“FTP” stands for File Transfer Protocol.
One of the things you are going to be doing all the time as you work on building your site is transferring data between your computer and your site's cPanel.
As you may know there are two types of file transfer:
Both types of file transfer depend on FTP.
FTP works in the same way as HTTP for transferring web pages from a server to your browser, or SMTP for transferring e-mail across the internet. Like all these other technologies, FTP uses the internet’s TCP/IP protocols to enable data transfer.
When using FTP you need a software application called a “client” to connect to the server. There are many FTP client software packages available. Some of them are built in to your browser (such as Internet Explorer), others are dedicated client software applications, while still others are built into web applications (File Manager in cPanel is one example).
Generally, if you are going to spend a lot of time using FTP or have a large number of files to upload/download, a dedicated FTP client is the way to go.
So let's select, download and install a dedicated FTP client software application.
There several FTP client software applications available, and the good news is that many of them are free to install and use.
Many applications are offered with an increasing range of sophistication and functionality, from the free starter application to the fully functioned professional package.
You'll need to decide what functions and features you want, but you may want to consider the following:
TIP: It may not be worth paying for a fully featured package if you're new to this type of software. The advantages of a purchased package are mainly online support and help if the program stops working. Truth is – even if you don’t pay anything for your FTP client, if it crashes it’s a simple matter to select another one and get it up and running since there is no issue with lost data or settings.
Some of the programs give a lot of information online others very little but there are reviews of the best available from a search. If you are unsure which one to go for – download a couple of the free ones and test them out.
Some of the most popular and well used programs include: SmartFTP, CuteFTP, FileZilla, CoreFTP.
Most of the FTP client software programs are easy to use and set up. Nonetheless – it’s worth time playing around with the program and setting it up the way you want it to be BEFORE you have to use it for something important.
Upload and download a few files and check out the settings now so you'll be totally ready to go when needed.