Essential terms for file transfer and web hosting
zorak.monmouth.edu
s1234567
Your "s" + 7-digit student ID
Your chosen password
Set it yourself - remember it!
21
All Monmouth email holders (@monmouth.edu) can use these credentials. Make sure to set your FTP password through the university system first!
The server address you're connecting to. This is usually your web hosting provider's server name (e.g., ftp.yoursite.com or an IP address like 192.168.1.1).
Your FTP account username provided by your hosting service. This identifies who is connecting to the server.
The secret code paired with your username to authenticate your connection. Keep this secure and never share it.
A number that specifies which "door" to use when connecting. FTP uses port 21, SFTP uses port 22. Leave blank to use the default.
Shows files on YOUR computer. This is where you navigate to find files you want to upload to your website.
Shows files on the SERVER (your website). This is where your website files live and what visitors see.
Shows files currently being uploaded or downloaded, plus any files waiting in line. Displays progress and status.
A feature to save your server connection details so you don't have to re-enter them every time. Access via File → Site Manager.
The basic method for transferring files between computers over the internet. Fast but NOT encrypted - data is sent in plain text.
A secure version of FTP that encrypts all data during transfer. Recommended for sensitive files. Uses port 22.
FTP with added SSL/TLS encryption. Similar security to SFTP but uses different technology. Uses port 990 or 21.
Security protocols that encrypt data during transfer. The same technology that makes websites show "https" instead of "http".
Always use SFTP when available! It keeps your username, password, and files secure during transfer.
A powerful computer that stores your website files and serves them to visitors 24/7. Think of it as your website's home.
A service that rents you space on a server to store your website. Examples: Render, Netlify, GoDaddy, Bluehost.
The main/top-level folder of your website on the server. Usually named "public_html", "www", or "htdocs". Your index.html goes here.
The most common name for your website's root folder. Files here are publicly accessible via your domain name.
Your website's address that people type in browsers (e.g., www.yoursite.com). Points to your server's location.
A unique number that identifies your server on the internet (e.g., 192.168.1.1). Domain names are easier-to-remember versions of these.
The amount of data that can be transferred to/from your website. Like a highway - more bandwidth means more traffic can flow.
How much room you have on the server for your files. Measured in MB or GB. Images and videos use the most space.
A command to change file permissions. In FileZilla, right-click a file and select "File Permissions" to modify.
Permission to view/open a file. Needed for visitors to see your web pages and images.
Permission to modify or delete a file. Be careful giving this to others - they could change your content.
Permission to run a file as a program/script. Required for PHP scripts and other server-side code.
Three digits representing Owner, Group, Others. Common values: 755 (folders), 644 (files), 777 (full access - risky!).
The user who created the file. Usually has full permissions (read, write, execute).
Never set permissions to 777 unless absolutely necessary - it allows anyone to read, write, and execute the file!
Transfer files FROM your computer TO the server. Drag files from the left panel to the right, or right-click and select "Upload".
Transfer files FROM the server TO your computer. Drag from right to left, or right-click and select "Download".
Replace an existing file with a new version. FileZilla will ask what to do when a file with the same name exists.
Reload the file list to see recent changes. Press F5 or right-click and select "Refresh" if files aren't appearing.
The bar at the top of FileZilla for fast, one-time connections. Enter host, username, password, and port, then click "Quickconnect".
Cancel a transfer in progress. Click the X button in the transfer queue or go to Transfer → Cancel current operation.
HyperText Markup Language files - the structure of web pages. index.html is typically your homepage.
Cascading Style Sheet files - controls colors, fonts, layouts, and visual design of your website.
JavaScript files - adds interactivity and dynamic features to your website (animations, forms, etc.).
Image files. JPG for photos, PNG for graphics with transparency, GIF for animations, WebP for optimized web images.
PHP script files - server-side code that generates dynamic content. Requires a PHP-enabled server.
Apache server configuration file. Controls redirects, security, and other server behaviors. Starts with a dot (hidden file).
Server rejected your connection. Check if FTP service is enabled, correct port is used, or if firewall is blocking.
Wrong username or password. Double-check credentials - they're case-sensitive! Contact hosting support if unsure.
Server took too long to respond. Could be server issues, network problems, or wrong host address.
You don't have rights to access that file/folder. Check file permissions or contact your hosting provider.