So who knows about FTP
 

Ok so I need to transfer some files that are too big for e-mail. I was told to use my website, and FTP system. That was about as much as I followed. I really have no clue how to actually go about that, help please.

Straight up unencrypted, 100% unsecure ftp? Don't. If you use any forms of file transfer protocols use SFTP, provided you have access to a file hosting service that is.

If you don't want to go through all that trouble/not required to then I'd suggest making an account on dropbox. On a free account you get like..what..two gigs right off the bat or somesuch? More than enough for the average person. If you go the dropbox route PM me and I'll toss you an account registration referral.

can you elaborate on "file hosting service". What I do have is a website with unlimited file storage and bandwidth. I know I can put files on it that people can download, I just dont know how.

A few preliminary questions:

• What is the OS being used?
• Do you have direct access to the web-server? / Is it your personal machine?
• Are you allowed to install FTP service if the #2's answer is no?

If linux, preferably debian or Ubuntu at the very least, I can help you. If using M$ then you're shit outta luck and will have to rely on links, my experience with M$ server side stuff is lacking in comparison.

I have both a mac and a PC
it is not, I rent the server which is off site
To my knowledge yes

Forgot to ask what OS version the server is running on if M$. Server 2008 R2, I assume?

If 2008, or even 2003, you're gonna have a fun time fiddlin with Organization Units, groups, users, and permissions. Because realistically speaking you'll want FTP users to only have read-only permission level. Otherwise you'll just be askin for a world of hurt if someone decides to poke around in places they shouldn't. That and denying access on port 21 because fuck unsecured FTP. Keep that shit on port 22.

Anywho, this M$ Technet link'll get you movin on the right track. It's been a while since I've mucked around on '03 and '08. Being a linux teacher's intern keeps me on the open source straight 'n narrow.

As for mac...you're on your own with that one, buddy. That's headache territory I don't touch.

FTP software suggestions: fireftp or Filezilla are the ones I use most of the time.

that I have absolutely no clue, I use a web hosting service. Can look into it though. But not so sure about my ability to find out

Bleh, that's the frustrating part with intermediary services. Lack of immediate administration and all that. Probly going to need to call 'em up/contact however and let 'em know what you want.

Apache is so much easier, and funner, than IIS. Mmmm PuTTY. Whistful siiiigh~

Aren't you, like, already sharing files?
 

Download filezilla (the client).

After you install it, enter the address of your server (either the IP or the URL) under Host, whatever username and password you have, and 22 for the port.

That should connect you to your webserver, it should be pretty self-explanatory how to upload/download files from there.