FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is a protocol that enables you to transfer files between computers on the Internet. FTP is most commonly used to transfer Web page files from an individual’s computer to the Web server hosting the Web site. You can also use FTP to download files from a Web site to your own computer.

There are a number of tools you can use to FTP files. Fast Track provides a Web-based FTP tool that enables you to quickly and easily connect to your Web server directly from within CPanel4. Because you use this tool while logged into CPanel, the application uses your account information to automatically establish a connection and authenticate you.

There are also a number of third-party FTP applications that you can use. Many of these can be downloaded from the Internet or purchased online. Some common FTP tools include:

•   CuteFTP
•   WS_FTP
•   Netscape Composer
•   Windows 2000 Network Place

You can also use Microsoft FrontPage 2000 or 2002, Macromedia Dreamweaver and Adobe Go-Live to transfer your files to your Web server. If you use FrontPage, you should not use FTP as it can corrupt the required FrontPage Extensions.

Yes. Fast Track provides you unlimited FTP access to your account 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, allowing you to set up, change or maintain your Web site at any time.

In order to connect to your Web site and transfer files via FTP, you will need the following information:

To upload your site using FrontPage, you will need:

There are a number of reasons that you may be unable to access your root directory via FTP. Make sure that:

•   You are connected to the Internet.
•   You are using the correct user name and password to log on.
•   Your FTP client or FrontPage is configured correctly.
•   You are using the correct host name, user name or password.

If you are still having difficulty connecting, contact Fast Track Support and inform them of the program you are using, the settings and the exact error message you are receiving.

Yes. File names should not include spaces, special characters or punctuation marks other than underscores (file_name.htm) and the period between the file name and the extension (filename.htm). In UNIX, file names are case-sensitive. Also make sure that you are using the correct extensions. For example, .htm, .html, and .asp.

The steps you need to take to upload your files depends upon what tool you are using.Fast Track's User Guides and Manuals provide detailed steps for uploading files using the most common FTP tools. The Manuals also provide information on using FrontPage to upload your files.

When using FTP to upload text files, be sure to upload as “ascii” files. When you transfer image files (.jpg or .gif files), be sure to upload as “binary” files.

You will put all of your files in your /www directory. This is your “Web” directory.

Yes. You can set up sub-directories within your /www directory. Setting up sub-directories makes it easier for you to organize and maintain your files. For example, many people create a sub-directory named “images” to hold all of their image files. If you use sub-directories, be sure to reference the correct directory path when using images and links and to upload files to the correct directory.

Your home (default) page is the page that first displays when someone types your domain name in a browser. Your default page should be named one of the following:

•   index.htm
•   index.html
•   default.htm
•   default.html
•   index.asp (Windows plans only)
•   default.asp (Windows plans only)

For example, when a visitor types http://www.sampledomain.com the page that actually displays may be http://www.sampledomain.com/index.htm. The default page must be located in the /www, or “Web,” directory.

Make sure that you have specified the correct file path, especially if you are using sub-directories. Your links should not refer to a physical location on your computer’s hard drive, such as the a: or c: drive.

You should also be sure that you are using the correct file names and that you have uploaded all of the referenced files to the correct directory.

First you should verify that you have uploaded all of the images files in binary format and have placed them in the correct directory.

If you have done this, then the problem most likely has to do with the path to the image file you used in your HTML code (the src attribute of the <image> tag).

Finally, check that the file name is correct and that you have used the correct extension (typically, .gif or .jpg).