Transfer files across the internet with Filezilla

An essential part of running a website is uploading the files to the web host. If you are using a software program to design the site it probably has this capability built in but uploading a website content management system (CMS) such as Wordpress requires a program such as Filezilla.

Installation is simple. Filezilla is also available as part of the Portable Apps system if you would prefer to install it to a USB key.

The interface may look a bit complicated if you have never used an ftp program before but it is well laid out and soon makes sense.

Connection to the web host can be made in two ways. The second toolbar down is the Quickconnect bar. Simply enter the webhost address, username and password and click on the Quickconnect button. Some ftp servers don't even require a username and password.

Mulitple connections can be opened using the tabbed interface.

To avoid having to remember login information, there is also a site manager. This is the left-most icon on the top toolbar. This can store the connection details and other options that ftp servers might specify. Most of the time the defaults work just fine.

The top pane shows all the commands that Filezilla sends to the web host. Most of the time these can be safely ignored unless there is a problem. They are colour coded, which makes this much easier. Not all red messages indicate a problem. During large transfers a disconnection message will often appear but this won't affect the transfer.

The middle four panes show the files on your computer (left-hand side) and the web host (right-hand pane). You can transfer files and folders by dragging and dropping. This can also be done from a Windows Explorer window.

The bottom pane shows all current and pending transfers, which gives an idea of how much work is left to be done.