Also see our section on Web Design for detailed instructions on how to load and update your web page with Cute FTP.

FTP is an acronym that stands for File Transfer Protocol. Simply put, an FTP program, sometimes referred to by programming and IT types as an FTP client, transfers files to and from your computer (local drive) to the computer where your webpages or other files are stored (remote drive).

All popular FTP programs, or clients, work in a similar fashion. You start by entering the IP address or or domain name of the server where your webpages will be stored in the appropriate text box. Your FDT customer support technician will give you this information.

In general, if you have a personal website without a unique registered domain name, you would put fdt.net in the Hostname or Address text box (tlh.fdt.net in Tallahassee), fill in your username and password, hit Apply and click on Connect.

Cute FTP has a drag and drop feature that allows you to transfer your files in much the same way you would use Windows Explorer to move files around. WS_FTP LE is more straight-forward. With WS_FTP, you highlight the file you wish to move and click the arrow left to download and right to upload. Fetch uses the terms get and put instead of download and upload, but the basic principles are the same.

Recommended FTP Programs

Cute FTP
Works with Windows 95/98 and NT. Cute FTP’s user-friendly interface makes it a hit with novices and pros alike.

WS_FTP LE
It‘s the most popular FTP program in the world. WS_FTP LE is free for personal use and does everything you’ll need.

Fetch 3.0.2
Mac users don’t download and upload files, like PC users. They get and put files with Fetch. The little doggie is cute too.