Secure FTP is the program used to transfer files between your computer and a secure server. Specifically, it allows you to make connections with the servers in Seattle, such as Homer or Dante. This includes sending and receiving attachments for Pine, and updating web pages that are found at www.washington.edu. It is also used for Mercury when connecting from off-campus. Secure FTP became the standard file transfer software after Seattle Computing and Communications implemented more secure services on their network. If you've used other FTP programs to send and receive files, you might find that Secure FTP is quite similar. When you first use the program, you'll notice two options: you can connect to a server right away using Quick Connect, or you can set up a profile for any server you commonly use.
Please note that with Quick Connect, you will have to enter the server name every time!
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Once you've connected to a server, you will get a listing of all the files in your directory. When connecting to Mercury (or Hermes) you start in the "/HOME" directory, and will have to navigate to your departmental share. Secure FTP offers different ways to view and transfer files. The two main functions during any FTP session are going to be downloading and uploading files.
To change how icons appear, click on the View menu or the corresponding buttons on the toolbar.
Large Icons - File icons appear larger with the name below the icon.
Small Icons - File icons are smaller and arranged in columns.
List - File icons are smaller, but are listed in a single column.
Detailed - File icons listed in a single column with more detail (see above).
To change the transfer type, click on the corresponding button on the toolbar. Secure FTP offers the standard transfer types: ASCII (text) or binary. Most users should leave this on Auto!
The interface in the Secure FTP program is split between the left side (which displays the files on your local computer) and the right side (which displays files on the server). In both file systems you may wish to navigate to a different folder. The toolbar found directly above the file listings will assist in these endeavors:
We'll call this the Directory Path Bar. This always displays the full path of your current working directory (the folder you are currently in). The quickest way to jump to a directory is to type it out here and hit enter on your keyboard.
Clicking on the Show/Hide Folders button will show a directory structure, making it easy to switch to a particular folder by clicking.
The Home button will put you back in the default home directory (which is set on the server by default but can be changed in profile settings).
The Up button will put you up one directory - for example, if you are working in /IS/PGarrett, pressing Up will move you to /IS.
The Refresh button refreshes the contents of the working directory, which is helpful when you've just uploaded/downloaded a file.
The New button creates a new folder in the current working directory, which you can then name.
The Delete button deletes the selected files/folders - you will be prompted before it actually deletes anything.
The Add button adds the current directory path to the list of "favorites," which show up when you click the down arrow on the Directory Path Bar.
Downloading FilesYou have several options in Secure FTP when you want to download a file.
Use the same procedure for downloading multiple files. Try holding down the CTRL key on your keyboard while selecting files with your mouse; you should find that you are able to select any number of files at the same time.
Uploading FilesUse the same procedure for uploading multiple files. Try holding down the CTRL key on your keyboard while selecting files with your mouse; you should find that you are able to select any number of files at the same time.
Perhaps the easiest way to download/upload files is to "drag and drop." This is the same as dragging files from a disk to your computer. Do so by first making sure Secure FTP and the designated folder on your computer are both visible, like so:
Click on the file, hold the mouse button down, and move it over.
Mercury - mercury.bothell.washington.edu
Homer - homer.u.washington.edu
Dante - dante.u.washington.edu
Mead - mead.u.washington.edu
Goodall - goodall.u.washington.edu
Aagaard - aagaard.u.washington.edu
That about does it! As always, if you have any questions, contact your friendly neighborhood Help Desk at (425) 352-5275 or email help@uwb.edu.
