File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

What is the meaning of FTP?

The meaning of FTP: FTP, an acronym for File Transfer Protocol, is a standard technique used for transferring data from one computer to a different one via the Internet. In web hosting, FTP is used in both uploading and downloading files to and from servers.

There are many quality FTP programs, including, but not limited to, FileZilla, Fetch, CuteFTP, FTP Commander and SmartFTP. Also, the most popular WYSIWYG HTML editor, DreamWeaver has a built-in FTP program with support for SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol). Moreover, you can use some web browsers to communicate with FTP servers.

Generally, commercial web hosting companies allow clients to access their web spaces on servers via FTP. Hosting control panels like cPanel include integrated FTP tools that aid clients to communicate with servers remotely.

Special FTP Accounts:
Special FTP Accounts are File Transfer Protocol accounts that are connected to every aspect of a client’s hosting account. Because of special restrictions placed by the host, a client doesn’t have the privilege to delete Special FTP Accounts, while the hosting account is still active. The main account is bound with the main sign in credentials for the hosting account, and a logs FTP account enables the holder to access his/her site’s raw usage logs. An anonymous FTP account is used for permitting anonymous access to one’s hosted files, without proper authentication.

FTP Session Control
FTP Session Control feature enables a hosting client to view every active FTP session. It includes a function that allows the person to optionally disconnect any open FTP session he/she feels is inappropriate. This tool is very useful in stopping unauthorized users from communicating with one’s FTP server without the person’s full permission.

In as much as many shared web hosting plans offer unlimited FTP accounts, the terms of service of those companies disallow using their servers for online storage. The unlimited usage policy means that a client is only allowed to upload files that are parts of the hosted services.