FileZilla

FileZilla is an open-source FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client that allows users to upload and download files to and from FTP servers. It supports various file transfer protocols, including FTP, FTPS (FTP Secure), and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol). When you set up FileZilla, the default remote directory will be incorrect and you’ll need to set up the correct one. This page will guide you through how to set up SFTP and set up a default remote directory in FileZilla.

Set up SFTP in FileZilla

The following steps will guide you through how to set up SFTP in FileZilla. Since SFTP relies on SSH keys for authentication, you must set up SSH keys before following these steps.

1. Install FileZilla from FileZilla’s website.

   stylus_note

   • FileZilla may ask you if you want to install McAfee, which is likely unnecessary. However, if you don’t have an antivirus already, consider installing McAfee.
   • The FileZilla installer executable can sometimes be marked as a virus, but it is not.

2. Open FileZilla.

3. From the top menu, click the Site Manager icon. The Site Manager window appears.

   

4. In the Site Manager window, click New site. A new site appears below My Sites.

   

5. Type an appropriate file name for the new site.

6. Fill in the fields with the following information:

   • Protocol: SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol
   • Host: unity.rc.umass.edu
   • Logon Type: Key file
   • User: your email but replace the @ symbol and . with _. For example, netid@umass.edu is replaced with netid_umass_edu.
   • Key File: /PATH/TO/YOUR/KEYFILE. FileZilla can use either an .rsa or a .ppk private key, but the Browse... button only shows .ppk files. To use an .rsa key, you have to type in the path to the key file by hand.

   

   The information for your new site saves automatically.

Set up default remote directory in Filezilla

This section is not optional. When you set up FileZilla, the default remote directory will be incorrect. This section will show you how to change the default remote directory to the correct directory. If you still have the Site Manager open, skip to step 4.

1. Open FileZilla.

2. From the top menu, click the Site Manager icon. The Site Manager window appears.

   

3. Click the site you created in the left panel.

4. Click the Advanced Tab.

5. Click into the Default remote directory.

6. Open Unity. Find the line that starts with /work/your_pi_group where your_pi_group is replaced with your PI group’s working directory.

7. Use the command cd /work/your_pi_group and ensure that the directory matches with the directory in step 9.

8. Use the command cd <your_subdirectory>. If you do not know the name of your subdirectory, contact your PI group for more information. Alternatively, use the command ls your_pi_group. A list of contents is displayed, find your subdirectory in the list of contents and use the command cd <your_subdirectory>.

9. Use the command pwd. Your current working directory is displayed.

10. Copy the working directory. In FileZilla, paste the directory into Default remote directory.

11. To open an explorer on the Unity Filesystem and drag/drop your files across the two panels, click Connect. Once properly connected, FileZilla shows a successful status note, and your two local and remote site panels appear.

    

12. In the local directory panel on the left, select the files you want to upload to the remote server. Once you’ve selected the files, drag them from the local directory panel to the remote directory panel. Alternatively, right-click on the selected files and choose Upload from the context menu.