FTP programs allow you to easily upload and download files to your website.  Although there are many different FTP programs available, the one I use is FileZilla.  I have also tried CoreFTP, but went back to FileZilla.  This article discusses using FileZilla for your FTP needs.

You will use FileZilla to upload files like plugins, theme files and any other edited files you may want to place on your website.  You will also use the FileZilla FTP program to download backups of changed files from your website to your local computer for safe-keeping.

Once you get familiar with FileZilla, you will find it easy to use and very similar to using Windows Explorer on your computer to move and copy files.  So, first download and install Filezilla.  Then setup your account using the following instructions and the information emailed to you when you set up your hosting account.  If I set up hosting for you, you will have a text file that includes your FTP information.

After opening FileZilla, click the “File” tab and then the “Site Manager” link, followed by the “New Site” button.  Give this site a name such as your blog name.  Then fill in the fields on the right side under “Site details”.  In the first field under “Host”, fill in your site’s ip address.  Under “Servertype” put FTP.  “Logintype” is “Normal”.  Enter your username in the “User” field and your password in the “Password” field.  Then click “save and exit”.

Now when you use FileZilla each time, click File>Site Manager and then highlight the site you just created.  Click the “Connect” button on the bottom left and you will be connected to your website and hosting account directory.  On the left side of the FileZilla screen you will see your local computer file directories.  On the right side you will see the directories for your remote or hosting website.  Now it is simply a matter of dragging and dropping files you wish to upload or download.  For example to upload a new plugin to your site, you would navigate in the right side of FileZilla to /public_html/wp-content/plugins/ and place the new plugin files in that directory.  To download a backup of your theme files if you have customized any of them, you would navigate on the right side to /public_html/wp-content/themes/ and then further down to the specific file you changed.  Then just drag and drop the changed theme file to the left side of FileZilla putting it into a backup directory you have created on your local computer.

Here is a link to the guide to using FileZilla where you can find detailed instructions and tips on setting up and using the program.  Like many computer related things, it can seem confusing at first, but Filezilla is a real helpful and easy program to use.  Just read and go step by step and you will be an FTP pro in no time at all.