FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standardized method for transferring files between computers, regardless of the platform or operating system the computers are running. An FTP client is a program that runs on your local computer and interacts with your Web server's FTP service. Most FTP client programs include a graphical interface to simplify the process of transferring and manipulating files.
If you don't yet have an FTP client, you can download one from the Internet. CNET lists more than 100 FTP clients available for download, and includes user ratings, pricing information (some are free; others are not), and other useful search criteria:
http://download.cnet.com/ - (Click the FTP link under the Internet category.)
We recommend that you choose an FTP client that supports the secure transfer of files through the SSH 2 protocol. SSH-enabled FTP clients first establish a secure SSH connection and then initiate a standard FTP session through the secure connection.
One of the more popular secure FTP clients available commercially is Van Dyke's SecureFX. Unless you reside in a country that is under current United States trade sanctions, you can obtain a copy of SecureFX by visiting the following URL:
http://vandyke.com/products/securefx/index.html
For your convenience, we have even written a quick-start tutorial for Configuring Your SecureFX Client. Although this tutorial is written specifically for SecureFX, other secure FTP clients have similar configuration.
Once you have obtained and configured an FTP client, you can use your administrative FTP account to transfer files from your local computer directly to your web site.