What is FTP?

FTP Is the File Trasfer Protocol. It is the most common way to get files from your computer to your hosting provider.

How do I access my acount via FTP?

Bitstream Networks provides FTP access via our FTP server at ftp.bitstreamnetworks.com. You can also access FTP via your own domain name.

I've heard that FTP isn't safe, is this true?

Unfortunetley yes. However Bitstream Networks offers several safer alternatives to traditional FTP. The scp, and sftp services are available, aswell as secure FTP server (FTPS) that encrypts all incoming and outgoing data. We strongly encourage our customers to use these services over traditional FTP.

Why offer FTP support at all?

Many website management packages cannot speak to secure ftp services; if we were to disable traditional FTP it would inconvience our customers.

Can I use secure FTP even if my software doesn't support it.

Yes. You can 'tunnel' your software's communication through a program such as ssh or stunnel on your machine. Please see our security faq. (coming soon)