FTP or file transfer protocol is a way of transferring files from one computer to another computer. Usually, the files are being transferred from a desktop computer to another computer on the internet (server). ftp can be performed with or without the assistance of extra software. You can transfer any type of file with FTP. Some companies store information on a server through FTP, but FTP is most often used in building/modifying a website.
To perform FTP from your web browser (like Internet Explorer, Chrome, or Firefox without using extra software), you will go to the address bar and use the syntax: username@webaddress.com. The username is the FTP username and the “webaddress.com” is the website you are sending the information to. You will then be prompted for a password. The password is associated with that particular FTP account. You will see all the files and folders associated with that web hosting account after you log in. You can “drag and drop” files to and from your computer to the browser and also move files and folders from your browser to your computer.
The most common and popular software program for FTP is filezilla. It is an OpenSource or free program that you can download from the internet. It will save your usernames, passwords, and domain information so you don’t have to enter them over and over.
For more information, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_Transfer_Protocol.
