File Transfer

File Transfer or FTP offers a method of uploading files (images, PDFs etc) to your website's server, or downloading files from the server to your computer.

There are many FTP clients. We recommend FileZilla.

When you download all or some of your website's directories and files from the server to your computer, you are undertaking a Partial Backup of your website.

We are always striving to improve our Hosting Guide. Contact us with your ideas!

A word about Backing Up 

To perform a complete backup of your directories and files, you should download a copy of the complete public_html directory.

Please note that a complete backup of your website directories and files is NOT a FULL Backup of your website!

For more about Backing Up please refer to our How to Back Up your Website article.

A word of warning before you start exploring!

Be aware that if you website malfunctions as a result of you having replaced or deleted files on your website's server, the subsequent fixing of your broken site by an IT professional may be costly.

A FULL Backup of your website before you start exploring could save you lots of time, hassle and money!

A word about Security when using File Transfer

NEVER save your FTP credentials (username and password) in your FTP uploaders cache (or short term memory).

If you do then these details may be harvested by spyware which you have inadvertantly downloaded onto your PC.

Example:

In FileZilla, always clear the following when exiting FileZilla:

1. 1. quick connect bar
   2. history

The inconvenience on a daily basis will be nothing compared to the hassle if you get 'hacked'!

You can reduce potential hassle following hacker attack by regularly backing up your website.