FTP clients are software programs that allow you to upload files to Web servers. They
allow you to perform more complex tasks than are possible when uploading from a
browser. The one for Microsoft Explorer can be found at:
http://www.ftpx.com/download.html
Some good FTP programs besides Microsoft Explorer include the
following:
( I have not used any of these but they do come recommended
by "those in the know".)
AceFTP
This FTP client has the ability to do multiple tasks at the same
time. This means you can start a long copy, look at the site and
copy some smaller files all at the same time.
AutoFTPPro
Has the ability to schedule transfers for selected times. The
template feature allows you to create a pattern which can make
future transfers much easier.
CuteFTP
This is the product that shows up the most popular free program. It
is very easy to use, with a simple interface that allows drag and
drop.
Internet Neighbourhood
Internet Neighborhood maps an FTP site as a drive letter, which
integrates it directly into your desktop and adds it directly to
your network neighborhood.
WebDrive
WebDrive is a Windows 95/98/NT FTP software client that allows you
to map an Internet FTP site to a local drive utilizing the standard
FTP protocol. This enables you to connect to an FTP site and perform
familiar file operations like copy, xcopy, and directory functions
with the Windows explorer, a DOS box, or any other application like
Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.
WS_FTPPro
Another very nice FTP client with scheduling, speed and integration
into the browser. This allows you to enter ftp:// in the address bar
of the browser to call up the program.
How to Upload Using an FTP Client
Open your FTP client. Enter the information that you need to access your site. This
will include your Web address (where you want to put the files you're uploading), your
ID or user name, and your password. Your ISP will provide you with this information if
you don't have it available.
When your FTP client has connected with your ISP's Web server, you will see two
windows, both showing a file structure. The window on the left represents the folders
and files on your own computer or disk. Move through the folders until you locate the
Web pages to be uploaded. Select your files.
The window on the right represents your files on the ISP's Web server. If this is your
first upload, this window will probably be empty.
Drag your selected files in the left window and drop them in the right window.
The files will upload and their names will appear in the right window.
Open your browser and enter the URL (address) of your Web site. Your Web page
should appear.
Server Uploads and Downloads
As I explained above, the most common form
of server upload or download uses the file transfer protocol FTP.
The following is some technical stuff that might not be of interest
you. However, It is so simple to upload your web pages you may want
to learn how make changes in Front Page and then upload them
yourself. If this happens, there are a couple of tips you need to
know.
Important Tips: Binary, ASCII and Case Sensitivity
Care must be exercised that binary and ASCII files are
transferred in the proper mode. Image, sound, and movie files, and
executable files like Java class files, are normally binary files;
they will become corrupted if you transfer them in ASCII mode. On
the other hand, text tiles transferred in binary mode may lose
end-of-line information. I am not sure what this means but for us
– make sure to transfer the files in the proper mode.
If you have any doubt about the character
of a file, you can usually tell if it is binary or ASCII by opening
it with a plain text editor (like NotePad). If the file has strange
characters in it (i.e. if it resembles the comic strip representation of
cursewords), it is probably binary. The safest option is to transfer
it as a binary file, if you are uncertain.
If you are going to be uploading files to
Network servers, you are also well advised to bear in mind that
there are issues about case sensitivity and blank spaces in file and
directory names.
Your Web site folders on the ISP's server must have the identical system of folders
and files that you used on your own disk when creating the site. Otherwise, the
internal links and graphics may not work.
Finally, if the directory structure for
your Web site is complicated you will need some familiarity with the
directory . For this reason, the web pages we set up for you will
all be in one directory. All images will be in a sub folder.
Enter the URL of your Web site in the Address window of your browser. Click Enter.
Your uploaded Web site should display in the browser window.
