What is needed?

A SFTP/FTP client is all that’s needed.  CoF Computing Helpdesk suggests using WinSCP; you can follow an installation guide here if you do not already have a client installed:

http://helpdesk.forestry.oregonstate.edu/software/winscp

Getting Connected

1.             Open WinSCP or other  SFTP/FTP Client, if using WinSCP a login screen should appear.

2.             Type in the location of the FTP site into the Host Name box.  (examples of FTP locations:  pcan2.ca and ftp.state.ak.us)

3.             Type in username and password provided by the external FTP site into the relevant boxes.  (note: some FTP sites may not require a username and password)

4.             Under Protocol change the File protocol drop down from SFTP to FTP.  This will grey out the Private key file area.  (note: some FTP sites may require a private key file, which should be obtained from the external FTP site)

5.             Press Login, a connection to the external FTP site should be made.  Another window will open containing the folders of the FTP site.

6.             Retrieve files using WinSCP’s graphical interface or simply drag and drop files into folders on your local machine. 

7.             To logout, simply close the new window or press F10 on your keyboard and a prompt will appear asking to terminate the session, click ok and go about your day.   You can also press Shift+Ctrl+D to disconnect from your current session and will be prompted with a new login window to connect to a new session.