How to Create and Work with FTP Account
How to create and work with FTP account is as simple as 1, 2, and 3, the steps are explained below:
First, you would need a graphical FTP Client (Program) such as those meant for Windows AbsoluteTelnet, CoreFTP, Directory Opus, FileZilla, WinSCP and so on while for Macintosh Anarchie Pro, Fetch, Fugu, Interarchy, Transmit, etc. These programs are mostly free for downloading from the Internet and some even offer online video tutorials regarding account setup. Start downloading and using an FTP program to create your account.
Second, when you open your chosen FTP Client, you have to enter the host name (that is, “ftp” followed by your domain name), your username and password and port (usually, no. 21), or simply log in anonymously. You would have to create an account to authorize yourself or others in order to access a hosting server. An important FTP security tip, though, is to use new username and password because your details and file contents are sent in clear text, which can be intercepted by packet sniffers and eavesdroppers.
Third, how to create and work with FTP account via the Client Manager section of your hosting Control Panel would entail having to set an access path for a certain folder and its sub-folders so that all other folders are not accessible to a third party (for example, your personal web designer). Doing the latter step will help you protect your files against any unauthorized access.
Fourth, use your FTP client to drag and drop files to your desktop. You would then need to create a copy of the file stored on your hosting server onto your desktop. Or you can do it the other way around, that is, you can also drag and drop files from your desktop into your client. However, be careful and always make backups of your files prior to uploading a revised or new file with the same name. You can add an extension, such as .bak, to your file before uploading a revised or new version of a file with similar name.
Fifth, you can edit a file by dragging it to your desktop and then opening it using a text editor such as Notepad. However, be sure not to open any files with the code “Pages” or “Word” because it will add hidden text formats which can mess up your code completely, that is, in case you are using WordPress. You should take extra precaution when it comes to the “wp-content” folder, which usually contains the “Uploads,” “Themes” and “Plugins”. So, ensure to check first what web builder or editor you are using to avoid naming/coding errors.
Sixth, in case your hosting provider offers a “File Manager,” which is a “built-in” FTP client, it basically works the same. However, having your own client allows you to navigate easily and faster in addition to uploading multiple files at a time. Most clients would also have these features so that you can work on: resuming / auto reget feature, multiple file transfer, scheduling feature, and queuing, synchronization, find and scripting utilities.
In recap, how to create and work with FTP account is simply to sign up for one and have a hosting server, use the control panel, and create add-on domain and subdomain names.
