The term FTP refers to as “File Transfer Protocol”. FTP is a very important method as this method is used to transfer files from one computer to another across the Internet. Some other protocols are
1. HTTP
HTTP means Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It is used to display web pages and related files, but it is not used to transfer them.
2. SMTP
SMTP refers to as Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. It is used to transfer email via the Internet, but not files.
There are other ways to transfer files from one computer to another through the internet but FTP is the most commonly as well as the simplest method for transferring electronic files as it uses the TCP/IP protocols of the internet to complete the transmission. In actual terms the functions of FTP are corresponding to HTTP functions as the web pages that are uploaded to the Internet to be displayed using HTTP are generally uploaded through an FTP process. A very keen function is performed by the help of FTP that’s why it becomes mandatory for Internet business to go for FTP web hosting.
One’s business requires FTP web hosting or not it depends upon whether he/she will transfer the files through the Internet or not. Following are some of the importance of FTP web hosting.
1. FTP web hosting is important for the user having Internet business that involves the sharing of files.
2. It is useful for the user who provides its customers the large documents or graphic files.
3. If one receives large documents or graphic files from other sources, FTP web hosting proves to be very useful.
One can also use email to transfer large files back and forth between two computers; however, if one used email for very long, he/she should be aware of the limitations of some email accounts and email service providers. The other side of using email is that, email servers have a limit on the size of file that can be received via email. So FTP web hosting is a perfect alternative of email.
By the help of FTP web hosting capabilities, one can easily develop the directories of files that are stored on his/her web host’s servers allowing for easy access to the files through the Internet. Through FTP web hosting, others can also upload files to the user using FTP technology. The user never wants anyone to access to his/her files, so he/she should be aware while reviewing, evaluating and choosing a FTP web-hosting provider.
One great advantage of using FTP web hosting is that it provides the essential security. If one’s web site is having FTP web hosting, FTP download and upload capabilities, then he/she is able to organize files on his/her FTP site and determine which files will be publicly accessible and which one will remain locked. In addition to that, user names and passwords can be set to limit access to files on one’s FTP website that one don’t want to be publicly accessible. One should note that for public FTP websites, it is standard for the user id to be “anonymous” and for the password to be the email address of the individual attempting to access and download from, or upload to, the FTP website.
Another advantage of having FTP web hosting for one’s site is that one’s site visitors will be able to access the FTP connection using common web browsers like Netscape or Internet Explorer; but it is worth to note that downloading files through FTP access is more efficient way as well as more secured if a software application called FTP Client is used. The main reason behind using FTP Client is that it provides best security as well as other important features like resume capabilities which are rather crucial if an interruption in the internet connection occurs during a download.
There are several web hosting companies offering FTP web hosting with the capability of transferring files from one’s computer to his/her web server as a standard feature, but sometimes user need to check for these capabilities to be enabled for use. There are several web hosts who charge extra for FTP web hosting with public access capabilities. While selecting a web host for one’s website, it is must to see in advance the need for FTP web hosting. It is always considered a good idea to choose a web host that provides FTP web hosting with both uploading and public access capabilities and that too without any extra fees. Cheers!
