Thursday, July 24, 2008
Connecting Via FTP
Q: What do I need in order to connect to my site via FTP?
A: In order to connect to your website via FTP, you will need some sort of FTP client software. FTP client software comes with many different features and prices, but Hostwire recommends the use of WS_FTP.
You will also need to know your login (also referred to as your "userid"), your account password, and the IP address assigned to your account.
You will also need to know your login (also referred to as your "userid"), your account password, and the IP address assigned to your account.
Q: How do I connect to my account via FTP?
A: Open your WS_FTP application.
Finally, make sure that the "Anonymous" box is not checked. You may choose to select the box entitled "Save Pwd" this will store your password for future use.
Now press the "OK" button near the bottom left of the window and you will automatically be logged into your account via FTP.
- Create a new profile. To do this, Press the u>w > button.
- Under "Profile Nam e", enter in your company name or simply your domain name.
- Enter your IP address in the field named "Host Name/Address:". Click here to obtain the IP address for your account.
- Now enter your login on your account in the box corresponding with "User ID".
- Enter a single slash ('/') where is asks for the initial remote directory
- Enter your account password in the field named "Password".
Finally, make sure that the "Anonymous" box is not checked. You may choose to select the box entitled "Save Pwd" this will store your password for future use.
Now press the "OK" button near the bottom left of the window and you will automatically be logged into your account via FTP.
Q: How do I connect to my account via FTP using other software?
A: Other software, including Cute FTP, Absolute FTP, and many others should only require three things:
Note: It is IMPORTANT to enter a single slash ('/') where is asks for the initial remote directory. Without the slash, you will not see your entire directory structure.
- The hostname (domain name) or IP Address to connect. The password for the account.
- The login or userid associated with the hostname.
- The password for the account.
Note: It is IMPORTANT to enter a single slash ('/') where is asks for the initial remote directory. Without the slash, you will not see your entire directory structure.
Q: What are all of the files and directories I see when I log in?
A: Upon logging into your account, you are restricted to only your account and cannot move outside of your account. When you log in, you are in what is known as the "root" of your account. In here there are several miscellaneous files and directories, all of which are important but none of which should be altered or renamed. In short, do not bother these files.
The only files and directories that you should care about are the "/var/www/html" directory, the "/var/www/cgi-bin" directory, the "/var/ftp" directory, and the "/var/log" directory. If you work with SSH much, you might also be interested in the ".profile" and ".cshrc" files as well.
The "/var/www/html" (mainsitehtml) directory is where all of your files pertaining to your website should reside. Uploading files into the "root" of your account will mean that no one will be able to access them via the web.
The "/var/www/cgi-bin" (mainsitecgi) directory is where all of your files pertaining to any cgi scripts should reside. Uploading files into the "root" of your account will mean that no one will be able to access them via the web.
The "/var/ftp" directory is where all of your files pertaining to Anonymous FTP are located. Any files in your ftp directory will be available via Anonymous FTP if enabled.
The "/var/log" directory is where all of your logs are kept. Logs are generated by two services: FTP and the webserver (HTTP).
The only files and directories that you should care about are the "/var/www/html" directory, the "/var/www/cgi-bin" directory, the "/var/ftp" directory, and the "/var/log" directory. If you work with SSH much, you might also be interested in the ".profile" and ".cshrc" files as well.
The "/var/www/html" (mainsitehtml) directory is where all of your files pertaining to your website should reside. Uploading files into the "root" of your account will mean that no one will be able to access them via the web.
The "/var/www/cgi-bin" (mainsitecgi) directory is where all of your files pertaining to any cgi scripts should reside. Uploading files into the "root" of your account will mean that no one will be able to access them via the web.
The "/var/ftp" directory is where all of your files pertaining to Anonymous FTP are located. Any files in your ftp directory will be available via Anonymous FTP if enabled.
The "/var/log" directory is where all of your logs are kept. Logs are generated by two services: FTP and the webserver (HTTP).
Q: Where do I upload all of the files pertaining to my website?
A: You need to upload files pertaining to your website to your "/var/www/html" (mainsitehtml) directory inside the root of your account. Files uploaded below your "/var/www/html" directory, such as in the root of your account or in your ftp directory will not be available on your website.
Q: Is my FTP activity logged?
A: Yes, all FTP activity is monitored and recorded in the your /var/log directory.
Q: Can I use my domain name or must I use my IP address as the hostname for FTP?
A: Using your IP address (209.15.xxx.xxx) is the preferred entry for your hostname, but ftp.yourdomain.com will work as well. We prefer that you use your IP address because in the event you are transferring your domain to us, you can still connect to your site via FTP right away, while your domain name may not be hosted by Hostwire yet.
Using your IP address also gets rid of unnecessary DNS traffic. The reasons are small but it is still best to just use your IP address as your hostname.
Using your IP address also gets rid of unnecessary DNS traffic. The reasons are small but it is still best to just use your IP address as your hostname.
