Uploading With FTP
- The FTP Program: This program is often part of the
software which is included when your PC is initially set up. If not, you
can download any one of several versions available on the Internet - use
a search engine to find one if necessary. This program usually has two
windows; one for your "Local System", the other for the "Remote Site".
There is usually a "Connect" button that you click to bring up a small window
where you enter the information about your server (web host) and your PC.
With Windows-based FTP programs you "point and click" to issue commands.
- Connecting to Your Server: You need to enter your host
(server) address, your host type, your user ID, and your password -
these are details your web hosting provider should have given you when
you agreed to pay the monthly fee for the hosting service. You can also
specify the directory (folder) on both your host and your PC where you
want your FTP session to start. There is normally a way to can save this
information as a "profile" with a distinctive name. You can save several
of these profiles (one for each host) - only having to enter the
information once when you first log on.
- Transfering files: It is useful to develop a directory
structure on your PC that matches the one on your host - this is for
convenience in transfering files and for minimizing mistakes. There are
either arrows located in the space between the two windows which you use
to transfer your files, or you use the point and drag method. Do not
forget to transfer ALL the files (including any images associated with
HTML files). While PDF files include any displayed images, HTML files
do not.
- Ascii vs Binary: Text files must be transfered in Ascii
mode, whereas PDF files and images must be transferred in Binary mode.
Often there is an "automatic" feature which detects the type of file
and selects the transfer mode automatically.
- Upper vs Lower Case: Many operating systems (e.g. Unix)
are case sensitive, whereas Windows is not. So you need to be careful
that the case of each alpabetic character is the same for the file name
as for the hypertext link on the calling web page. Some word processors
use internal defaults to use a mix of upper and lower case characters
in file names during the "File Save" process. There is usually an option
in FTP programs to force lower case names on transfer - you may wish to
use this option
- Before Uploading: It is prudent to always check your work
by viewing your web pages on your PC and trying out ALL the links to make
sure you do not have errors - before you upload your files.
- Subsequent Changes: A web site needs constant attention
to ensure errors are corrected and links to other web sites remain
valid. Once you upload the initial version of your web site, you will
need to edit one or more pages and upload the newly edited ones. Again,
check your edited pages before you upload.
- Other FTP Program Features: FTP programs enable you to create
new directories on either your host (remote site) or your PC (local system).
Additionally tou can usually rename, delete or view files.
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