|
If you do not intend to use the CGI-BIN server, and you have a recent version of Internet
Explorer, you may find it easier to use the browser based FTP option available from the member's
area of the Spaceports site.
There are several things to bear in mind when using this facility though:-
Security- If you share your computer with anyone else, you will need to clear your browser's cache and
history folders after use to prevent others accessing your site information.
Flexibility- You will not have as much control over some of the finer details when uploading using this
system. If you are using the 'Planet' servers only, this should not cause too many problems
though.
Compatibility- Because this utility relies heavily on the configuration of your browser and operating system,
it is not going to work for everybody. Even if your system is compatible, some of
your personal settings might not be. In particular, you will need to ensure that your browser
is set to use Passive (PASV) Mode for FTP connections.
Speed- It is going to be slightly slower than using a dedicated FTP program. This is less of a
concern if you are not uploading many files as you save some time by not having to launch a
separate program before starting.
Restrictions- It is not intended to be a replacement for a dedicated program, it is supplied as a
convenience only. Certain features available in WS_FTP and other FTP clients are not included.
If those issues are not a concern to you, you probably now want to know:-
How to use it
The first step is to go to the members area of the Spaceports main site and log in using your
site details.
Once inside there, the link to FTP to your site is fairly obvious. When you follow the
link, you will find yourself at a screen showing the public_html folder for your site.
Clicking, or double clicking (depending on your system setup), on this folder will take you to a
window showing your root directory. This is the starting point for the part of your site that
is accessible from the Web.
Any files or folders you wish to be accessed by others should be placed inside the
public_html folder.
If your computer is safe from use by others, you may wish to consider bookmarking this
page.
Uploading files is just a matter of dragging or copying and pasting the files and/or folders
from Windows Explorer to your browser window. You just have to make sure that you place the
files inside the correct folder(s).
If you make a mistake, you can always delete or move any files and folders that end up in the
wrong location.
I'm afraid that I cannot be too specific about exact details, as it depends on your own system
setup how you go about doing this. It works in much the same way as copying or moving files
from local drives though (but with more windows).
For example, it is much easier to use if your Windows folder options are set to "Classic Style"
rather than "Web Style". In the latter mode, it's trickier to drag and drop files as a single
left click causes the system to try and open a file, rather than select it. (Yes, you
can right click instead, but it is a more fiddly and time consuming process as more menues
are involved).
|
