FileZilla, also called FireZilla, is a free FTP utility that really rocks. If you are looking for a full-featured free FTP utility that’s easy to install and easy to use, you will very likely be pleased with FileZilla.
1. The first step is to download FileZilla from SourceForge.net.
Just click on the bar that reads Download FileZilla. At the time of this writing the current version is 2.2.23. You want to download the most stable current version. If you are installing FileZilla on you Windows PC, you do not need the server version. A Beta version of any type of software may not be fully de-bugged, so pick the most current version that is not listed as a Beta version.
2. For Windows PCs, choose the i386 version and download the .exe (executable) install file. Save the file to a folder on your PC or to the desktop. Generally speaking, SourceForge.net files should be safe, but if you have any doubts, I recommend that you scan the installation file using your virus software.
3. Click on the downloaded file to run the installation. You may see a security warning. Click on the Run button.
4. Choose your preferred language.
5. Read the GNU licensing information (if you are interested) and click the Next button.
6. The next dialog box allows you to select individual components to install. This is mostly for advanced users who do not wish to install all the components. If you do not know which files to install, just click the Next button and all of the recommended default components will be installed.
7. Next you will see the standard Windows installer dialog box that allows you to Choose Install Location. Once again, just select the Next button.
8. Choose the Next button for the default Choose Start Menu Folder selection. Most users never change this location, but you can if you wish.
9. The installation will start to run. It only takes a few seconds. When you see the line of text that says Completed, the installation is over. Click on the Close button.
Wasn’t that an easy installation?
There should be a shortcut icon on your Windows desktop. Click on it to open FileZilla.
The next part of this series will cover basic training issues. FileZilla is very easy to use, but like most new software, its usage is not always intuitive. The next FileZilla posting will explain how to use FileZilla to transfer files.
Glenn Keaton says
Now that I’ve successfully downloaded FireZilla, what do I do next? It looks as if I need an address. I’m assuming this should be the address of the ftp server (host?). I’m new to FTP’ing and need all the help I can get to make this thing work. When can I expect the next part of the basic training in FTP’ing to be posted?
TE says
Glenn
The tutorial was done, but I had not found the time to give it a final review. It is now posted. Thank you for the cattle prodding. 😀
Robert Esq. Brewer the III says
TE,
It is good and thanks for making it available, ,,, however, most of have learned by some hook or crook how to take a file (of any kind) and download it to our computer (The ‘Download this File’ works Great for that). For the most part, WE have no clue as to How To Configure IT, so can you make (1)This Tutorial, and with it (2)Show us where to find the configuration information, (3)Who gives us the FTP address for different sites, (4)Prayer for Ignorant.
Thanks for at least reading
Robert ebIII
TE says
Hi Robert
I do have a post about using FileZilla that does contain some configuration info. Check out the FileZilla section on the menu for other tutorials.
An FTP utility is something a little different that what you are envisioning. An FTP utility is used primarily by a web site owner to upload and download scripts and images to and from their web site. You cannot use it to download files from just any web site, unless the site is set up to allow this. There are typically a lot of scripts that are part of a web site that you cannot download unless you have FTP access to the site.
The overwhelming number of web site owners will never give out their FTP user names and passwords because that may allow someone to commandeer their web site.