Contents - Index

Getting Started


To get the best out of RS FTP just follow the simple steps outlined below:

1. Set up your Proxy or Firewall Configuration.

If you are on a corporate LAN then you will probably be connecting, to the Internet, though a Firewall.  In this case you need to ask your Network, or System, Administrator for details about the Firewall.  If the Firewall is not transparent then you will need to select Via Firewall and enter the host name and port into the Proxy Host and Proxy Port boxes in the Proxy and Firewall Settings window.  If you need an account to access the Firewall then you will also need to enter the relevant User Name and Password into the Firewall settings section of the  Proxy and Firewall Settings window.  Many Firewalls disallow connection attempts from external sites, is this instance you will also need to check the Use Passive Mode box.  

Note: Even a transparent Firewall, i.e. one that doesn't need the host or port details entering, may need to have the Use Passive Mode box checked. If in doubt, check this box.

If you connect, to the Internet, through an ISP then you may need to select Via Proxy.  Check first with you ISP to see whether or not they use a Transparent Proxy.  If this is the case then you can safely use the Direct Connection option in the Proxy and Firewall Settings window.  If the Proxy is non-transparent then you will need to select the Via Proxy option in the Proxy and Firewall Settings window and enter the required host name and port into the Proxy Host and Proxy Port boxes.

If you have a direct connection to the Internet then just select the Direct Connection option in the Proxy and Firewall Settings window.

2. Connect to your FTP Site.

Connecting to a site is as simple as clicking on the connect button on the toolbar.  This will display the Connect Window into which you need to type the Name of the Remote Host along with your User Name and Password.  Since RS FTP can auto-detect every type of site with which it can operate, the Host Type selection may be safely left at Autodetect.

Most sites use a FTP Port number of 21 for FTP connections.  Unless you are sure that the site uses something different, do not change this value.

If you want to log on to the Remote Host as an Anonymous User then check the Anonymous box.  This will then use the Anonymous Settings for the User Name and Password.

If you connect to the Internet via a Proxy or Firewall of any type, and the Remote Host is not on your local area network, then check the Use Proxy box.

Once you are able to successfully connect to a Remote Host then you may want to consider adding entries into the RS FTP Address Book.  This will save typing in the Remote Host details every time that you want to connect to it.

3. Transfer your files.

Once a connection has been established then file transfers may take place.  Files may be transferred simply by dragging and dropping them between the Local and Remote File Windows.  Read the section on Uploading or Downloading for more details.


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