Setup WS-FTP for the Monash University web publishing environment

Introduction

Web developers not using the Content Management System (CMS) will need to use an application to upload/download files from their desktop computer to the Monash web server. This document contains information on setting up WS-FTP to transfer files to and from the web server.

WS-FTP isn't on my computer, where can I get it?

WS-FTP can be downloaded from the ITS Internet based software download page and installed on your computer

If you need help with installation contact your local IT support area.

Security

WS-FTP uses a file transfer method known as File Transfer Protocol (FTP). There are potential security problems with FTP because passwords sent from your computer to the web server are not encrypted. This means they can be intercepted by a third party who can then use your password to gain unauthorised access. For this reason we recommend using WinSCP in preference to WS-FTP.

Setup steps

When you first open WS-FTP, it will contain a number of pre-configured profiles. You may want to delete these before you set up your own. To delete a profile select it from the 'Profile name' dropdown field and click the [Delete] button.

1. In the 'Session Properties' window click the [New] button to create a new session.

2. Enter the following details into the fields under the 'General' tab.

   Data for fields on the General tab

   Field	Content
   Profile Name	Enter meaningful name for the profile. eg. Webedit
   Host Name/Address	webedit.monash.edu.au
   User ID	Enter your authcate username.
   Password	Enter your authcate password.
   Save Pwd checkbox	For security reasons it is recommended that this checkbox is not checked.

   
   Figure 1 - Entering details into fields in the General tab.

3. Click the 'Startup' tab and enter the following details in.

   Data for fields on the Startup tab

   Field	Content
   Initial Remote Site Folder	Enter the appropriate directory location (see location of content on web server for more information). eg. /web/www/
   Initial Local Folder	Enter the location where you are storing your web files on your computer. eg. C:\Documents and Settings\srippon\My Documents\Web\ Tip: Locate your files using Windows Explorer and copy and paste the address from Windows Explorer to WS-FTP.
   Initialise Command	site umask 002 Note: The site umask will make sure that files uploaded will have the correct file permissions set. This is important if you are working on a website where your files are edited by others.

   
   Figure 2 - Entering details into fields in the Startup tab.

4. Click the 'Advanced' tab

   Make sure the 'Passive transfer' box on the 'Advanced' tab is checked. If this checkbox isn't checked you may not be able to transfer files to the server.

   
   Figure 3 - Checking Passive transfers on the Advanced tab.

5. Click the [Apply] button to save these details. Then click the [OK] button to connect to the web server.

6. When you have connected click the [Options] button on the bottom row of buttons.

7. Select the 'Session (cont'd)' tab from the 'WS-FTP LE Properties' window that opens. On this tab make sure 'Startup Transfer Mode' is set to 'Auto Detect' as shown in the below figure.

   
   Figure 4 - Session (continued) tab.

   Files that only contain text (eg. HTML, TXT) should be transferred in ASCII mode while other files like images should be sent in Binary mode. By setting auto detect you don't have to switching from mode to another when transferring files.

8. Click the 'Extensions' tab. In the field left of the [Add] button add these extensions (.data, .htaccess, .htm, .html, .required, .response) one at a time pressing the [Add] button after one has been entered.

   Whilst auto detect is on files with the entered files extensions will be transferred in ASCII mode.

   
   Figure 5 - Adding extensions on the Extentions tab.

9. Click the 'General' tab and make sure the 'Enable log' checkbox is not checked. If it is WS-FTP will put a WS_FTP.LOG file in every directory you upload to. These files are unnecessary.

   Note : If you find any WS_FTP.LOG files on your site please delete them.

   
   Figure 6 - General tab.

10. Click the [OK] button to save properties and return to open session.