Overview
FTP is an acronym for File Transfer Protocol. As the name suggests, FTP is used to transfer files between computers on a network, such as the Internet. You can use FTP to exchange files between computer accounts, to transfer files between an account and a desktop computer, or to access software archives on the Internet. Keep in mind, however, that many FTP sites are heavily used and require several attempts before connecting.
How to use FTP
Graphical FTP clients
Using graphical FTP clients simplifies file transfers by allowing you to drag and drop file icons between windows. When you open the program, enter the name of the FTP host (e.g., ftp.yourdomain.com) and your username and password.You can find some free FTP clients in the download section of our website.
Web browser
You can use a web browser to connect to FTP addresses exactly as you would to connect to HTTP addresses. Using a web browser for FTP transfers makes it easy for you to browse large directories and read and retrieve files. Your web browser will also take care of some of the details of connecting to a site and transferring files. While this method is convenient, web browsers are often slower and less reliable and have fewer features than dedicated FTP clients.
Note: Due to a security issue, we do not recommend using Internet Explorer to connect via FTP
To use your web browser to connect to an FTP site such as ftp.yourdomain.com, where you normally enter a URL, enter:
ftp://username@ftp.yourdomain.com/
Documentation
Please see the documentation for the FTP software you are using.
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