Introduction
FileZilla is an FTP client that offers an intuitive graphical interface for transferring and managing files to and from a virtual private server.
In this guide, you will learn how to correctly use the main features of this software to perform operations on your cloud server files.
Installing FileZilla
The client is available on the Filezilla download page or on the Software Manager of GNU/Linux systems.
Filezilla interface
The Filezilla interface is quite simple and intuitive, with different areas dedicated to the various available features.
Below the menu bar, 6 boxes will appear showing as follows :
- Toolbar: illustrates the available functions
- Quickconnect bar: connects to the specified server
- Message Log: shows connection and transfer logs
- Local Folder: shows files and folders on the local PC
- Server Folder: shows files and folders on the server
- Transfer Queue: list of files transferred or still being transferred
Connecting to the server via Filezilla
The quick connect bar allows you to specify the information needed to connect to your server.
For a secure connection, enter the following strings in the hostname:
- sftp://servername.com for a secure connection with SFTP ( SSH File Transfer Protocol )
- ftps://servername.com for a secure connection with FTPS ( File Transfer Protocol with TLS or SSL encryption )
In case of no specifications entered, the conventional FTP ( File Transfer Protocol ) will be used.
A log should then appear in the message log indicating that the connection was successful. Your server folders will be shown in a tree structure.
Logging in via Site Manager
Site manager allows you to save data related to your site and the accounts to log in under the heading My sites/My sites, .
Start by clicking on File - Site Manager :
Click on "My sites" to enter the necessary information to ensure a connection to your server and indicate your preferred protocol for file transfer.
Once the information has been entered and saved on the site, the data will be stored locally on your PC to allow faster connection by directly selecting your choice.
Although it is a very convenient option for quick connections and management of multiple sites, it is not the most secure, as the data entered will be stored locally and unencrypted, rather than encrypted.
Transferring files and directory
Filezilla provides a convenient drag&drop feature to transfer files between the local device (left part of the interface) and the server (right part).
Your data on your device or server can also be manipulated via the Filezilla interface, allowing you to create, delete, and perform other operations on folders and files.
Comparing folders
Filezilla allows you to compare folders to provide the different information obtained by comparing server and local PC directories.
Click on ’Compare folders’ on the toolbar to check the common characteristics or differences between local and server.
Specifically, according to the key:
- Files not highlighted: the files on the PC and Server do not differ
- Files highlighted in yellow: the files are on one of the two parts only
- Files highlighted in green: the files are on both sides but in different versions
- Files highlighted in red: the files are present on both sides but that have different sizes
Before getting to the end of this tutorial, let’s focus for a moment on the protocols presented while explaining the functioning of Filezilla. Skip this section if you don't need to read more about this topic.
Securing communication protocols and file transfer
There are three main communication protocols on the Internet: SSH ( Secure Shell ), TLS ( Transport Layer Security ) and SSL ( Secure Socket Layer ).
They all guarantee a high level of security thanks to encryption and the exchange of public keys.
Secure communication protocols are associated with file transfer protocols, creating several new protocols for receiving and sending data to and from the server in a totally confidential way.
File transfer protocols
The main protocols involved in file transfer are:
- File Transfer Protocol (FTP )
- Secure Copy Program ( SCP )
- SFTP ( SSH File Transfer Protocol )
- FTPS ( FTP over TLS/SSL )
ftp
The FTP protocol is the simplest protocol among all those described above. However, when managing your online server, don’t use this protocol as it lacks security measures and may lead to attacks by malicious users. Use it to transfer data between two devices connected to the same home network.
SCP
SCP uses the SSH protocol to connect to another PC. It is, therefore, one of the recommended methods to transfer files to your server without worrying about threats.
SFTP
SFTP uses the SSH protocol to ensure reliable transfers and secure connections. However, unlike the previous protocol, in the event the transfer process is interrupted, SFTP can resume the task exactly to the moment it stopped, thus ensuring greater efficiency compared to the SCP protocol.
ftp extension
FTPS is a very security-focused protocol. In fact, it requires an SSL certificate or to enter more information before establishing a connection with another device.
Conclusions
By the end of this tutorial, you will have been able to install Filezilla and perform the necessary operations for creating a connection to transfer your files.
Moreover, you will have learnt to distinguish the different necessary protocols for the communicating between devices and to choose the most suitable one, being aware of how to specify it within Filezilla.