What Does FTP Stand For - File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol is one way to connect one computer to another computer or one computer to a server. This server can be your affordable web hosting server. Using the Internet to connect to your computer to a server can network you and transfer web documents and files
Two Types of FTP Modes - Passive & Extended
There are two different types of modes that FTP can interact in. There is passive mode, which is when the FTP server will open a random port to send information through. This will listen for the source port to make a connection. In extended passive mode, the FTP server will use the same setup and open a random port for the client. What makes it different is the passive mode will only transmit information through one port number, instead of multiple.
FTP and Secured FTP
Each FTP connect can be configured to different connection type. There are FTP connections or Secured File Transfer Protocol, a SFTP connection. The difference is a FTP is not as secure as a SFTP. FTP will use port 21 to transfer information. In a SFTP connect it will use port 22 to transfer information. This port 22 is better for a secure network. When a computer uses a SFTP to connect it will leave a "Finger Print"of the computer that has connected to it. This can be an eye opener if you see a figure print that does not belong to you.
Security Problems and Concerns
Some security things to be aware of when using FTP connections.
- Password files are sent in a text format. These text files are not decrypted. These files can be picked off.
- Firewalls can cause problems. They can deny the connections up or down. Making a hassle to configure your computer firewall or router firewall.
- Files can be lost. When saving or transferring files, be aware that FTPs can timeout and files or data can be lost. Make Backups!
- FTP clients react differently. When selecting a FTP client, try to find reviews. There are some FTP clients that do not work as good. This is critical if you do a lot of updates and changes. Fighting with your FTP client is not a fun task.
- Hard to track what has happened. It is really hard to track who or what has happened to the server in a FTP connection. The time stamps are not always correct.
What Does FTP Stand For - File Transfer Protocol
FTP has its ups and downs, mostly ups. There are some things to be aware of, but on the flipside, FTP is really easy to learn and use. It makes on the fly webpage changes and transferring easy. One recommendation for a FTP client is WinSCP. WinSCP is an open source program that has FTP or SFTP connection abilities. It is very stable, drag and drop capabilities and a text editor.
