setup-ftp-server-filezilla

How to Setup an FTP Server using FileZilla?

FileZilla is a software which allows you to transfer files between different computers. FTP stands for file transfer protocol. The advantage of the file transfer protocol is that it is a standard protocol. Thus, you will not have to worry about the compatibility of different machines. Any OS which supports the FTP is compatible with FileZilla. Thus, transferring the files is not much of a problem with the help of FileZilla.

With the help of FileZilla, you can easily setup FTP server. This will allow you to transfer files quite easily. We will today share with you the step-by-step procedure which you need to follow in order to set up an FTP server using FileZilla.

1. Installing FileZilla:

The 1st section of the guide will familiarise you with the procedure to install FileZilla. FileZilla FTP server setup is pretty easy to accomplish. We will highlight the different steps below.

Step-by-step procedure to install FileZilla:

  1. When you begin the installation of the software, you have to progress with the default settings on the first screen. You can change the administration ports but this is just for monitoring the server rather than modifying the transfers.
  2. On the second screen, you have to continue with the default option which states that “Install as a Service”.
  3. In the 3rd step, you have to set a password if required. Other than that, it will recognize the port and the hostname by itself. You have to just click the connect button.

Thus, when it comes to setting up FileZilla, it is pretty easy to do.

2. Configuring FileZilla server:

Once you click the connect button, it will automatically connect the server and some basic information about the server will be mentioned. The presence of a NAT router will be detected automatically. In order to complete the procedure of creating a server, there are a few steps which you have to follow.

  1. The 1st thing which you have to do is to create a user account. You have to click the edit option and you have to select the user option.
  2. You have to select the General tab and you have to click on the add button.
  3. You have to enter the username and click okay.
  4. You have to enter the password for the user.
  5. You have to then add the folders which you want to share to the shared folders list. You have to click the add button in order to do so.
  6. In order to throttle the speed, you can select the speed limits option on the left inside. This will allow you to limit the speed. With the help of this option, it will be easier for you to control bandwidth usage.
  7. With the help of the IP filter feature on the left, you can prevent any IPs from connecting to the server. This will allow you to blacklist suspicious IP addresses.

Once you have completed these steps, the setup for the FileZilla server is completed. You need to, however, add an exception to your firewall in order to connect to the server. The entry which you need to include in the firewall exceptions list will be similar to C:\Program Files(x86)\FileZilla Server\FileZilla Server.exe. You have to just change the destination as per the installation on your machine.

In case, you want to allow the users from outside your LAN network to connect to the server, you have to know more about port forwarding. The basic purpose of the FTP server is to ensure that everyone who has the details is able to connect to the server.

If you’re setting up the FTP server at your home, it is important to activate the Passive Mode Settings. In order to do so, you have to 1st click on the edit option and thereafter, you have to click on settings. The options which you will have to select your will depend on your local connection as well as setup. It is a good idea to google the steps in order to get the right settings.

The aim of this step is to ensure that the firewall ports are open so that you are able to connect to the server from other computers in the network. In such a case, all you will need to do is to just enter the username and password and you will be able to connect to the server. In order to gain more details about the FTP commands which you need to use in the command prompt, you can google the details.

Now that you are familiar with the process of creating an FTP server using FileZilla, it is time to know the advantages of doing the same.

Why should you set up an FTP server using FileZilla?

Some of the advantages of setting up an FTP server using FileZilla include:

  • Ease of use:

With the help of a few simple steps, FileZilla allows you to set up the FTP server quite easily. Thus, as compared to using any other protocol or software, setting up an FTP server using FileZilla is easy. This is one of the main advantages of creating an FTP server.

Moreover, with the help of FileZilla, it is, even more, easier to set up the FTP server. As long as your operating system supports FTP, you will be able to use FileZilla on that machine. This ensures that you are able to easily create an FTP server.

  • Ability to connect to your computer remotely:

When you create an FTP server on your machine, it will be easy for you to access that machine. This means that you will be able to access the files and folders of that machine from anywhere around the world. Thus, if you travel a lot, creating an FTP server is one of the best options for you. With the help of this server, you will be able to work from anywhere around the world. You can easily access all the files which you need in order to complete your work.

  • Easy to transfer large files:

The methods available in order to transfer the smaller files are plenty. It is only when the file size exceeds 1 GB, there can be problems. With the help of FTP server, you can stay connected for a long period of time. You can transfer the files at optimum speed without any problem. Thus, if you routinely transfer large files, creating an FTP server with the help of FileZilla is a good option for you.

  • Uninterrupted access:

As we stated above, with the help of FTP server, you will get uninterrupted access to the machine. This means that you will be able to transfer the files consistently. Even when you want to transfer or access hundreds of files, you can do so with the help of the FTP server without any problem at all. Thus, uninterrupted access is one of the main advantages of the FTP server.

  • Direct access to the files:

The FTP server can also be created using the SFTP protocol which stands for Secure File Transfer Protocol. With the help of this protocol, you will be adding an extra layer of security. As a result, you will be able to transfer the files with relative ease. If you do not establish an FTP server, the next option which you have is to transfer the files through websites or with the help of other Internet services like email. This can be risky. You will have to upload the files to some other platform in order to download it at a remote location. With the help of FTP server, you can access the files easily with the help of a secure protocol. Thus, it adds a layer of security and at the same point in time, provides you direct access to the files which is a definite advantage.

When you combine all of these advantages with the fact that FileZilla allows you to easily establish an FTP server, it is obvious why you should use FileZilla for the same.

So, the next time around you’re trying to set up an FTP server with the help of FileZilla, simply follow the step-by-step guide which we have highlighted above. With the help of this guide, creating an FTP server is quite easy.

beginner-become-web-designer

Beginner’s Guide: How to Become a Web Designer

A website is a necessity for most of the businesses these days. That is why web designers are in great demand. Many people are looking to switch their careers and become a professional web designer. However, before you take this step, it is important to understand what it takes to become a web designer. The more knowledge you have, the easier it will be for you to take an informed decision.

We will today not only delve into the details of web designing but also help you understand how you can become a professional web designer.

What is Web Design?

Web designing is the process of curating ideas and implementing them to create a proper layout. Web designing deals with the visual aspects of a website rather than the back-end aspects. Some of the elements of web designing include:

  • Layout
  • Color
  • Graphics
  • Fonts
  • Content

Once you are able to tackle these elements, it will be easier for you to design a website from scratch. In order to create such a website, there are a few things which you need to be careful about. These are:

  • You should provide seamless navigation to the website which you design.
  • You should create a website using various multimedia mediums.
  • You should design a website which is compatible with different devices and operating systems.
  • Last but not the least; you should design a website which is engaging for the visitors.

These are the most basic principles which you have to be careful about while designing a website.

How it is Different From Web Development?

Now that you are aware of what exactly web designing is, it is time to look at the difference between web designing and web development.

Web designing involves using programs like Photoshop to create the visual elements of any website. Web developers, on the other hand, use the code programming languages like CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and HTML in order to create the design files. In a nutshell, web designing involves creating the aspects of the website which you can see. Web development involves creating the back end of the website which brings the website to life.

5 Steps to Become a Web Designer:

Let us now delve into the exact steps which you have to undertake in order to become a web designer. It might seem like a daunting task at the start but once you get the gist of it, it is actually pretty easy to familiarize yourself with the various aspects of web designing. In our guide to web design, we will explain the entire process in simple terms.

1. Learning the basics:

You have to 1st and foremost start with the basics. There are a few basic skills which you need to master before you learn further. These are:

  • Drawing:

You have to be fluent at drawing. You will not have to do this manually. There are dedicated software which can help you bring your ideas to life. You should, however, be familiar with drawing on digital interfaces.

  • Layout:

Planning the layout is a vital skill/task which you need to undertake for designing each and every website. The goal should be to arrange the information as well as the graphics in such a way that not only the consistency and integrity of the design are maintained, but it is also easier to go through. That is why; you have to always plan the layout for each and every website before you go any further.

  • Structuring:

The structure of the website refers to the navigation of the pages of the website and the hierarchy of those pages. The structure of the website is seldom changed at a later stage. That is why; you need to be well versed with structuring in order to get it right in the 1st attempt.

  • User experience:

You have to always design the website keeping the actual user in mind. You should not focus on the marketing aspect or the SEO aspect. You have to ensure that each and every visitor/user of the website has a smooth experience while operating or going through the website.

  • Best practices:

You have to always create the Web design according to the industry standards. This will ensure that it is not a jumbled mess but is rather professional and easy-to-use like it should be.

You have to start with these basic skills and thereafter, you have to advance towards using different tools in order to accomplish these goals.

2. Mastering the tools of the trade:

Just like in any other profession, there are a few tools of the trade which you need to master. In the case of web designing, these are software which will aid you in creating the various elements of the website. Some of the software which you should be well versed with include:

  • Photoshop:

Photoshop is the Swiss Army knife of the web designing industry. It can help you in editing images as well as creating logos and other visual elements of the website. You need to be well versed with Photoshop in order to create the design elements smoothly.

  • Adobe Illustrator:

Adobe Illustrator allows you to create a pretty strong website structure for your website. It allows you to manage the colors as well as the vector-based assets of the website. That is why, with the help of this software, you will be able to create vibrant web designs quite easily.

  • Dreamweaver:

Dreamweaver is a good software, to begin with. It allows you to utilize your web designing techniques and amalgamate it along with your programming knowledge. It is ideally an integrated development environment. It combines web development with web designing. That is why, when you use this tool, you might need some basic understanding of programming languages like CSS, Java, JavaScript.

  • Premiere Pro:

With the popularity of videos increasing day by day, Adobe premiere pro is a tool which you should definitely master. It allows you to edit videos as per their timeline. This ensures that you are able to get the perfect video output you want.

So, if you want to become a professional web designer, it is important to know the tools of the trade. You should be well versed with the software in order to kick-start your web designing journey.

3. Become fluent in basic programming languages:

Even though, web design is more related to the visual aspect of the website but still, knowing the basic programming languages will make you much more efficient and productive. You should learn at least 3 basic languages if you want to become a professional web designer. These are:

  • HTML/CSS:

HTML/CSS are intertwined in most of the cases. CSS deals with the colors, fonts as well as the layout of the website. HTML is the markup language which is used along with CSS in most of the cases. It helps you organize the pages as per your requirement.

  • JavaScript:

JavaScript is the most popular programming language which is used for web development. If you already know HTML and CSS, JavaScript will help you handle the front-end development quite easily. Many of the most popular websites on the Internet like Facebook, Twitter rely on JavaScript in order to create interactive interfaces and manage dynamic content.

  • PHP:

PHP is another server-side scripting language which you should learn. Many of the tech giants like Facebook, Wikipedia rely heavily on PHP for managing their background. WordPress which is the most popular content management system also uses PHP.

Thus, it is a good idea to be well versed with these 3 basic programming languages in order to become a better web designer.

4. Work on an actual project:

In order to become a professional web designer, in addition to knowing all of this stuff and the theoretical knowledge, it is important to take part in an actual project as well. Also, in order to know more about the practical aspects of web designing, you can head over to 2 websites which are:

  • GitHub
  • Stack overflow

On both of these websites, you will get actual web designing industry knowledge. This will ensure that you are able to use your skills in the actual projects. In Github, there are community projects as well in which you can take part. This will help you in some actual real-world web designing experience rather than just the theoretical knowledge.

5. Upgrade your skills consistently:

Web designing is a field which is constantly updating. Newer and newer software trends are emerging each and every year. This is the reason why you have to always follow web designing blogs in order to know more about the latest trends in web designing.

Additionally, you have to always keep a watch on the new software which are being launched specifically for web designers. As far as possible, you have to try and learn programming languages which can help you with web designing. When you constantly update your knowledge, it will be easier for you to have an edge over the other web designers. This will help you grow your web designing business by leaps and bounds.

So, if you plan to become a web designer, it is important to follow these 5 tips. When you follow these 5 tips on a regular basis, not only you will be able to design a website but also you will have an edge over your competition which will help you create a flourishing web designing business.

what-is-ftp

What is FTP? How FTP Works?

The Internet and computers are governed by a wide variety of protocols. FTP is one such protocol. FTP stands for file transfer protocol. As the name itself suggests, it is useful for transferring files from one destination to another. We will today go into the details of FTP and how it can be used in order to help you understand more.

What is FTP?

FTP is one of the convenient ways to move files around. With the help of this protocol, you will be able to access the directories or subdirectories. You can easily copy paste the files from those directories or to those directories. Thus, it makes the files and folders easily accessible. You can easily create an FTP server from your computer. Thereafter, as long as you have the username and password and are connected to the Internet, you will be able to access the server without any problem at all.

You can easily upload and download files from the server. The speed of uploading and downloading will be dependent on the Internet connection. The advantage of FTP is that it is very easy to create an FTP server and access it from any computer and device. This ensures that you are able to access the files from anywhere around the world. You need not be a developer or webmaster in order to do so. That is why over the years FTP has become quite popular.

What is FTP used for?

FTP is used by developers and normal persons alike. In many cases, web developers use FTP in order to upload the website files to the server. With the help of FTP, it is a simple copy and paste operation which will allow you to upload the files to the server.

In many cases, people upload files to servers using this protocol and later on, another person accesses the server in order to download those files as well. Thus, this protocol is also used as a file-sharing mechanism as well. This is because once the server is created, the files can be shared with the help of a simple copy-paste operation. Prior to the cloud services, this was the low tech version of file-sharing software. FTP is supported by all the operating systems which ensure that it can be executed using any machine without any problem at all.

How does FTP look?

The best thing about this protocol is that it is easy to understand. When you access any server from any kind of device, the files and folders look the same as on your computer. Thus, there is no confusion at all. You need not learn any new organization system or hierarchical system in order to access files on the FTP server. The hierarchical structure is the same as in Windows. This means that you will be able to directly access and upload the files as per your requirement.

You can watch FTP in action if you own any Adobe product. Adobe allows you to download the software with the help of FTP. Once you access their server, you will realize that it is like accessing any other folder on your computer. You will be able to download the files without any problem at all. This is what sets FTP apart from other file sharing protocols.

Is FTP safe?

This protocol dates back to 1971. At that time, cybersecurity was not a problem. Owing to this very reason, FTP provides very little if at all any security. The transfers which are done using this protocol are not encrypted either. Owing to this very reason, there is a possibility that someone might intercept these files. All they need to do is to just perform a packet sniff operation and they will be able to intercept these files.

There is, however, an alternative in the form of FTPS. This protocol works same as the FTP protocol. The only difference is that it encrypts each and everything. As a result, it is very difficult to intercept to the files. Many servers have now switched over to this protocol in order to add a layer of security to the files which are being sent and received. In operation, it is same as FTP. The normal user will not be able to notice any difference on his/her end.

Which FTP clients are worth opting for?

In order to use this protocol easily, there are quite a few FTP clients which you can opt for. We will list some of them below which will allow you to use this product without any problem.

  • WinSCP:

WinSCP is a Windows-based client which will allow you to use this protocol. The UI is similar to Windows which ensures that you are able to use it without any problem at all.

  • Cyberduck:

If you’re looking for a client which allows you to use FTP from Mac as well as Windows, this is the one which you should opt for. It has a Mac app as well. Thus, the same client can be used for Mac and Windows.

  • FileZilla:

FileZilla goes a step further in this regard. It is a client which can be used on Windows, Mac, Linux. Thus, with the help of cross-platform compatibility, it is much ahead of the other FTP clients on this list. At the same point in time, it is open source and free. This allows you to use it easily and there is always scope for further development as well. While the interface is not as appealing as CyberDuck but the cross-platform compatibility is a definite advantage.

  • FireFTP:

This client is a bit unique as compared to the other options. You do not require to download it. It is a browser-based client. Thus, you will be able to easily use this client very easily. It is in the form of Firefox add-on which ensures that you are able to use it through your browser without any problem at all.

Thus, whenever you plan on using this protocol, these are the few clients which you can choose from. If you use this protocol occasionally, it is a good idea to go for the browser add-on which we have mentioned above. Otherwise, you can download a dedicated client to your computer in order to use it more frequently.

Can I create my own FTP server?

It is definitely possible to create your own FTP server. In fact, you can turn your android phone and tablet into an FTP server as well. This will allow you to easily share files on your phone with the help of this protocol. You can also create a server on your home computer.

If you want a stress free way to create an FTP server, all you need to do is to just download the FileZilla server. If you use Mac, you need not download any extra third-party software. You have to just go to system preferences and then to the sharing tab. You have to enable remote login. This will allow you to access the server through FTPS.

Once you create the server, it is important to have an FTP client on the device through which you are trying to access the server. You can use the IP address of the server in order to access it. In order to access the server outside of your home network, you will have to set up port forwarding on your router. It is always a good idea to equip your server with encryption to keep it secure.

So, now that you are aware of what exactly FTP is and how to use ftp, it is time to use this simple protocol to your advantage in order to move your files around as per your requirement.