Setting Up WinSCP for LIS 458

WinSCP is a free, beginner-friendly Windows FTP client. Its "Explorer" mode makes uploading feel just like copying files in Windows.

01_download_and_install

Step 1: Download and Install WinSCP

  1. Go to winscp.net and click Download WinSCP.
  2. Choose the Installation package (recommended over the portable version).
  3. Run the installer. When asked to choose an interface style, select Explorer — this gives you a single-window view that works just like your normal Windows folders.
  4. Click through the remaining steps and finish the installation.
02_new_site

Step 2: Create a New Site

When WinSCP opens, the Login dialog appears automatically. This is where you save your connection so you don't have to retype it each time.

  1. File protocol: Leave it on FTP (or change to SFTP if your professor specified it).
  2. Host name: Enter the server address provided by your professor.
  3. Port number: 21 for FTP, 22 for SFTP.
  4. User name & Password: Enter the credentials provided by your professor.
  5. Click Save to store the site, then click Login.
03_explorer_mode

Step 3: Navigating in Explorer Mode

Explorer mode shows the server files in a single window — just like browsing your own computer. The left panel is a folder tree and the right panel shows the files in the current server folder.

Since your account is restricted to public_html, you should land there automatically. If not, look for a public_html folder and double-click into it.

04_uploading

Step 4: Uploading Your Files

WinSCP works just like Windows Explorer, so uploading is familiar:

  1. Open your project folder in a normal Windows Explorer window alongside WinSCP.
  2. Select your index.html and all your folders (css, images, etc.).
  3. Drag and drop them into the WinSCP window. A confirmation dialog will appear — click OK or Copy.
  4. Watch the progress bar. When it disappears, your files are live.

You can also right-click files in your Windows Explorer window and choose Upload if WinSCP is open and connected.

05_check_your_work

How to Check Your Work

Open a browser and go to your subdomain:

http://firstinitial-lastname.lis458.com

If your site appears, you're done! If you see a file listing instead of your page, make sure your main file is named index.html (all lowercase) and not Index.html or home.html.

06_tips

Pro Tips for WinSCP

  • Overwrite prompts: If asked "File already exists — overwrite?", always choose Yes (or Yes to All) to replace the old version with your updated files.
  • Keep Sessions: WinSCP saves your login as a "site" so you can reconnect in one click next time you open the program.
  • Quick edit: Right-click any file on the server and choose Edit to open it in Notepad. When you save, WinSCP automatically uploads the change.