What is FTP?
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol and
that is exactly what it does. It transfers files from one place to another.
FTP is by far the most efficient (the fastest) way to copy large
files across the Internet.
For our purposes, we will be using an FTP to transfer
your web pages from your computer to the server of the company we
signed up with to host your page.
You just launch the program, enter some basic information (such
as the site address, account name and password) and connect. Once
connected, you can usually just drag and drop files from your own
hard drive to the site.
When we signed up with a company to host
your page, they gave you some information in their e-mail. I put the
information into the appropriate places in a FTP client. Then I
clicked connect and we were half way there. I had just plugged into
their server. Remember that is like hooking up into their telephone
answering service to let them know how you want it programmed. Now
we can send your files over and later, if you need to, you can copy
them right back to your computer.
If I do all of the programming, I will be putting them onto a
CD-ROM for you and sending it to you at the end of our working together.
Remember, this won’t reflect
future changes you may make – so be sure to get a copy from whomever helps you in the future.
Why is it a good idea to use an FTP vs direct editing on a
host's web site?
FTP gives you control. By using FTP,
you have an automatic backup - If you use FTP, you will be editing
your files locally on your own computer. As you make changes you
will copy the files up to your host's computer. This means no matter
what happens to your host, even if their computer is totally
destroyed, you've got a copy of your site on your own disk. The
reverse is also true - if your computer is trashed you can recover
your site from your host's system.
Tips:
It is a critical to name your first page "index.html." If you use this name, people
will be able to access your site without knowing the file name of your first page. For
example, this URL would work: http://www.ISPsite/mysite/
If you name your first page something else, visitors will need to use this longer URL:
http://www.ISPsite/mysite/mypage.html
