File Transfer Protocol

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. This protocol enables you to download files from a remote computer. This is a wonderful tool for downloading not only text, but graphics, multimedia files, application software and updated device drivers just to name a few.

Another feature of this software is the ability to transfer or upload your web pages from your local computer to the place where they can be accessed by other people connected to the Internet.

There are many FTP programs which are available on the Internet which can be used to transfer your web pages to your school website. Most of the software is easy to install on your local computer and requires minimal configuration. Some examples of FTP software you might use are CuteFTP or the FTP software in QVT-Net. You can also download from ZD Net Australia where there is a wide range of shareware programs for free download from the Internet.

Note that you must use FTP software to put your web pages onto your Website. You cannot use your Internet browser to do this.

When you run your FTP software on your local computer, you need to enter the address of the computer you wish to connect to and a user name.

Your user name will be anonymous and you will not be asked for a password.

The computer you want to connect to: domain name Your user name: anonymous Password: None

Once you enter these details and connect, you will be automatically connected to your provider's FTP site and be able to download files.

Uploading Files

When you run your FTP software on your local computer, you will not be able to connect to your Website until you enter the address of the computer you wish to connect to, your user name login and your user password.

This will be the same user name and password you use to login to Schoolsnet's SINA options.

The computer you want to connect to: 1.domain name 2.user name: 3.password: ********

Once you enter these details and connect, you will be automatically connected to your FTP site be able to upload files to your web site.

The following is a checklist for using FTP for Web Publishing. I have used Warrandyte High School website as the example here. The files uploaded for the home page.

Download and install FTP software

Connect local computer to the Internet

Open FTP program

Enter Host: schooldomain url, eg.http://www.warrandyte.vic.edu.au

Enter School's User Name:********

Enter School's User Password: ********

Choose binary option to transfer files for all your files.

All subsequent pages can be transferred in the same way.

Load web page with your Internet browser

It should be noted here that the opening page of a website has a set naming protocol.

Any browser going to your school's website with the address http://www.domainname will automatically be sent to a page with a default home page address. There are six file names with extensions which will take a browser to your school's home page.

The file names with extensions are: index.html, index.htm, welcome.html, welcome.htm, default.html, default.htm

You must rename the home page of your school's website to one of these names for it be visible on your website.

When you use your FTP software to upload your pages to your website, it will overwrite the generic default page with the same name. If you cannot rename your home page on your local machine, FTP the file to your website and use the FTP software to rename the file.

So, once you have put your pages onto your website, your pages will be available for others to view 24 hours a day.

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