Need to upload or download something to or from an FTP site? Windows Explorer/Internet Explorer has built-in FTP support that will enable you to get the job done without installing any additional software.
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol — a protocol that enables the transfer of files between computers over a network connection. An FTP server is a computer that accepts FTP connections. Some servers allow clients to upload only, others allow downloads only, and still others allow both uploads and downloads. In order to connect to one of these FTP servers, you need an FTP client. A client like the one built into Windows.
Open Explorer
Open up a new Explorer window. This can be either a Windows Explorer window (hit “My Computer”), or an Internet Explorer window (press the ever-familiar blue “e”).
Tell Explorer where to go
Next, enter the address of the ftp site into Explorer’s address bar. If you are in Windows Explorer, this is the input box that reads “C:\….”. If you are in Internet Explorer, it contains a string starting with “http://”. Both are near the top of the window.
The address to your FTP site is going to be something along the lines of ftp://ftp.example.com. Make sure you type the ftp:// part. If the server allows anonymous logins, you will see a list of files appear upon having your connection accepted. If it does not accept anonymous connections, you will be asked for your username and password.
If it so happens that your connection is refused, but you are not asked for a username or password, try manually entering your credentials along with the FTP address in the following manner: ftp://username:password@ftp.example.com.
Transfer Files
Once connected, you will see a list of files and folders similar to what you would see if you were browsing your own computer. The difference is that you are browsing the files and folders located on the FTP server. You can drag and drop files to and from the Explorer window in order to upload and download.
Criticisms of FTP
FTP gets a lot of criticism for lacking in the security department. When you use FTP, your username and password are transferred in plain text across the Internet. Ask the owner of the FTP site if their server allows SFTP connections, then get yourself an SFTP client such as WinSCP. The “S” in SFTP stands for “Secure”. SFTP uses encryption to add a layer of security to your connection.
