Helpdesk

In addition to its primary function as an ssh terminal (ie command line) program, ssh.com's Secure Shell also provides built-in file transfer features that allow you to move files to and from our Unix-based servers. The following describes how to do so. However, please note that installation and configuration of the software is presumed and not covered here. If you haven't already installed and configured the software, please see our other HOWTO for details first.

There are two ways to begin a file transfer, depending on whether you are already connected to the server in question via terminal, or whether you are only doing a file transfer.

Starting a transfer during a terminal session

If you are already logged into the server, simply go to the Window menu and select New File Transfer.

A new window will appear with two panes. The left pane represents your local file system and the right pane represents the remote side (the server).

Starting a transfer outside of a terminal session

You can also transfer files without having to initiate a terminal connection at all by launching the the file transfer program directly. Typically, this is found under Start->Programs->SSH Secure Shell->Secure File Transfer Client.

Once you've launched the file transfer client, you will need to connect to the server. Go to the Profiles submenu and select the profile for the setting to which you wish to connect (see our HOWTO on setting up ssh.com Secure Shell for details).

Once you've connected, you will be presented with a two pane window as described above: the left pane is your local file system and the right pane is the server.

Transferring files

There are a few ways to transfer files. If you navigate the filesystems using the panes, you can right-click on a file and select Upload or Download from the context menu, depending on whether you are right-clicking in the local pane or the remote pane.

When using this method, please be mindful of the location of the target pane, otherwise, you may have difficulty finding your file.

Another way to transfer files is to drag-and-drop it. If you drag a file from the server pane to your Windows desktop or another folder, it'll transfer it to that location. Conversely, you can drag Windows files to the server pane to upload. The pane at the bottom of the window displays a list of the files you have transferred during your session. This is useful for checking on the status of an ongoing transfer and also for keeping track of what you have already transferred.