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How to Upload Files to the web

upload film - Most people have no problem downloading from the web. 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 means File Transfer Protocol.

What's FTP?

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

upload image - FTP software is more elaborate of course. It has error correction, login and security features, etc.

FTP Software

upload pic - 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 some getting used to. But once you obtain the feel of it, it isn't too bad.

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

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

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

Where to upload files to?

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

If you wish to share photos with individuals, you may not even need FTP software. You can 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". It's also possible to want to buy a domain name. Should you just want to upload photos or any other stuff to share with your friends, you can find a cheap hosting plan. You'll probably want to buy a domain name. Domains run about $20 each year or less.

How to upload the files.

After you have a place to upload to, irrespective of which method of uploading you select, you will need certain information. Below is a list of information you will require for almost any FTP connection. Your host could have a few more things you will have to enter.

The FTP host: This can be an IP address (An Ip looks like 123.45.678.90) or a domain name. Sometimes preceded with "ftp." A typical 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 numerous more. Note: You will 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 frequent kind.
Username and password: Self-explanatory. Don't be surprised if your username seems like an email address.
The FTP Port: You might not ever have to enter the port. Port 21 is utilized almost universally.