Getting started with FTP to transfer files over the Internet

Summary

I’m interested in using FTP to transfer files between my computer and my client’s computer. What do I need and how do I get started?

Question

I’m interested in using FTP to transfer files between my computer and my client’s computer. What do I need and how do I get started?

Answer

If you’re not real familiar with the Internet, Websites, and FTP sites, you probably want to hire a computer consultant to help you get started. A lot of the setup is specific to your particular connection, your website parameters, your ISP’s (Internet Service Provider) policies, and your personal preferences. Before you start, you must have at least the following: 1) A modem of some type (at least 33.6k Baud, but the faster the better) 2) An Internet connection 3) An FTP site address to which you would like to connect. It will be something like ftp.abccompany.com. When you install an FTP client, for example WS_FTP from Ipswitch (www.ipswitch.com), there are already addresses to several sites already set up. 4) After you install the FTP client software, you'll need to configure it to match with your Internet connection. That's the hard part that you'll probably need help on. Your Internet service provider might help you with that. You need things like "Port numbers" and IP addresses. 5) Once you're set up, you’ll be able to use FTP just like copying files between hard disk and floppy disks.