How to Set Up an FTP Client on a Network

To transfer files from one computer to another, you can use the FTP (File Transfer Protocol) program. In fact, file transfers were one of the original goals for designing networks and the Internet. When you transfer a file, whether it is over a local or a remote network, FTP guarantees that the content will be the same when it arrives at the destination as when it left the source.

SecureFX FTP Transfer

• 1

  Go to the SecureFX site, and download and install the software (see Resources). Accept the defaults.

• 2

  Click "Start" and then "Programs." Locate SecureFX in the menu list, and click the link to launch the program.

• 3

  Go to the configuration page, and complete the missing information. This page has several boxes that need to be completed before the connection to the server can take place. For instance, it will ask for the server to which you want to connect.

• 4

  Go to the SecureFX window on your screen. The window has two panes: the one on the left is for the server to which you connected, and the one on the right is for your local computer.

• 5

  Go to the folder in the right pane, and select the file or folder you want to transfer.

• 6

  Hold down the mouse button, and drag the file or folder to the left pane. The file transfer will begin.

WinSCP FTP Transfer

• 1

  Go to the WinSCP website, and download and install the program (see Resources). Accept the defaults.

• 2

  Click "Start" and then "Programs." Select "WinSCP3," and launch the program.

• 3

  Complete the configuration page. This page will identify the local computer and the remote computer that you want to act as the server.

• 4

  Go to the WinSCP window on your screen. The window has two panes: the one on the left is for the server to which you connected, and the one on the right is for your local computer.

• 5

  Select with your mouse the file or folder in the right pane that you want to transfer. Drag the file or folder to the left pane to start the transfer.