root accessible FTP account

[jussi]

I'm slooowly trying to learn how to build a dynamic site. One of the terms that came up which I don't understand is a "root accessible FTP account" . What is this and how is it used.

My ultimate goal is to allow users to upload large files to me. I'm using a host.

[Uncle Cracker]

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) allows online users to access a directory-based file system, and see and transfer files just like you would between folders, or from one hard drive to another on the same computer. I use those of my customers to send big CAD files back and forth without the need for e-mail. It doesn't give users access to your whole computer, just to the directory system you set up for your FTP site.

[crokett]

A root accessible FTP account has access to the the FTP root directory. This is the directory that has all the subdirectories that a user can see when he logs into the FTP server. You want to limit the ftp accounts that have access to your ftp root.

[sparkeyjames]

I'm slooowly trying to learn how to build a dynamic site. One of the terms that came up which I don't understand is a "root accessible FTP account" . What is this and how is it used.

My ultimate goal is to allow users to upload large files to me. I'm using a host.

You will face a large uphill battle. I had to implement file uploading once. Was the worst 2 weeks I have ever spent with a computer. The modern web browser is not meant to SEND large files. Most users don't know FTP from HTTP. Most common question when using a blind PHP file upload program (IE no user feedback during the process, like the one this site uses for pictures) was, how come my files never finish uploading? Answer: stop navigating away from the upload page and let it finish. I finally wound up with a java based applet. Yes I forced them to install java. It was easier than trying to get them to use an FTP program. Server side configurable maximum file size, client side directory browsing so they can hunt for the file they want to upload. Very slick.

What I'm trying to get as is that most users are not technically proficient and that trying to get them to use an FTP program is like trying to herd cats.

[crokett]

Web browsers support FTP.


There is also this freeware app called FTPDrive. It creates a virtual drive in Windows Explorer that is mapped to an FTP server. I use it for work because I transfer files a few times a day to/from FTP Servers.

http://www.download.com/FTPDrive/300...-10433306.html

[jussi]

Thanks guys.

[mschrank]

Web browsers support FTP.


There is also this freeware app called FTPDrive. It creates a virtual drive in Windows Explorer that is mapped to an FTP server. I use it for work because I transfer files a few times a day to/from FTP Servers.

http://www.download.com/FTPDrive/300...-10433306.html

Why not just access the ftp site directly in Windows Explorer (i.e., typing the ftp address in the windows explorer address bar)? I started doing it this way because I found that IE7 didn't play nice with FTP access.

FTPDrive looks like its geared towards viewing sound/movie files on a remote pc w/out downloading, but what other advantages does it offer for FTP transfer? I ask because I have to share large datasets often, and I'm always looking for a better way.

[crokett]

Advantages? Convenience. I can just drag and drop files from one folder to another without having to open a separate FTP app.