FTP Access
General
FTP can be used to transfer files from your
computer to your web site (and vice-versa). You can also upload
files using the Control Panel. FrontPage users can use the FrontPage
publish facility to upload their site.
FTP Program
To FTP files to your server you will need an
FTP program. There are many available on the web. For a list of
FTP solutions, visit our FTP Webmaster
Resources.
Setting Up Your FTP Software to Connect
To Your Domain
After you have downloaded and installed your
FTP software, most all FTP software need certain information in order to
connect with your hosted web account as follows:
|
Name: |
The name
of your site so that you will know which site this profile will connect
to |
|
Description: |
A detailed description. Usually left blank. |
|
Remote host/FTP Site: |
The IP
address OR use your domain name of your site |
|
Local File Folder / Default Directory: |
The local directory where your web pages etc are stored. You can
leave this empty or blank or choose a folder on your hard drive where
your web files are located. |
|
Remote File Folder: |
Leave
blank for now. |
|
Anonymous Login: |
Leave unchecked |
|
User ID/ Name: |
Your FTP
user name
(provided to you when you signed up for your account). |
|
Password: |
Your FTP password (also provided at signup). Your password is case
sensitive. |
|
Remote Port: |
21
(default) |
Using Your FTP Software Once Connected
Once you click Connect, your FTP
software should connect to your site and then:
List the contents of your
Local File Folder usually in the bottom half or left side of the FTP
screen;
List the contents of your
Web site typically in the top half or right side of the FTP screen.
You should be able to navigate
through your Web site by double clicking on the relevant file folders.
To upload files
highlight the files you want to upload then click on the Upload/Send button.
To change the transfer
type choose between Auto / ascii / binary. Typically, it is
best to leave any transfer type setting as auto. To upload CGI
scripts, always choose text/ascii transfer or your script will not work.
You can also use your FTP
software to download, view, rename and delete files, and to create and
remove directories.
Security Concerns: Don't download a file that may have sensitive
information in it like credit card numbers. FTP transfer is not
secure.
Secure FTP Access
General
Secure FTP access is available at
ActiveWebHost.com. In fact, we encourage it's use over general FTP
access as you can securely transfer any of your files.
Setting Up Your FTP Software to Securely
Connect To Your Domain
Most FTP software will allow you to choose
how you wish to connect to your website. FTP software generally
defaults to a connection typed of, "Standard (No Security)."
Review your connection information for any
sites hosted at ActiveWebHost.com and change the setting from Standard to "SSL
Explicit Encryption (AUTH SSL)" The port should remain as port 21.
This is NOT the same setting as "Secure FTP" so choose the option that
closely resembles "SSL Explicit Encryption (AUTH SSL)."
NOTE: AUTH SSL is only available on the
main server IP and not on alias IPs. If you try to connect to your
site by your domain name, it will not work, instead, use the IP address.
By doing so, AUTH SSL will work and enable a secure connection.
Using Your FTP Software Once Connected
That's the best part, you use your FTP
software just like normal. It's just as fast and convenient as
standard FTP, but now with the added benefit of being secure.
When you connect, you'll get a warning pop up
box that the secure certificate doesn't match your site. That's okay
as you are using the shared SSL certificate and as you'll notice, the box
that pops up also indicates the connection is secure so you know your data
is being transferred securely.
Here's a fun little quote, "HTTPS is just
HTTP in SSL transport."
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