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SFTP File Transfer

SFTP is a protocol that allows one to transfer files between a local computer and a remote server. This tutorial will cover the use of the SFTP application.

IMPORTANT UPDATE:
As of August 6, 2008 server changes will require you to follow these steps to allow a connection to your course website on ic.ucsc.edu. Your past application usage will retain obsolete Remote Host Access key information preventing a connection to ic.ucsc.edu. Follow these steps to change the host key.

Note: If you are connecting for the first time, you may proceed to step one of the original tutorial.
  1. Launch SFTP and go to Edit > Settings.

    SFTP Menu

  2. Expand Global Settings > Expand Server Authentication. Click on Host Keys.
  3. Find and select entries for www.ic.ucsc.edu and/or ic.ucsc.edu. Delete them and close the menu.

    Finding host keys

  4. Connect to the host again and a dialog box will pop up and ask if you want to accept the new host key. Click Yes.
You will now be able to connect normally.

If you should have any questions or need guidance, feel free to contact the FITC staff for help at (831) 459-5506.

Table of Contents
  • Step 1 - Launching the SFTP Application
  • Step 2 - Connecting to the IC Web Server
  • Step 3 - Opening the File Transfer Interface
  • Step 4 - Transferring Files
  • File Permissions - How to Change Group Permissions

Step 1 - Launching the SFTP Application

  • Click Start > Internet Tools > Secure File Transfer - SFTP.
  • The image to the right should help you find the SFTP application in most IC labs. Please ask an IC consultant if you are having trouble finding the SFTP program

Graphic for Step 1


Step 2 - Connecting to the IC Web Server

  • Once you start the SFTP application, a window, as shown in the image to the right, will open.
  • In the Host Name field, input ic.ucsc.edu.

Graphic for Step 2

  • In the User Name field, enter your ITS account ID (ucsc.edu cruzmail login) without the "@ucsc.edu".
  • Click on Connect, and a new dialogue window will open. Click Yes.
  • A small window now will open prompting for your ITS account password. Enter your password, and then click OK.
  • All campus servers use your ITS account to login (UCSC e-mail account login). If you do not have an ITS account, you can get one using the ITS Account Request Page.

Step 3 - Opening the File Transfer Interface

  • Click on the New File Transfer Window button as shown in the image to the right.
  • Alternatively, you may click on the menu item: Window > New File Transfer.

Graphic for Step 3


Step 4 - Transferring Files

    Note: By default, SFTP will upload files without group permissions for your privacy. If you want to change the file permissions so that the files you transfer have group permissions, click here and follow the steps before transferring files.

  • A new window will open, showing two panes.

    The left side is the file view for your local computer. The right side shows files on the IC web server. You will be automatically directed to your own IC web account folder.

File Transfer Window

  • Double click on public_html.

    Files placed inside this folder will be accessible on the web via the link http://ic.ucsc.edu/~your-username/.

  • You may click, drag, and drop files from the left side to the right side, and vice versa. This will instantly transfer files from your computer to the IC web server, and vice versa.

How to Change Group Permissions

  • Go to Edit > Settings


  • On the left side, go to Global Settings > File Transfer > Advanced. Under Default File Permissions, enter 775. Then click OK. You may now transfer files with group permissions.


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USCS Faculty Instructional Technology Center
2006-2008
Last updated 9/10/2008