FTP-web-hosting

Most people do not realize that all their activities on the internet involve a lot of data transfer. Data transfer refers to the movement of data files such as text, images and videos from one computer to another. Data transfer takes place whenever you chat, send emails, download or upload information. Some of these files can be rather large, and therefore require special hardware and software to enable smooth transfer. This is why FTP is required. FTP or File Transfer Protocol is a system that helps to transfer data over the World Wide Web. So if your work requires a moderate to heavy transfer of data, you require FTP Web Hosting.

FTP involves two aspects: the hardware and the software. The hardware is the FTP server and the piece of software is the FTP client.

FTP Server

The FTP server is a powerful computer with a huge disk capacity and has virtually no down time. It is managed by the FTP Web hosting company and stores all important data that needs to be securely accessed and transferred. An FTP Web hosting company manages several FTP accounts from one FTP server.

FTP Client

With your FTP web hosting, you will require a FTP client. A FTP client is interactive software for end users. It has to be downloaded and installed on your computer.  It provides you with an interactive interface that allows you to see your files in an organized way and manage your uploads, downloads and other activities. You can do this by creating directories and folders just as you do in your windows explorer. It helps you to connect to the FTP web hosting server and work on your files. It plays a similar role as your outlook express email client or your chat client plays.

FTP and HTTP

Now, your web browser can also handle some data transfer, but it has its limits and there is no security. In order to access some website information you must type in a web address such as 'http://www.-------.com' in the address bar or your web browser. But to access an FTP web hosting server you must type in 'ftp://ftp.-------.com.'  HTTP is an acronym for Hypertext Transfer Protocol and is used for websites. Just as you will require a web hosting service to have your website up and running, you will require an FTP web hosting service if you want to store your files on a FTP server. The FTP web hosting service will allow you to rent some disk space and bandwidth for your files and activities.

The advantages of an FTP web hosting service are:

• It ensures quick transfer of large and recurring data.
• The privacy of your data is always protected.
• You can control who should see your files and who should not.
• Large groups can access and share data from the same FTP account.

Most people use an FTP web hosting connection at some point or the other without even knowing it. Many times you get free access to the data as you are connected to an anonymous FTP access. Therefore you can freely upload and download data. If not, you will be prompted for entering a username and a password to be able to access from a secure connection.