If you've got some big files you need to move across cyberspace, then regular old e-mail just isn't going to cut it in most cases, with the risk of clogging up the recipient's inbox or getting spam filtered out altogether. Something called File Transfer Protocol or FTP is what you need to get the job done.
Step One
First thing you'll need is an FTP client. This is the software you'll actually use to move files from your computer to a remote system. Some great free FTP programs include FileZilla, WS-FTP and SmartFT; most are free for non-commercial use. You can find them at download.com and elsewhere. If your remote system requires a Secure FTP login, make sure your client supports it.
Step Two
Launch your FTP client on your system. The folders on your hard drive should show up on one side.
Step Three
Locate the menu option that allows you to connect to a remote system. Usually it's under "File: Connect" or something similar. Once you've got your connect dialog, type in the remote address, login, password and port (default is usually 21). You should also have the option to log in anonymously, but not all sites allow anonymous logins.
Step Four
Once connected, the file structure of the remote host should come up on one side of the window. Navigate to the remote folder that you want to upload to.
Step Five
On the other side that displays your local files, navigate to the folder or files on your hard drive that you want to upload. Highlight the files you want to upload.
Step Six
Locate and click the "upload" button to begin transfer. You should be able to monitor the progress somewhere near the bottom of the program window. When transfer shows it is complete, so are you!
