File Transfer Protocol
(
FTP) allows people using the Internet to send (and retrieve) files from an FTP server using an FTP client, such as
WS_FTP for Windows or
Fetch for the Mac OS. Every EarthLink Web Hosting account comes complete with its own FTP server.
Using an FTP client you can upload and download files from any directory on your Web site.
While your Web site is the best place for you to put your Web pages, if you have other types of files you wish to make available, such as literature in Portable Document Format (
PDF), you may find that your FTP site gives you more options. But don't forget that FTP supports uploading. You can create an area, often a directory named "
incoming," where visitors to your FTP site can upload files to share with you or your other guests.
Depending on your EarthLink Web Hosting site's purpose, your FTP area may receive a great deal of use or none at all. Either way, it is important to understand its potential applications and how they can benefit you.
