Use SFTP

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What is SFTP?

SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is an encrypted file transfer method used to move files between your local computer and a file server.

When you are logged into a Lab computer, files that you save onto the hard drive will not remain after you log off of that machine. SFTP is especially helpful in storing files if you do not have a disk with you on which to save them. Once your files are stored using SFTP, you may later retrieve them to use on another computer.

The Student microcomputer Labs offer SFTP access to your home directory space through any computer in the Labs.

About Your Home Directory

As a student of the University of Texas at Dallas, you are allotted 50 megabytes of storage space in your home directory. Your home directory is already full of many different types of file and folders. Included are your web folders, storage data, and many personal preferences.

Files stored in you home directory’s public_html folder are later accessible using a web browser such as Internet Explorer from www.utdallas.edu/~netid, where netid is your university NetID. (You must set the proper file permissions to view the files online. Use Windows to assign security privileges or see How to Set Up Your Webpage.

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SFTP on Windows

These are the instructions for using SFTP to move files between your local computer and a file server on Windows. The Windows computers located in the Labs offer SFTP through a program named WinSCP.

1. If you do not already have access to WinSCP, you can download it at www.winscp.com. After downloading the program, follow the installation instructions and proceed to the next step.
   
   
2. Click on the Start menu, select All Programs, select WinSCP, and open the WinSCP program.
   
   
   
   
3. From here, WinSCP will open up.

   Under Host name, type in apache.utdallas.edu. Enter your NetID in the User name field. Enter your password in the Password field. After entering your information, click Login to proceed.
   
   
   
   

4. Select Yes and Continue when prompted at the two authentication windows.

5. Note: Once you login, you will notice there are two columns. The left-most column is a visual directory of your local computer arranged in a hierarchal layout. This includes the computer’s hard drive, files and directories located therein, and disk drives.
   The right-most column displays the current contents of your home directory.
   
   WinSCP is "drag-and-drop" enabled, so you can easily move files back and forth from the computer and your home directory by dragging the file and dropping it where you want it to go.
   

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SFTP on Mac

These are the instructions for using SFTP to move files between your local computer and a file server on Macintosh. The Macintosh computers located in the Labs offer SFTP through a program named Fugu.

1. If you do not already have access to Fugu, you can download it at http://rsug.itd.umich.edu/software/fugu. After downloading the program, follow the installation instructions and proceed to the next step.
   
   
2. Select Fugu from the dock on the desktop (the black & white blowfish) .
   
   
   
   
3. From here, Fugu will open up.

   Beside Connect to, type in apache.utdallas.edu. Enter your NetID in the Username field. After entering the information, click Connect to proceed.
   
   

4. Select Continue when prompted at the authentication window.
   
   
   
   

5. Enter your password in the Password field. After entering your password, click Authenticate to proceed.
   
   
   
   
Note: Once you login, you will notice there are two columns. The left-most column is a visual directory of your local computer arranged in a hierarchal layout. This includes the computer’s hard drive, files and directories located therein, and disk drives.
The right-most column displays the current contents of your home directory.

Fugu is "drag-and-drop" enabled, so you can easily move files back and forth from the computer and your home directory by dragging the file and dropping it where you want it to go.

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SFTP on Unix

Using SFTP from any UNIX machine requires usage of the Terminal. It is assumed that you are familiar with basic UNIX commands.

To access your home directory using Terminal:

1. From Linux: Right-click on the desktop, select XShell >> Terminal.
   From Solaris: Right-click on the desktop, select Tools >> Terminal.
   
   
2. Enter sftp apache.utdallas.edu.
   
   
3. A few helpful UNIX commands in use with SFTP are:
   

   pwd cd [directory] Is

   displays current directory path changes current directory to [directory] lists items in current directory

   
   

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