Computer Services
How to use WS_FTP Lite
WS_FTP Lite is client software created by Ipswitch, Inc. They provide this software free of charge for educators.You may go to their web site at http://www.wsftp.com/ and download the professional version. Have in mind that if you download this it is an evaluation copy and you will have to buy it if you wish to keep it of more than 30 days.
Before you begin using the FTP Client:
Make new folder in your “My documents Folder” in the hard drive and name it WebSite. Make a new folder inside the new WebSite folder and name it your assigned web site folder.This will become your Site Label. The path to this folder will become your Local Root Directory.
To set up the MCC Web Site FTP
1. Launch the WS_FTP Lite Client by selecting WS_FTP folder from the Program Menu and clicking on blue Icon for WS_FTP LE. When the program opens you will be at the Session Properties Window.
2. Enter the information in the appropiate window as indicated on the FTP Settings document. Remember to check save password if you want the client to connect automatically every time you want to FTP.
3. Click on the Startup Tab, type in the information as indicated on the General FTP Settings document. The initial local folder is the path to your local version of the web site. Click OK. The client will connect you to the server is all tha information is correct.
4. You are ready to start transferring files:
Transferring Files
The first thing you should do is transfer the original server files to the directory you are using to edit the web pages. You will be transferring files from the right side pane to the left side pane. This will be the original file(s) of your web page.
NOTE: If you are in charged of a full directory, please copy every file and folder that belongs to your site.
Select the file or folder you want to transfer and click on the arrow pointing to the right. This is called downloading or getting.
Please make extra copies of all the files necessary for your pages before you make any changes to them. To make copies of your files, minimize or close the FTP client and use your regular method for copying files to a safe place. This step ensures that if something happens to the files while editing them you can always start again from an original copy. You are responsible for the originals of your pages. If you have any questions or doubts about editing your files, refer to the Web Editing Instructions or contact the Web Development Team by placing a Help Request on the Intranet.
Proceed to make changes to the files using your regular Web editor. Please remember that if you add new graphics to your site, you will have to include them in your next FTP transfer.
When you are done with the changes, use the same steps above except this time use the arrow that points to the left. This is called uploading or putting.
The client will ask you if you want to upload the file(s). Click yes.
The editor will ask you if you want to overwrite the files, click on the ‘Overwrite’ button or the ‘Skip’ button if you want to, you may check the box that says ‘All’. This is irreversible; once you have transferred the files to the server your site is live.
Check the site to make sure that everything is working correctly by opening the browser and navigating to your page. If you find that there are any problems, FTP the original version and contact the Web Development Team for help.