name. If you just want to upload photos or other stuff to share with your friends, you can find a cheap hosting plan. You'll probably want to buy a domain name. Websites run about $20 each year or less.

How to upload the files.

After you have a place to upload to, no matter which method of uploading you select, you will need certain information. Here is a list of information you will need for almost any FTP connection. Your host may have a few more things you will have to enter.

The FTP host: This is often an IP address (An Ip looks like 123.45.678.90) or perhaps a domain name. Sometimes preceded with "ftp." A common FTP host may appear to be: ftp.somewebsite.com
Starting or Home Folder: Your host must 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 (/) in your FTP configuration.
Passive or Active FTP? Try Passive FTP first if you are not sure. It is the most frequent kind.
Username and password: Self-explanatory. Don't be surprised if your username looks like an email address.
The FTP Port: You might not ever have to enter the port. Port 21 is used almost universally.