Using FTP to send large files

Dec 14th, 2010 at 11:51 am

We are all used to attaching files to emails, I am sure. But there are a couple of problems using this method of getting files to one another.

  • First of all, email systems can sometimes corrupt the files being attached. This is especially true of multimedia files like videos, and programs.
  • Sometimes the files are larger than what is permitted by the email system (This will be especially true of school-based email systems).
  • Many times schools impose firewalls in order to prevent spam and viruses (this is particularly true of .zip files, which are infamous for causing problems. (BTW, one way around this particular problem is changing the ‘file extension’ to something innocuous and then telling the recipient to change it back once they have downloaded it).

In short, we need an alternative way of sending files to one another. There are two methods we could use:

  • Utilize a free a Web-based package such as yousendit.com
  • Utilize what is known as a File Transfer Program, such as WinSCP for PCs and FETCH for Macs.

You may get the idea by the time the semester is over that your professor is not always a big fan of ‘freebie’ packages offered online. This is usually because there are either time or size limits imposed, banner ads, or that I am unsure as to the real confidentiality/security of your files. Now I am not saying you should never use these programs, but I, for some reason, have fallen into the habit of becoming self-reliant and independent of these online programs.

We will be covering many this term but I wanted to offer you that caveat.

Introduction to FTP Programs

Ok now, let’s start with FTP. First, in order for you to send files using an FTP package, you need a place to ‘park’ the file so that the other party can download it. This usually requires server space. There are several out there that range from free to those that cost less than $40 for an entire year. I Will provide you a link below that identifies several. I am not asking you to purchase any for this course. In fact, I have purchased a server package for you and it cost me about $35 for a year and it included unlimited storage and almost unlimited file transfers per month. I also use this space as a back-up of my important files. I simply FTP them to the server into specific folders I set up. And then I have permanent access to them anywhere in the world. In other words, I have a virtual ‘file taxi’. You sometimes hear on the radio about file back up services that cost from $50-100 per year. Heck, my method is more reliable and costs a fraction! So, it is good to become familiar on how this works.

Again, I have set up a service for you. I have also set up specific folders for the activities… and will also set up folders for each of your teams. I could set up one folder for each student but my wrists are already tired of typing.. more than 60 students in both sections! So, the instructions on how to FTP a file below direct you to those specific folders for this activity that I have set up.

Step 1:

In order to do a file transfer, you need to download to your computer a special FTP program. The easiest one to use  is called Filezilla. The interface for a C and MAC is almost identical. It is free and reliable.

To get the program, simply click on one of the links above and download it and then follow the instructions on how to install. Usually they self-install. I always also try to get an icon on my desktop so I can easily find it.

Step 2:

Once installed, you have to set up the program to go to the correct location to open up the server access.

Then you wait for the system to open up the dialog box:

For this class the hostname is kennyemeclasses.info and the user name is kennyeme. The password is 77ItMqu76o

Copy and paste i into the dialog box. Make sure you select FTP (SFTP is default).. it should be all going to Port 21


First you have to enter the correct information on the screen:

On the Right (Remote) side, you need to navigate to the correct folder… based on the instructions given 

Once you find the correct folder , simply drag the file from the appropriate location from the left side (which represents your computer). I have clicked the drop down box to show the desktop. When you get the file over to the right a new dialog box opens:

Simply click ‘copy’ and the file will transfer, resulting in a look that shows you that the file is there:

That’s it! you log off. Depending on file size, this may take a few minutes.

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