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By:Mike Jewson

Looking for an efficient and secure mode of transferring information over the Internet? File Transfer Protocol (FTP) comes with necessary features to facilitate large files from one computer to another through Internet connection. FTP hosting service allows the users to upload copy of the files in a FTP server (commonly known as FTP Site). People who are authorized to access that FTP server and have valid user names and passwords can download the copies of the uploaded files from the FTP server. This is the way in which information are exchanged through FTP hosting.

Necessary security measures come with FTP hosting to protect the information and restrict unwanted users to access the files. Each FTP users (end clients as well as vendors) will have unique FTP account with separate user name and password. Thanks to the design of File Transfer Protocol, now you can exchange information between two nodes (computers) irrespective of operating system and hardware configuration. FTP protocol provides two programs – Server Program and Client Program. FTP Server application that runs on the host computer supports remote users to transfer files between client and host computers. FTP Client on the other end allows clients to upload or download files from FTP server.

Registering for FTP Service

The first step is to apply and register for an FTP service. You can easily find several FTP Service providers in the Internet. It is recommended to make through research on FTP services, features and their values. After selecting a FTP service provider you need to apply for a service. In the registration form you have to mention contact information, billing information, User Name and Password for FTP admin control panel, payment terms and FTP Hosting package.

The service provider will allocate a separate space for you in the FTP server and allow you to activate the your FTP profile. FTP profile has four major parts:

•Name of FTP Server

•FTP User Name

•FTP Password

•FTP Server Sub-directory

Configuring Session Properties – Client Side Properties

In the General FTP Session Properties you have to mention a Profile Name (e.g.’ domainname.com), Host Name (e.g., ftp.domain.com), Host Type, User Name and Password.

In the Startup section you have to mention the complete path for remote site folder and local folder. The system will display directories, files and folders in ‘Local System’ as well as in ‘Remote Site’. Local System displays all the files, which are stored in the hard drive of your computer. Remote Site, on the other hand, displays the files, which are uploaded and stored in the FTP server. You can also select the extensions(e.g., .html, .htm, .php, .txt, .cgi, .shtml etc.) for the files to transfer from remote computer to a FTP server.

Creating User Account – Server Side Properties

You have to create FTP accounts to exchange digital information over the Internet. Once you create a FTP site for your domain you can create FTP accounts for the users. FTP comes with the facility to create multiple users. For each user you have to create account with separate user name and password. Users will then upload as well as download files from FTP server through individual user account.

To create an FTP user account for your domain you have to select an FTP Manager from your Control Panel. You can manage FTP Account maintenance directly from the Manage Account section. There you have to provide login name, password and directory path. Here make sure to keep the directory under the domain of your FTP site. By this you can create FTP account for a user.

You can use the same process to create FTP account for other users. Finally it can be said that the setup process for FTP sites and user accounts depends on FTP Hosting Service providers, operating system and hardware configuration. Each provider has it’s own method for creating/managing accounts. The better FTP hosting providers will allow you access to an administrative control panel where you can manage the FTP accounts and permissions on you own time.

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Article keywords: SSL, TLS, SSH, FTP, FTP storage, FTP space, FTP Hosting, FTP Host, FTP upload, FTP website hosting

Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

Mike Jewson is a Network Engineer with "InstantFTPsites.com". You can learn more about "FTP Hosting" services online at www.InstantFTPsites.com

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