How do I FTP to my "K" drive?

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a technology which allows you to connect to your "K drive" on the department server. It is much easier to transfer a large number of files or big files by FTP than by email. The PRL strongly prefers this option as a way to reduce your email size usage. It is easier to backup those files than with email and reduces load on the email server making mail delivery more efficient.  

Files saved to the "K drive" in the office can be accessed from any internet connected computer using an FTP program like FileZilla or an internet browser. The department provides FileZilla on all computers in Derby and you can down load the program free at http://filezilla-project.org/download.php?type=client.

When you save copies of files to the "K drive" they are backed up every night and they are accessible from any computer connected to the internet.
 

Using Internet Explorer

When using Microsoft Internet Explorer (not Firefox, Chrome, or Safari) browser go to the following URL:

ftp://ftp.polisci.ohio-state.edu

Enter your username (name.n) and password that you use to login at the office (your polisci login). You should then see the files on your "K drive".

Clicking on any of the links will allow you to download the individual files. To move files to and from the server open a Window Explorer box by following these instructions:

Click Page, and then click Open FTP Site in Windows Explorer.

You should now be able to move files to the K drive using Windows Explorer just like you would if it were a local folder. This allows you to upload from home to the K drive.

A note when using Firefox or Safari

On Windows and Mac, Firefox will allow you to download individual files but cannot upload without additional plugins or software. Safari did not work on Windows. It is claimed that Safari is able to open a Finder window on the Mac, much like IE does in Windows (these Safari features were not tested).

Using FileZilla

FileZilla is a free program that will work under Windows, Mac, or Linux. You can download it from http://filezilla-project.org/download.php?type=client. It allows easy upload and download of files. After launching the program fill in the information at the top as follows:

To download files, move them from the K drive folder (on the right) to a local folder (on the left). To upload files to your K, move them from the local folder (on the left) to the K drive folder (on the right). Uploading can also be done by dragging a file onto the place you want it from the desktop or another location.

Copyright 2009 - Department of Political Science - The Ohio State University