File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a file transfer method in which computers on remote networks can access a specific computer or server. Setting up FTP can be useful for several reasons; including when you need to access files on your home computer while traveling or at work; or you want your friends or family to be able to access your files. To set up FTP between two computers, you need to set up an FTP server on one of those computers. If you are connected to the Internet and have information about the server, you can access the FTP server from any Windows or Mac computer.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Installing FTP Server on Mac
Step 1. Turn on the FTP server
This step should be done on a Mac with your files that you want to share with others.
- Select the Apple menu on your Mac's desktop and click on "System Preferences."
- Select "Sharing" to display the Sharing box, then click on the "Services" tab.
- Check the box next to "FTP Access" in the list of options, then click on the "Start" button on the right. Moments later, a window will appear that says "FTP Access On."
Step 2. Configure the firewall
This will open access to your FTP server if the firewall is enabled.
- Click on the "Firewall" tab and make sure the box shows "Firewall On." If the firewall is off, then click on the "Start" button.
- Select "FTP Access" from the list of options next to "Allow." This option provides access to files on your FTP.
- Close the system settings window. Computers from remote networks will be able to access your FTP server. All they need is knowledge of the FTP IP address and its configuration.
Method 2 of 4: Installing an FTP Server on a Windows 7 Computer
Step 1. Install FTP server
Do this on the Windows 7 computer that stores the files for access.
- Open "Control Panel" by clicking on the desktop icon or option in the "Start" menu, then select "Programs."
- Click on "Turn Windows features on or off" under the category "Programs and Features." A new window will appear with additional Windows options.
- Click on the plus icon next to "Internet Information Services" (IIS), then check the box next to "FTP Server."
- Click on the "Ok" button to enable and activate the FTP server.
Step 2. Configuring FTP server settings
- Return to Control Panel, then select "System and Security."
- Click on "Administration," then select "IIS Manager." A window will appear with options on two panels.
- Right click on "Sites" in the left pane, then select "New FTP Site" from the floating menu.
- Enter the settings for the FTP server; including the directory name, IP address and users who will access the FTP server. While configuring your server, you will be able to specify the required options step by step by clicking Next in the FTP Server Setup Wizard.
- Click on the "Finish" button to complete the FTP server installation procedure.
Method 3 of 4: Access FTP Server from Mac
Step 1. Connect to the FTP server from your Mac
- Click on "Finder" on your Mac desktop, then point to "Go."
- Select "Connect to Server." A pop-up window will appear to enter the server address or the IP address of the computer with the FTP server.
- Enter the IP address and click on the "Connect" button. The format in which you need to enter the IP address will be as follows: ftp: // your_IP_address /. If you do not know the IP address, then consult with your FTP server administrator.
Method 4 of 4: Accessing the FTP Server from Windows Computers
Step 1. Log in to any type of FTP server from a Windows computer
- Open Windows Explorer on a Windows computer, then write the IP address of the FTP server computer in the address bar. The IP address must be written in the format "ftp: // your_IP_address /."
- Press Enter, then click on OK when the error message appears. The error message appears when you do not have access to the FTP server.
- Point to "File," then select "Login As" from the menu on your screen.
- Enter the username and password for the FTP server. If you do not have this information, then consult your FTP server administrator.
- Click on the "Log On" button. You should now be able to access files on the FTP server.