First make sure javascript and cookies are enabled. Option Internet Explorer. From the main menu click Tools->Internet Options. Choose the Security tab click the Default Level button and then drag the slider to the bottom. This will turn off the security. If you are using Internet Explorer 6 then choose the privacy tab and slide the allow cookies bar to the bottom and click OK. Type in to the browser: [yourdomainname]/cpanel (e.g. www.webhostinginjapan.com/cpanel). You'll be prompted for login and password after which you'll be logged into the cpanel. CPanel is the "control panel" to administer your web site.
Configure FTP
FTP (File Transfer Protocal) is the method to upload and download files from your web site. For those using FrontPage or DreamWeaver publishing is done by clicking the "publish" button. The application hides the fact that it is using FTP in a hap hazard manner to upload changed files. Disaster strikes when more than one person is updating the same web site. Files are over written and deleted of other people, enevitably causing tempers to flare.
Fig 1. CPanel FTP Features
FTP manufests it's ugly head in two different manifestations. The Windows FTP client and text line DOS FTP utility. Knowing the DOS FTP utility really comes in handy, because just like wordpad 95% of the world's computers have one installed. Whereas Windows FTP client is a seperate application which needs to be installed. Keep in mind the advantages are worth it. Uploading/downloading files is done by drag and drop. The left listbox is your PC and the right listbox is the server. What more needs to be said. FTP using a Windows FTP client is a zero-learning curve experience.
To use FTP whether from a Windows FTP client or DOS FTP utility, you'll need an FTP address, login, and password. For example, the FTP address for webhostinginjapan.com is ftp.webhostinginjapan.com. Put this information into FTP client application and your ready. How to use the DOS FTP utility is beyond the scope of this document.
Fig 2. FTP Manager Screen
Clicking the "FTP:// Accounts" link opens a add/delete ftp accounts screen. It is possible to limit FTP accounts access to a particular sub-directory or sub-domain. This consequentially limits that can be done from people that you don't necessary have 100% confidence in.
Besides building web sites FTP access has another purpose. Your web server can be used as a file server. People can upload/download files for other people to use. Before the Internet took over FTP servers hosted the worlds pirate software sites. These sites still exist but the world has shifted towards using peer2peer networks like imesh.com for their daily dose of porn, movies, games, music, and software.
By default, anonymous FTP is already setup. If you upload files to "/public_ftp" folder then anyone will be able to download those files. If you want to allow other people to upload files click on the "Anonymous FTP controls" link and enable "allow anonymous upload". To access anonmyous FTP use the word "anonymous" as the login and an email address as your password. So from the command prompt type "ftp ftp.webhostinginjapan.com" login "anonymous" password "youremailaddress" and then you are logged into the anonymous FTP account of www.webhostinginjapan.com.
