COZAHOST HELPPublish your website using FTP

IntroductionWhen we say "publish" a web site, it means that you create and upload content to your web server so that other people on the internet can view it.

The process of creating content is called web design and is done with an HTML editor (see the recommended list) or a content management system like DotNetNuke (DNN). An HTML editor looks and works like a word processor, but it produces a file with HTML code. This HTML file must then be uploaded to your web server so that other people can download the file (with their web browsers) in order to view it.

There are several HTML editors around (see the recommended list), but if you do not have one already, give NVU a try. It is free ware and it compares very well with expensive commercial alternatives. Get a copy from their web site here or download directly from Cozahost.

If you need help to create (design) your site, then please see our list of resources for webmasters.

A web site can be updated in 2 ways:

- With FTP (File Transfer Protocol)- With an on-line content management system − Each of these methods are discussed below.

Cozahost FTP guide

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IndexFTP – File transfer protocol explained...........................................................3Creating a FTP Account in HELM..................................................................4 Step 1: Login to HELM Step 2: Go to your Domain settingsUsing FileZilla...........................................................................................6 Step 1: Download and Install FileZilla Step 2: Create a FTP accountPublish your files to the server....................................................................9 Step 1: Connect to the FTP server Step 2: Copy Files to the server (wwwroot)Allow access on Firewall (Windows Firewall)................................................11 Step 1: Open Firewall Step 2: Add program

3FTP - File Transfer Protocol

Your web hosting package includes access to your own FTP server.An FTP server is a server designed to upload and download files.

To use an FTP server, you have to install FTP client software on your PC. (We recommend FileZilla, which is free ware) Most web browsers (like Internet Explorer) have simple built-in FTP clients, but they are generally neither as good nor as easy to use as dedicated FTP clients.

Browsers are normally used to browse web pages via the HTTP protocol, for instance http://www.cozahost.com. To use your browser as an FTP client, point your browser to an FTP server like this: ftp://ftp.saix.net.

In order to publish (upload files) to your web server, you will need the following information:The name of your FTP server (this is typically ftp.[your-domain-name.co.za]) A user id (created in your control panel) A password (set / created in your control panel) All the information required to publish your site is listed in the email you received to let you know your server is ready.

Steps to publish content to your web server:

1. Download and install FileZilla.

2. Open file FileZilla on your computer and use the left pane to navigate to the content you want to publish on your computer

3. Type your server name (eg "ftp.cozahost.com"), user name and password into the address, user and password into the blocks provided on the FileZilla menu bar and press the "Quick Connect" button.

4. Once connected, select the files you want to publish from the pane on the left (on your computer) and drag and drop them to the pane on the right (your ftp/web server) Note that your home page should be called default.asp or

index.htm and you should publish the content to the (existing) /wwwroot folder on your server. That's it! If you visit your web site now (and press F5 to refresh the content) you will be able to view the pages you just uploaded.

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Creating a FTP Account in HELMStep 1: Login to HELM

You can login to HELM using the URL provided in your server setup information document. By default, this will be configured as: http://helm.yourdomain.co.za

Step 2: Go to your Domain settings Once logged in, you can configure and control any aspect of your domain and web server environment.

5Click on “Domains” followed by the domain where you would like to add a FTP account or user.

The next menu will allow you to configure settings specifically relating to the domain you selected.

Click on the FTP Accounts icon to modify or create a FTP account/user. By clicking on an existing FTP User, you will be able to modify settings like the user password or FTP Folder.

The FTP Folder setting determines to which folders on your server, this specific user is allowed to read or create files.

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If this account is for your personal use, it’s best to leave the FTP Folder setting empty, thereby granting the user full access to your server. After creating the FTP User on the server, proceed to the next section in this document.

Using FileZillaStep 1: Download and install FileZillaBefore you can start to upload files to your website you need to download the Tool. First step will be to download FileZilla. Your FTP client.

You can download a Free copy of FileZilla, directly from the Cozahost server, here: http://filezilla-project.org/

Step 2: Create a FTP siteIn order for you to upload your files you need to create a FTP site. A FTP site is the website you are publishing to. e.g. ftp.yourdomain.co.za

After installing FileZilla, open the application and click on the File/Site Manager option.

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The following screen should appear:

Click on the New Site button and enter the values as provided in your server setup, or use the settings for the FTP User you created in HELM.Explanation of the values:

“Host” your FTP server address, usually the setting should be configured as:

- Host: ftp.yourdomain.co.za

“Port” the TCP/IP protocol that will be used to communicate with the server. By default the setting should be configured as:

- Port: 21

“Logon type” how you will be connecting to the server:

- Logon Type: Normal

“User” your FTP User Name- User/Host: UserName (as

configured in HELM)

“Password” your FTP Password- Password: Password (as

configured in HELM)The following step is very important, if Passive FTP is not disabled, you will not be able to connect to the server.

Click “Transfer settings”

8Transfer mode: Active

Click “OK”. You are now ready to connect to the server and transfer your files.

Publish your files to the server

Step 1: Connect to the FTP serverThe FTP server is your FTP server for the website. Before you can upload/publish the files you need to connect to your website.

Click on the arrow next to Site Manager, select your FTP site

A FTP log will appear on the top half of your window and FileZilla should now be connected to your FTP server

On the left you will be able to view all the files stored on your computer, on the right, all the files stored on the server.

Left: Local Host (Your computer)Right: Remote Host (Web site files)

If your FTP account is configured to have access to all the files on the server side, you will notice 3 folders on the right hand side:

DB: This folder is used by HELM when you create an Access Database using the HELM interface. For more information, kindly refer to our help pages: http://www.cozahost.com/help

Logs: The server stores information about users visiting your website in this folder. The logs indicate how many visitors you are receiving, how long your visitors are staying, which pages they are the viewing, etc. The information is then used to compile detailed statistics so that you can monitor the traffic on your website. For more information on website statistics, kindly refer to our help pages: http://www.cozahost.com

WWWROOT: All your website files are stored in this folder. If your files are not stored in the /wwwroot folder, the server will not be able to display the files on your website.

9Step 2: Copy Files to the serverCopy files to server works on the basic drag and drop system. You will drag your files from the local site (your computer) across to the wwwroot (Remote site – Your website).

Double click on the /wwwroot folder, once the folder is active in your right pane, simply drag-and-drop your files from the left hand window (your files) to the right side (the server).

FileZilla will automatically start copying the files to the server.

Please note, your default page (the page you would like to display first), should always be named one of the following:

- index.htm- index.html- default.htm- default.html- index.asp- default.asp- default.aspx- index.php- default.php

Congratulations! You can now FTP files to your server!

If this document was not helpful, or if you are still experiencing problems, kindly contact our Helpdesk with the following:

1 – Description of your problem2 – Your domain name that you have with Cozahost3 – Your FTP login credentials (User name and Password)4 – A copy of the FileZilla FTP log

By providing us with the above information, you can ensure a swift and efficient response. Our helpdesk is available on: helpdesk@cozahost.com

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Allow access on Firewall (Windows Firewall)

You need to allow access to FileZilla on your firewall. If access is not granted you will be unable to connect or publish your files. The firewall is created to protect your PC and to only allows access to those programs running on certain ports. FTP port:21

Step 1: Open Firewall

Desktop control panel1.a - Click “Start”1.b - Click “Control Panel”1.c - Click “Windows Firewall”

Step 2: Add Program

After you opened the Firewall check the Exceptions allowed on the Firewall.2.a - Click “Exceptions”2.b - Click “Add Program”

Select FileZilla From the List and Click “OK” Also allow traffic on Port 21

2.c - Click “Add Port”

2.d - Enter Port Details.FileZilla runs on Port 21. This is the standard Port for FTP programs.

2.e - Name: FileZilla2.f - Port: 212.g - Type: TCP

2.h - Click “OK”

FileZilla and port 21 has now been added. You can close the Firewall and connection with FileZilla.

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Recommended reading list:

− Common mistakes in web design − http://www.cozahost.com/info/doorway_pages.asp − How search engines and their spiders work