Do you need to send files to off-campus colleagues that are too big to transmit as e-mail attachments? Or do you need to receive files from them? If you can't do it via e-mail, do it instead via FTP (file transfer protocol).
You may use Engineering's FTP service to send files -- that is, to make files available for your colleagues to download. The service can be configured either for public download (where data could be accessible to anybody who knows or guesses the address) or for private download (where a private "userphrase" is required, which you will provide to your colleagues). Your colleagues need not be affiliated with Purdue.
This service may also be used to receive files -- that is, to enable your colleagues to upload files to you.
This document provides general instructions for using the file transfer protocol. Because there are a wide variety of methods to use FTP (such as native point-and-click clients for Windows, Macintosh, and other operating systems, or traditional textual FTP functions via an MS-DOS or Unix command line), we can't provide specific step-by-step instructions for the exact method you use. If you are not familiar with how to employ the general information provided here, please contact the computer support staff at your location for assistance.
Please note that FTP should not be used for the transfer of proprietary, sensitive, or other restricted information. FTP is not considered a "secure protocol," and this service does not employ SFTP (secure file transfer protocol).
This overview is intended for Purdue faculty and staff who have Engineering accounts (e.g. College of Engineering and/or Discovery Park faculty and staff).
1. Obtain an FTP account
Different types of FTP accounts are available:
- Public FTP account: The files you make available could potentially be accessed by anyone worldwide. No password or other security measures are used.
- Private FTP account: The files are available only to people to whom you provide a private "userphrase." Remember, though, that FTP is not a secure protocol. Although requiring a "userphrase" provides some measure of privacy, data sent via FTP is not encrypted. Neither you nor your colleagues should use this service to transfer proprietary, sensitive, or other restricted information.
- Private FTP account, including an upload directory: Downloads and/or uploads are available only to people to whom you provide specific private "userphrases."
Each "userphrase" will be case-sensitive, e.g. "PurDUe" and "purdue" are different. You mustn't provide us with your Purdue Career Account password or any password you have previously used anywhere else!
Purdue IT will receive your request, set up your account(s), and enter the specific "userphrases" you requested. Keep each "userphrase" in your records; you may need to send it to colleagues as noted below.
2. Place your files on the FTP server
Unlike sending files as e-mail attachments to a colleague (in which you send an e-mail and your colleague passively receives it), using FTP requires both you and your colleague to take action: First, you will upload or copy the files to the FTP server. Then, your colleague will connect to and download the files from the FTP server.
After Purdue IT has created your FTP account, connect to the FTP server to upload the files that you need to make available to your colleagues.
If you requested a "private FTP account," after connecting, you'll see a subdirectory named "private". Copy files there that need to remain password-protected. Any files not placed in the "private" directory will be publicly accessible to any Internet user.
Windows: Windows-based PC users may map a network drive. In step #4 of the linked instructions, specify the following (changing "username", shown below in italics, to your actual Purdue username):
\\ftp.ecn.purdue.edu\username
Mac: In the Finder, connect to the following server (changing "username", shown below in italics, to your actual Purdue username):
smb://ftp.ecn.purdue.edu/username
Unix shell: If you connect via secure shell to an Engineering server (e.g. dynamo, pier, shay, etc.), you may copy files to the following directory (changing "username", shown below in italics, to your actual Purdue username):
/ftp/username
3. How to request that your "userphrase" be changed
Please contact us if you need your FTP download or upload "userphrase" to be changed. The Purdue IT staff will receive and reply to your inquiry.
(Note for Purdue IT User & Desktop Services and/or site staff: create a TDX task Linux.)