What Does FTP Stand For
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David
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February 20th, 2012
FTP, File Transfer Protocol, is the method of copying the files that make up your website from your local computer to the web hosting account that you setup with your web hosting provider.
This is actually a very easy process plus there generally isn't a cost for it. There are quite a few options for transferring files to your remote web hosting account but using FTP software allows you to upload files, make changes to the file directly on the server and perform other functions such as changing the permissions of certain files.
Free FTP Software
I personally use FileZilla, it's a free application that is actively being improved with frequent updates. It's a very easy interface to use, you simply find the files on one side of the application and connect to your hosting account by entering your username and password.
From there you simply highlight the files that you'd like to transfer and then drag them to your server. Depending on the number of files and the size, it shouldn't take much time at all for the files to be uploaded.
Feel free to click on this thumbnail for a screenshot of FileZilla.
Uses For FTP Software
There are quite a few things to use FTP for but the primary reason is to transfer files between your local computer and your remote web hosting account. When you first open your FTP client you'll simply need to enter your host name, which is generally your website address. Then you'll enter your username and password that you chose when you setup your hosting account.
From there you can use your FTP client to transfer files, update the permissions of files for certain scripting like CGI scripts or even make changes directly to a file on the server without having to update the file on your computer. This is perfect if you happen to be away from your computer and need to make an important change.
Webmaster Forum
I invite you to visit my webmaster forum, it's a great place to discuss websites and ask questions to fellow webmasters regarding topics that you may still have questions on.