What is FTP?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a fast, convenient and secure way to transfer files over the Internet. That is why many webmasters use FTP for uploading their websites on their hosting account and to add files and pictures to their web pages.
When connecting with an FTP Client (such as FileZilla or CuteFTP), uploads and downloads couldn't be easier, and you have added security and additional features. For example, you're able to resume a download that did not finish successfully, and continue with it later on. This is a very nice feature for people using dial-up connections which frequently breaks down.

CuteFTP

Cute FTP is an FTP client used for transferring files over the Internet. It has easy and intuitive interface and will help you a lot when publishing your web site or downloading photos or software. CuteFTP is available from http://cuteftp.com.

How to use Cute FTP

CuteFTP has a short wizard that walks you through the setup of an FTP connection.

Step 1: The first screen prompts you for a label for your new connection. You can just use your domain name if you like.

Step 2: The next screen prompts you for the FTP server you want to connect to. Enter your domain name in the given space and click 'Next >'.

Step 3: The next screen prompts you for your FTP username and password. Enter them in the boxes provided and click 'Next >'.

Step 4: The next screen prompts you for a 'default local folder'. You should probably choose the folder where you keep all of your website files or if you don't have a website developed yet you can either make a new directory or just choose a random directory like c:\temp. Click 'Next >'.

Step 5: The next screenshot (below) shows the view when logged-in to your web hosting account. The list of files/folders on the right hand and left had side is the view of your web hosting account.

You'll notice a directory named 'public_html' in your web hosting account. This directory is where all of your website files should be placed in order for them to be seen when you type in http://yourdomain.com.

Another important and often overlooked note is that you must have a file named index.html or index.htm which acts as you homepage. When a person types in http://yourdomain.com our webserver will look for the file named index.html or index.htm (there are a few others as well) first and will load that page. If you are having problems connecting here are some things to check:

1.If you just obtained your web hosting account then your domain may not be switched over to our service yet.
2.It may be that you are behind a firewall and/or router and need to use passive FTP. Just skip down to step 6 to see how to enable passive FTP.

Step 6: If you are behind a firewall and/or router you often need to use passive FTP to get a stable connection. Just open up the connection settings dialog by click on the Edit Menu and then 'Settings'. Once the settings window is open click on the 'Firewall' label on the left side of the dialog. You can then check/uncheck 'PASV mode' if necessary.