Katlyn144

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How to Upload Files to the Internet

upload music - Most people have no problem downloading on the internet. You usually click a hyperlink, then tell the browser where you should store it. But exactly how do you get a file out of your computer up to the internet?

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

What is FTP?

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

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

FTP Software

UploadGig - Should you just want to upload a few files, you can use Windows Explorer to upload. It has some peculiarities. And it may try taking some getting used to. But once you get 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 other such nonsense. And delay quite well.

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

Then you have the professional FTP for example WS-FTP Pro. If you are going to upload a number of files, or very large files, you will want to spend just a little money of a professional FTP software. At the time of 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.

If you wish 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 obtain 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 any other stuff to share with your mates, you can find a cheap hosting plan. You'll probably want to buy a domain name. Domain names run about $20 annually or less.

How to upload the files.

Once you have a place to upload to, regardless of which method of uploading you choose, you will need certain information. Below is a list of information you'll need for almost any FTP connection. Your host may have a few more things you'll need 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 standard 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 (/) inside your FTP configuration.
Passive or Active FTP? Try Passive FTP first if you aren't sure. It is the most typical kind.
Username and password: Self-explanatory. Expect if your username appears like an email address.
The FTP Port: You might not ever have to enter the main harbour. Port 21 can be used almost universally.