Minnie844

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How to Upload Files to the Internet

upload pic - Most people have no problem downloading on the internet. You usually click a web link, then tell the browser where to store it. But wait, how do you get a file from your computer up to the internet?

To acquire a file up to the internet, use FTP. That represents File Transfer Protocol.

What exactly is FTP?

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

upload - FTP software is more elaborate needless to say. It has error correction, login and security features, etc.

FTP Software

upload - If you just want to upload several files, you can use Windows Explorer to upload. It's some peculiarities. And it may take some getting used to. But once you receive the feel of it, it is not too bad.

You can also use FTP software. You can find free FTP software. Filezilla costs nothing, and does not come with adware or any other such nonsense. And it works quite well.

There is CuteFTP that a lot of people like. It is very user friendly.

Then you have the professional FTP including WS-FTP Pro. If you are going to upload a bunch of files, or huge files, you will want to spend a little money of a professional FTP software. At the time of this writing (December, 2008) Professional FTP software runs lower than $100 USD.

Where to upload files to?

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

If you wish to share photos with people, you may not even need FTP software. You can find websites like Photobucket which have FTP capability built in to their site. You obtain what you pay for, though. Photobucket have their limits.

You can also buy "hosting". It's also possible to want to buy a domain name. In the event you just want to upload photos or other stuff to share with your mates, you can find a cheap hosting plan. You'll probably want to buy a domain name. Domains run about $20 per year or less.

How to upload the files.

After you have 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 will have a few more things you will need to enter.

The FTP host: This is often an IP address (An IP 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 must let you know this. Some common starting folders for websites are /public_html, /wwwroot, /httpdocs... There are several more. Note: You'll likely not enter any leading or trailing forward slashes (/) inside your FTP configuration.
Passive or Active FTP? Try Passive FTP first if you aren't sure. It is the most common 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 utilized almost universally.