Web Hosts supplying Web Based File Manager
Just about every web host will supply a web based file manager. This is an alternative to using FTP programs and is generally aimed at newbies or people not familiar with FTP software. All hosts with Cpanel and other popular control panels will allow users to use some type of web-based file manager although the exact software and interface will differ between control panels and hosts.
A web based file manager allows you to directly upload files and pages to your website from a web interface. You simply log into your control panel account, click the File Manager icon and proceed from there. The interface is usually very straightforward but all software will come with instructions.
In cPanel you will have a Current Directory listing at the top of the file manager. This is the path or folder you are currently viewing in the hosting account. From here you can delete, edit, view and upload files. You may also view file sizes and view directory structures. Other functions include the ability to quickly rename directories and files and setting file permissions (CHMOD).
The four columns in the file manager are type, file, size and mode. Type refers to whether it's a directory, file, image etc. File refers to the name of the file, size simply shows the file size and mode refers to file permissions.
The very top of the table will show three functions. These are to upload files, create a new file and create a new folder.
Another Web Based File Manager
The Plesk control panel file manager is another web based file manager. It features such things as an optional professional website editor, WYSIWYG HTML viewer and a graphical file editor which contains upload and download functions.
You will be able to access the web based file manager in the control panel of your hosting account. You can access this by following instructions from your web host. Cpanel users will simply have to type in their domain name followed by /cpanel on the URL. You will then be presented with a login box into which you type your username and password.
Once you are logged into Cpanel simply click the File Manager icon to access the web based file manager.