Information Technology Services - Computing, Networking and Storage
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SFTP Using FileZilla

FileZilla is an open-source SFTP client for Microsoft Windows that supports SFTP to transfer files without having to use a virtual private network (VPN) service to a remote computer such as your home computer or wireless laptop.

FileZilla provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that makes it easy for you to identify folder and file locations on both the remote and local hosts. The Local Files window displays files on your computer, the local host. The Remote Files window displays files on the remote site, or the remote host.

Tips:

  • Double-click a folder to view its contents.
  • Click the ".." folder displayed in all directories to go up to the parent directory of the current folder.
  • Click the drive letter to move up to the root directory.
  • Hold CTRL and click to select multiple, non-contiguous files.
  • Hold Shift and click to select multiple, contiguous files.

Getting Started

To download FileZilla, go to the USC Downloads Page, click to select your Microsoft Windows operating system, and follow the installation instructions.

Connecting to a Remote Host

  1. Start the FileZilla client. From the Start menu, select Programs, Internet Tools, and then FileZilla. The site manager window displays. filezilla3.JPG
  2. If the usc.edu host you want to connect to is not listed under the MyFTP Sites folder, click the New Site button to define it.

    Note: Select SFTP using SSH2 from the Servertype field and make sure that the Logontype you select is Normal.

  3. From MyFTP Sites, click the host you want to connect to.
  4. Type your username.
  5. Type your password.
  6. Click the Connect button.
  7. Once you are connected, the files located on your computer will display in the Local Site window, and the files located on the remote host will display in the Remote Site window.

Note: When connecting to a UNIX host such as Aludra or Almaak, you may see several system files that begin with a period, such as .login or .cshrc. These are configuration files and should only be removed if you understand what the file is for and the effects are of removing it.

Transferring Files

The FileZilla user interface allows you to use the drag-and-drop method to copy files from one location to another.

  1. Browse to the folder where you will place the file that you are copying.
  2. Browse to the file you wish to copy.
  3. Drag the file to the destination folder and drop it there.

Getting Help

For FileZilla-related questions, visit the FileZilla Vendor Site, call the Customer Support Center at 213-740-5555, or email consult@usc.edu.



Last updated: Monday, December 10, 2007, 09:38AM PST