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How to Upload Files to the web

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

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

What exactly is FTP?

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

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

FTP Software

upload film - If you just want to upload several files, you can use Windows Explorer to upload. It's got some peculiarities. And it may take some getting used to. But once you obtain the feel of it, it's not 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 pills work quite well.

There is CuteFTP that your 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 bit money of a professional FTP software. During 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.

In order to share photos with individuals, you may not even need FTP software. You'll find websites like Photobucket who have FTP capability integrated to their site. You obtain 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. If you just want to upload photos or any other stuff to share with your friends, you can find a cheap hosting plan. You'll almost certainly want to buy a domain name. Domains run about $20 annually or less.

How to upload the files.

Once you've 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 will require 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 a domain name. Sometimes preceded with "ftp." A typical FTP host may seem 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 will likely not enter any leading or trailing forward slashes (/) in 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. Expect if your username looks like an email address.
The FTP Port: You may not ever have to enter the port. Port 21 can be used almost universally.