by Curtis Carmichael

If you haven’t done so already, download FTP Explorer from http://www.ftpx.com. When you get to the Web site, click on the "Download It!" button to proceed. Choose the "FTP" version of FTP Explorer and click the appropriate link to download the program.

We’re going to assume that you already know how to install programs to your hard drive. If you don’t, installation is simple. If you have WinZip (available at http://www.winzip.com) or another program capable of decompressing ZIP (.zip) files, then double click on the installation icon and "unzip" them to a temporary folder (such as C:/temp). Afterwards, double-click on the "Setup" file to proceed with installation. Follow the given instructions for assistance in the program installation process.

1) Click "Next"

2) By default, the installer will specify the path "C:\Program Files\FTP Explorer". If this is ok with you, click "Ok." If you get a message asking if you want to create the directory, click "Yes" to continue.

3) By default, you’ll see 4 checkbox fields checked. Unless you really want to read the "readme" file to view program-related information, you can eliminate the fourth choice (deselect "Display Readme File"). This will leave you with 3 choices, which you may find useful at some point.

4) You’ll get a message saying your system needs to be restarted. Click "Yes" to restart your computer to complete the initial program set-up process.

5) Read the License Agreement and click "I Agree" if you agree to the specified terms.

6) Click "Yes" to provide an e-mail address to log onto FTP sites anonymously in the future. If you don’t have an e-mail address at this time, or wish to provide an acceptable temporary e-mail address, enter "someone@somewhere.com" for the time being. This e-mail address will serve as your password to log onto FTP sites allowing anonymous users. Click "Ok" to proceed.

7) Click "Yes" to create some sample connection profiles. You will find these profiles useful for assisting you in setting up future profiles, if needed.

Among these profiles includes addresses to the Microsoft and Netscape FTP sites. From here, you can download the most recent copy of either browser program faster on the FTP network.

At this point, the program set-up is complete. To set-up your directory to reflect your specific directory information, give your ISP (Internet Service Provider) or Web hosting provider a call. Some ISPs actually provide free hosting as a promotional offer, so it’s worthwhile checking with them. Just ask them for information on setting up your Web directory for hosting your Web site. Additionally (and if the phone lines are busy) you might want to check the company’s Web site as another option. Be sure to write this information down in the case you may need reference to it in the future or you accidentally delete your profile information. Refer to page 92 for a listing of popular hosting providers and their appropriate URL so you can obtain an account with them.

When you get this information (make sure you get the host address, login, and password), refer below for profile set-up assistance. When you load FTP Explorer (or click on the "Connect" button) you’ll see a list of profiles you created in step 7 above. Click the "Add" button to add your new profile and use the explanations and/or recommendations given below to assist your input.

Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are generally supplied by your hosting provider.

Profile Name: Use your Web site’s name

Host Address: *

Port: 21 (default for most servers)

Login: *

Password: *

Initial Path: This field is typically non-mandatory. It’s generally used when your Web site is hosted off a shared account. It’s also helpful when you want easier, faster access to a specific area far from your root directory.

Attempts: 1 (default). This field allows you to specify the amount of log-on attempts in the case you’re disconnected from your server due to heavy traffic, etc.

Retry Delay: 10 (default time in seconds). This field specifies the wait period before continuing the next log-on attempt, if given.

Download Path: This field sets the default path for all server downloads. It is typically non-mandatory but helpful if you need to download files from your account and don’t want to click the "Download To" button and specify a location all the time.

Description: This area allows you to place a short description of your site if you maintain several Web sites at one time. We recommend you provide a copy of your username and password in this area in the case you misplace your written record or accidentally change your username and password information, usually crucial for logging on to your directory. Accidentally deleting your log-on information can easily be done in the event you select "Anonymous."

Click the "Save" button when you’re done entering your account information.