The process by which files are transferred to the web server is called "FTP" (File Transport Protocol). You have unlimited access via FTP 24-hours a day. As such, you can create and maintain your web pages on your own computer and upload files to your web site at your leisure.

Internet providers such as AOL, Compuserve, and Prodigy may have a built-in FTP interface. If you have a PPP internet account and need an FTP program,try searching at http://www.shareware.com. There are many available for all platforms.

Configuring Your FTP Software

The following information is contained within your account activation notice and is needed to connect to your web site via FTP:

USERID
TEMP PASSWORD
FTP HOSTNAME

The hostname tells your FTP software to connect to the web server upon which your web site resides. In general, the process of configuring the various FTP software programs is the same. We recommend WS_FTP for PC computer users and will be using it in the upcoming examples.

Each time you run WS_FTP the Session Profile window will be displayed. A profile contains the information needed to connect to your web site. Creating a profile now will eliminate the need for you to configure the software each time you wish to connect to the web server via FTP. To create a new profile, click the "New" button and enter a generic profile name at the top of the Session Profile window. Next, enter the userid, password and hostname for your web site as illustrated below.

Fig.1

Be sure to select "Auto detect" for the Host Type. (see Fig.1) It is best to select "Save Password" and "Auto Save Config" to maintain these settings for future use. All other fields can be left blank. You are now ready to connect to the web server. Click "Ok" to continue.

How to Transfer Files

When you connect to the web server, you will connect directly to the root ("home") directory of your account. WS_FTP will display a split screen where files on the left-hand side are within your own computer. (see Fig.2) You will see several folders on the right-hand side such as bin, cgi-local, dev, etc, lib, and stats which are landmarks suggesting a successful connection to your web site.

You can transfer files directly to the root level and/or create subdirectories. The only system directory that you may need to use is cgi-bin; this directory is reserved for custom scripts written in Perl, Unix Shell, or C.

To make your home page load automatically, name the HTML document "index.htm" or "index.html" in lowercase and upload it to the root directory of your account. To upload a file or files, simply highlight the file(s) on the left and click the right-arrow button ("-->") in the center of the screen.

Be sure to upload HTML documents and scripts in ASCII mode and images in BINARY mode. To transfer a file to a subdirectory, double-click the appropriate subdirectory to open it before transferring the desired file(s).

As soon as a file is uploaded to the web server, it is available for all to see. If, after uploading a file, you are still unable to see the updated file via Netscape, you need to clear both disk and browser cache. This function can be found by selecting Options > Network Preferences in Netscape. Remember that you must first be connected to the internet through your local internet service provider in order to connect to the web server.

Notes to Mac Users

Select "raw data" transfer mode when using Fetch to transfer both HTML and images. PageMill may add either a .bin or .txt extension to your files which must be removed in order for such files to load properly. For any other Web Aurthoring programs with built in FTP, see their user manuels or help files.

Viewing Web Pages in Netscape

Webmasters often modify an HTML document and re-upload it to the server. After returning totheir web browser they click RELOAD only to find the original document unchanged. This is a common occurrence for Netscape users and is easily remedied by clearing the browser's disk cache. This can be done in Netscape under Options > Network Preferences.

What should I do if denied access via FTP?

1.If you can access your account Control Panel, but cannot access your account via FTP, the FTP configurations may be incorrect.
2.If you are denied access AFTER entering your userid and password, you may be using the wrong password. Check the activation notice sent to you via email when the account was first set up. If you changed your password and it doesn't seem to be working, contact support to reset your password.
3.If you cannot connect at all, or connect and then "hang", there may be problems with connectivity. Please contact Technical Support.