Instructions for Using FileZilla Client


  1. Download and install Filezilla Client (not Filezilla Server).
  2. Launch the application. At the top of the screen you will see boxes to enter a Host, Username, and Password. Enter the following information:

    Host: ssh.csun.edu (you can also use ftp.csun.edu or csun1.csun.edu)
    Username and Password: the same ones you use for the CSUN Portal

You should not need to enter a Port number, but, if there is a problem, you may need to do so. Call the University’s Technology Help Desk to have them walk you through the process.

  1. Click Quick Connect.

You should get a bunch of “Command” and “Response” messages, ending in “Directory Listing Successful”. If you get an error message, check whether (a) you have entered the information correctly and (b) you have internet access. If both of those check out, call the University’s Technology Help Desk for help.

Once you have connected, you will see a directory listing on the left side of the screen labelled Local site. This is the contents of the hard disk on your computer. On the right, the screen will be labelled Remote site. This is the contents of your account on the server.

  1. Double-click on the folder with your account username. It should be empty, unless you have previously placed files there. Right-click (Macintosh control-click) on the place where it says Empty directory listing below the directory structure. Select Create Directory from the pop-up menu. You will be prompted to give the directory a name, and Filezilla will probably supply the path to your account. Change New Folder to public_html. You have now created your web directory. Double-click on it to open it.
  2. On the Local site side of the screen, navigate to the file on your hard disk which you wish to transfer to the server. When you find it, drag it into your public_html folder. That’s it. You’re done!
  3. To disconnect from the server, click the small computer with the red X through it at the top of the screen.

Notes:

  1. If you wish to delete or rename a file, right-click (Macintosh control-click) on it, and the pop-up menu will give you these options.
  2. If you make changes to your html file, you must upload it to the server again, or the changes will not appear over the internet. To do this, just drag the changed file into your public_html folder. You will be asked if you want to replace the old file with the new one. Say yes.