Firstan FTP FAQ / help

What is FTP?: FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is the simplest and most secure way to exchange files over the Internet. Whether you know it or not, you most likely use FTP all the time. To make an FTP connection you can use a standard Web browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, etc.) or a dedicated FTP software program, referred to as an FTP 'Client'. When using a Web browser for an FTP connection, FTP uploads are difficult, or sometimes impossible, and downloads are not protected (not recommended for uploading or downloading large files). When connecting with an FTP Client, uploads and downloads couldn't be easier, and you have added security and additional features. For one, you're able to to resume a download that did not successfully finish, which is a very nice feature for people using dial-up connections who frequently loose their Internet connection.
What is an FTP client?: An FTP Client is software that is designed to transfer files back-and-forth between two computers over the Internet. It needs to be installed on your computer and can only be used with a live connection to the Internet. The classic FTP Client look is a two-pane design. The pane on the left displays the files on your computer and the pane on the right displays the files on the remote computer. File transfers are as easy as dragging-and-dropping files from one pane to the other. Additional features of the FTP Client include: multiple file transfer; resuming downloads/uploads and a queuing utility.
Where can I download an FTP client?: There are many FTP clients available for both PC and MAC. Below is a short list of some of the most popular clients.
http://winscp.net/eng/index.php (PC)
http://fireftp.mozdev.org/ (Mozilla Firefox addon)
http://filezilla-project.org/ (PC/MAC)
http://cyberduck.ch/ (MAC)
Using FTP from an Internet Browser: It is possible to connect to an FTP server via your Internet Browser. This is done by simple typing the FTP address directly into the address bar. For Firstan's FTP you would type ftp://ftp.firstanftp.co.uk. You can also use the link above, that will take you directly to the FTP via this browser.

Depending on your particular Internet Browser you will then either be prompted to enter your username and password or in some cases, you will have to right click the page and select the login option. Please be aware that Internet Browsers are designed to handle HTTP not FTP so some functionality of usual FTP might be limited.

Using a browser is also insecure and all your login credentials will be stored, potentially allowing a later user to access your FTP directory. For this reason, Internet Browsers should only be used on trusted computers and all Browser cache should be cleared when your FTP session is finished. Details of how to clear your cache will be found in the help section of particular Browser.
Using Windows Explorer: Windows users are able to connect to Firstans FTP directly from any Explorer window. Simply type the FTP address into the Windows Explorer address bar at the top of the window and then when prompted enter the login details. You will then be able to use the FTP directory like any other folder on your computer to copy and paste files to and from.
What is Firstans FTP connection address?: Please us the following connection details: ftp://ftp.firstanftp.co.uk
How do I get an account?: If you require an FTP account for sending or receiving files please use the Request an Account option. You will need to complete a small form and confirm that you agree to the terms of use. You will receive an email reply within 24hr which will confirm your account creation and give details of your username and password.
How do I login to my account?: In essence you will need to enter the FTP address, your Username and your Password. How and where depends on what software you are using to connect to the Firstan FTP. There are too many configurations to list, so please refer to the help section of your software.
How do I recover my lost password?: Please follow this link for password recovery: Lost Password and complete the short form.
What can I store on my FTP account?: Anything related to your business with Firstan.
How long will files be kept on the FTP?: For security reasons, files will only be kept on the FTP site until they have been downloaded by Firstan for use. Once stored on our local system Firstan will deleted the copies stored on the FTP.
Why am I getting Certificate Warnings from Firstan FTP: Firstan FTP is hosted by an excellent hosting company called servage.net. Servage allow Firstan to update the CNAME record so users can navigate to ftp.firstanftp.co.uk rather than ftp.servage.net however the security certificate is issued only for ftp.servage.net (different name but same location). You can safely ignore and override a security warning about Firstan FTPs certificate if and only if it originates from ftp.servage.net If you would rather not receive the certificate warnings or are unsure about how to override them please replace ftp.firstanftp.co.uk with ftp.servage.net and use your normal username and password, you will still be logged into exactly the same location.