Using FileZilla with AvaHost: A Guide to Secure File Transfers

FileZilla is a powerful, open-source FTP client that simplifies transferring files between your local computer and an AvaHost server. Whether you’re managing a website, uploading backups, or handling data, FileZilla’s support for FTP, FTPS, and SFTP makes it ideal for AvaHost’s VPS or shared hosting plans. This guide walks you through downloading, installing, and using FileZilla with AvaHost, with practical examples to ensure secure and efficient file management.

Prerequisites

  • AvaHost shared hosting or VPS with FTP/SFTP credentials (available via cPanel or AvaHost’s control panel).

  • A computer with Windows, macOS, or Linux.

  • Basic knowledge of FTP and AvaHost’s cPanel.

  • A registered domain (e.g., yourdomain.com).

What is FileZilla?

FileZilla is an open source FTP client that allows users to upload, download and manage files on remote servers. It supports FTP, FTPS (FTP Secure) and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol), making it a versatile tool for webmasters, developers and system administrators.

Key features of FileZilla:
✅ Easy to use interface
✅ Support for FTP, FTPS and SFTP
✅ Drag and drop functionality
✅ Site manager to store FTP login data
✅ Support resumption and file transfer queue
✅ Support large files (more than 4GB)

Download and install FileZilla

Step 1: Download FileZilla

  1. Visit the official website of FileZilla.
  2. Click on the “Download FileZilla client” button (not the server version).
  3. Choose the version that suits your operating system (Windows, macOS or Linux).

Step 2: Install FileZilla

  1. Open the downloaded file and run the installer.
  2. Follow the installation steps, selecting the default settings unless you have a specific preference.
  3. Once installed, launch FileZilla.

Understanding the FileZilla interface

When you open FileZilla, you will see a user-friendly interface divided into several sections:

  • Toolbar: Contains shortcut buttons for key functions.
  • Quick Connect panel: Allows you to enter your FTP credentials and connect quickly.
  • Local Site Panel (left): Displays files and folders on the local computer.
  • Remote Site Panel (right): Displays files and folders on the remote server.
  • Transfer Queue (bottom): Displays active, queued, and failed file transfers.

Connecting to the server using FileZilla

There are two ways to connect to an FTP server in FileZilla:

Method 1: Quick Connection (one-time connection)

  1. Open FileZilla.
  2. At the Quickconnect prompt, type:
    • Host: the FTP address of your server (for example, ftp.yourdomain.com).
    • Username: The username of your FTP account.
    • Password: Your FTP password.
    • Port: Enter 21 for FTP, 22 for SFTP, or 990 for FTPS.
  3. Click Quickconnect to establish the connection.

Method 2: Using Site Manager (for saved connections)

  1. Click File > Site Manager or press CTRL S.
  2. Click New Site and enter the following information:
    • Protocol: Select FTP, SFTP, or FTPS.
    • Host: Enter the address of your FTP server.
    • Port: Use the appropriate port.
    • Login Type: Select Normal and enter your FTP credentials.
  3. Click Connect to save and connect to the server.

Uploading and downloading files using FileZilla

Upload files to the server

  1. Connect to your FTP server.
  2. In the local site panel, navigate to the file/folder you want to upload.
  3. Drag and drop the file into the remote site panel (in the desired directory).
  4. The file transfer will begin and you can monitor its progress in the transfer queue.

Uploading files from a server

  1. Connect to the server.
  2. On the remote site panel, find the file you want to upload.
  3. Drag it to the local site panel or to the desired folder on your computer.
  4. The file will be uploaded and its status will be displayed in the queue.

Managing files and folders in FileZilla

Creating a new folder

  • Right-click on the remote site panel and select Create Directory.
  • Type a name for the folder and press Enter.

Renaming or deleting files

  • Rename: Right-click on the file and select Rename.
  • Delete: Right-click on the file and select Delete.

Changing file permissions

  1. Right-click a file or folder.
  2. Click File Permissions.
  3. Configure a numeric value (for example, 755 for directories, 644 for files).

Using FileZilla for secure data transfer (FTPS and SFTP)

FTPS (Secure FTP)

FTPS encrypts your FTP connection, making it more secure for transferring sensitive data.
To connect using FTPS:

  • Select FTPS as the protocol in Site Manager.
  • Use port 990 or refer to your server’s documentation.

SFTP (SSH file transfer protocol)

SFTP is a more secure alternative that uses SSH encryption.
To use SFTP:

  • Select SFTP in Site Manager.
  • Use port 22.
  • If required, use an SSH key for authentication instead of a password.

Conclusion

FileZilla is a versatile, user-friendly tool for managing files on AvaHost’s servers, supporting FTP, FTPS, and SFTP for secure transfers. From uploading WordPress files to downloading backups, this guide’s steps, like setting up SFTP or adjusting permissions, make file management seamless. AvaHost’s LiteSpeed Hosting and cPanel integration enhance FileZilla’s efficiency.