How To Download And Set Up an FTP Program

There are a number of things about designing and building your own website which cause confusion and uncertainty to those who are new to this activity. FTP, which stands for File Transfer Protocol, is one of those things that always seems to confuse and intimidate people who are new to website design. Part of this confusion is probably because the full name ‘File Transfer Protocol’ seems to shed no light on understanding what it is, what it does, or what it is used for. In this article I shall attempt to shine a light on this mysterious creature and take the reader through the process of downloading and installing a free and popular program to make FTP available to them.

First, to shed some light on the name ‘FTP’, or File Transfer Protocol’: the word ‘Protocol’ is used in it’s usual everyday sense that it is a set of rules or guidelines by which something is done. So, simply put, a File Transfer Protocol is a set of rules or guidelines by which files can be transferred from one computer to another over the internet or a network. This sometimes doesn’t make any sense to people who don’t understand computers because they don’t realize that many different computers use many different codes. If you have a file on one kind of computer and you want to use it on another kind of computer then without a set of guidelines, or a ‘protocol’, to ‘translate’ the file from one computer to another it would not be possible. FTP is a form of code which helps you when you move a file from one computer to another. Think of FTP as a ‘translator’ or ‘interpreter’ working in the United Nations so that all the different countries can talk to each other and settle their differences.

And that’s it: simple isn’t it? Often people don’t believe it is quite as simple as that but it is. There is nothing else to understand about FTP unless you are about to start programming, which you’re not.

The other thing that helps to make FTP appear confusing and complex is the fact that you often use a program to do it: These are called ‘FTP Clients’. FTP Clients manage the ‘translation’ from one computer to another and will allow you to upload files, which is to send files to the server; or download files, which is to get files from the server. They will also allow you to make changes to files on the server. FTP and the FTP Client are essential ingredients of a web designer, or website owner’s toolkit. There are very many different designs of FTP Clients, many are free and many will cost money to buy. Many operating systems have an FTP client integrated within them and browsers such as Firefox have an FTP client which can be installed and used as part of the browser. You will need to have an account with a web host before using an FTP Client, but so long as you do have a web hosting account then you can use an FTP Client to transfer your site and all your files to the web host, and back again.

One of the most popular free FTP Clients is ‘FileZilla’; it is easy to download and use and, if you are using Windows XP, then I can take you through the steps – although I doubt they are very different if you are using another operating system. I am using Firefox 2, and so if you are using any other browser there may be some slight differences, but nothing major:

The simplest way to download Filezilla is to go to the Google search page and type ‘download.com filezilla’ into the search field and the very top result will be for Filezilla at the download.com website. Click on the link and you will see the name of Filezilla with a big blue link below it saying ‘download now’. Click that and a small window will appear with a button saying ‘save file’ – click to save the file and you will download the software automatically. It will take a few seconds to download.

Now look for the new icon on your desktop; it will be called ‘Filezilla set up’ or something similar. Double click the icon. The first thing you will see is a small window asking you to select your language, make sure it says English (or whatever your preferred language is) then click the ‘ok’ button. A license agreement window will appear; click ‘next’. The next page will ask you to ‘choose components’ – ion most cases the defaults are perfectly ok for most installations so I suggest you agree with the selection and click ‘next’. You will now be asked where you want to install the software, in most cases the default location is your program folder, which is fine; if you want to install it elsewhere then type the location in here, otherwise just click ‘next’. You will now be asked to choose a start menu folder, again, the default will be fine, click ‘next’. You will now be asked to decide on some general settings, if you are using a shared computer then select ‘use secure mode’ otherwise leave all settings as they are and click ‘Install’. The software will now be installed onto your computer; this will only take a few seconds and then you will be asked to close the window – click ‘close’.

You will now have a new icon on your desktop, coloured maroon and blue with a big ‘FZ’ on it and called ‘Filezilla’. You can put the original download file into your recycle bin and delete. Double click the new icon to start your FTP Client.

To use the FTP Client to transfer files between your computer and your web host you will first have to set it up. After double clicking to start up the FTP Client, click on the ‘File’ menu and select ‘Site Manager’. A new window will appear, find the button which says ‘new site’ and click it. A folder will appear in the main area of the window, type the name of your site into the new folder which appears.

Get your login details for your web host, because you’ll need them now. Under ‘Host’ type in the FTP address of your website; this will be a website address beginning with ‘ftp’ in a format such as: ftp.siteforge.net or else it will be a number series in a format such as: 88.88.888.88 – either will do. If the boxes below are greyed out then your site manager is set to anonymous login. To input your login details deselect ‘anonymous’ and select ‘normal’ for Logon and input your username and password for accessing your web host. You can now click ‘connect’ and your FTP Client will connect to your web host and you can upload or download files for your site.

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How to Make Your Own Compost

Compost is nature’s finest fertilizer and you can start your own compost pile easily in the backyard. By making your own compost, you’ll be taking care of your plants while properly disposing of household and backyard waste. If you’re ready to start your own compost pile and need composting tips, here’s enough to get you started.

Make a Compost Area

You must make your compost in a certain area, so section off a plot of land that is three feet square. You can make your compost heap larger, but smaller may prove tricky. Build a simple box if you’d like or you can purchase a compost box from your neighborhood gardening center.

Give Compost a Good Start

The best way to start a compost pile is by using someone else’s compost. Look for compost donations from neighbors or friends and make a small pile. You can also buy compost if you’d like. Make a small pile with your new compost and then you’re ready to start adding your own ingredients.

Adding Compost

Adding to the compost pile is simple. You’ll want to add twenty brown items for every green. The green items, such as fresh leaves, are wetter than dead, or brown, leaves. You’ll want to limit the amount of wet on your pile. Add a variety of items to your compost pile to avoid burying it with too many leaves and their carbon or making your compost too acidic with pine needles.

You can add both of those things in large amounts, but be sure your amounts are balanced. You can also add fresh manure from pets in the yard, but you would do well to let the manure age first as it may burn plants if used too soon as it is so rich while fresh. Go ahead and add household trash as well including shredded paper, eggshells, and food remains from plants, but not meats or fats.

Using Compost

Soon your compost pile will be a beautiful collection of leaves, pine needles, weeds, grass clippings, orange peels, old vegetables and more. Stir it once and a while to let it oxygenate, and then pull the richest compost from the bottom and middle to use on your garden and plants. Your plants will be thriving in no time.

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How to Use Walnuts

Walnuts add a great deal of flavor and appeal to many food items. They have many nutritional benefits including Omega 3 fatty acids, protein and antioxidants. If you’d like to take advantage of these delicious and nutritious nuts, here is how to use walnuts.

Shelling Walnuts

If you have purchased or collected walnuts that are still in the shell, you are in for a fun afternoon of cracking and peeling. This can actually be fun, especially with kids. Invest in a nutcracker, get a comfortable seat outside or by the trash can and get started. Crack each walnut and open it. There are two halves of meat inside. Try and extract each side of the meat in a single piece leaving behind any skin or shell fragments. You may need a pick to be able to get under the meat and pull it out.

Serving Whole Walnuts

You can serve whole walnuts as a snack as they are, or with extra flair. You can roast walnuts at 160-170 degrees and then sprinkle lightly with sugar or salt for a nice treat.

Crushing Walnuts

Most recipes call for crushed walnuts. Fortunately, walnuts are soft, so they are easy to crush. Put your whole walnuts inside a study plastic bag. Use a kitchen mallet or spoon to beat the walnuts gently. You can also use a rolling pin to break them down. A food processor or special grinder can do the job easily as well.

Crushed walnuts can be added to many different recipes to add additional flavor and as a garnish. Here are suggestions of how to use walnuts in recipes:

• Sprinkle crushed walnuts on the top and sides of a chocolate cake.
• Sprinkle crushed walnuts into pancake or muffin batter.
• Stir crushed walnuts into yogurt
• Sprinkle crushed or whole walnuts into a salad.
• Add crushed walnuts to dressings and stuffing.
• Include walnuts in a trail mix.

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How to Make Salsa

Salsa is a delicious condiment that can range from mild in flavor to very spicy. It is wonderful on many kinds of foods, or is yummy by itself with chips. Preparing your own salsa requires either a food processor or a set of very sharp instruments, such as ginsu knives, as there is a great deal of fine chopping involved. Be sure your arm and cutting board are ready before you make your own salsa.

Arrange the Ingredients

To make salsa, you’ll need the following:

• 2 cans of crushed or diced tomatoes
• 2 yellow onions
• Jalapeno peppers if desired
• 3 cloves fresh garlic
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper

Prepare the Ingredients

Remove the outer skin of the onions and finely chop the two. Chop the Jalapeno peppers as well. To reduce heat, remove seeds from the peppers and rinse the meat to remove the hot oils. Then chop finely. Chop the garlic cloves as well.

Combine the Ingredients

Open the tomatoes and pour into a mixing bowl. Stir in all other ingredients adding Italian seasoning and salt & pepper to taste. Stir well until thoroughly mixed. Store the salsa in the refrigerator covered.

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How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge

There is nothing more delicious than the smooth taste of fudge melting on your tongue – unless it’s the even smoother taste of peanut butter fudge melting on your tongue. To make peanut butter fudge, you’ll need the following:

• 2 Cups of Sugar
• 2/3 cup of Whole Milk
• 1 Cup Marshmallow Cream
• 1 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil until a drop of the resulting syrup forms a soft ball in chilled water. (Or you can just use a candy thermometer – it should be about 236 degrees.)

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Remove the pan from the stove and stir in the marshmallow cream, peanut butter and vanilla. Stir well to be sure all ingredients are blended smoothly.

Grease an 8×8 inch pan, and then pour in the fudge mixture. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least three hours to allow the fudge to chill properly. You may want to cover the fudge and leave it overnight.

When it is chilled and set, cut the fudge into squares, serve and enjoy!

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How to Make a Kiwifruit Sorbet

On warm summer days, cool treats beckon. And what better treat to enjoy on a hot day than the tropical flavor of kiwifruit in a homemade sorbet? Want to make your own kiwifruit sorbet? Here’s how:

Assemble the Ingredients

To make a kiwifruit sorbet, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• ½ cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 4 kiwifruits peeled and cut into quarters
• 1/3 cup lime juice
• ½ teaspoon lime zest

Create the Sorbet

In a heavy saucepan, combine the water, sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a gentle boil or simmer and stir until the mixture is clear and the sugar is melted (about two minutes.) Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool.

In a food processor, combine the kiwifruit and lime juice. Puree the fruit and juice together.

Pour the pureed fruit into a bowl and add the sugar mixture and lime zest. Stir until all ingredients are smoothly blended.

Pour the completed mixture into a shallow metal pan and place the pan into the freezer. Leave the pan uncovered in the freezer until the sorbet is firm, but not hard.

Remove the pan from the freezer and scoop the sorbet into a chilled bowl. Whip the mixture with an electric mixer until it is light and fluffy.

Then place the bowl back into the freezer for two hours until the sorbet is cold enough to serve.

Serve the sorbet in fun ice cream cups with a bit of lime or kiwifruit for a garnish.

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How to Make Gelato Ice Cream

If you’ve traveled to Italy, you’ve likely stared in wonder at the many flavors of ice cream in Gelato display cases. If you can’t get back to Italy any time soon, but are craving the sweet taste of gelato ice cream, why not make your own? Here’s how to do it.

Assemble Your Ingredients and Gear

To make gelato, you’ll first need an ice cream machine if you don’t have a specialized gelato maker. The rest of the instructions assume you are working with a traditional ice cream maker.

• 2 Cups Whole Milk
• 1 Cup Sugar
• ¼ Cup Fat-free Powdered Milk
• 8 Egg Yolks
• 1 Cup Light Cream (Half and Half will do)
• 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
• Chocolate Syrup (The richer the better)
• One Ice Cream Maker
• 2 Cups of Table Salt
• 1 Large Pot
• 1 Spatula
• 8 or more cups of ice

Heat Dairy Products

In a heavy bottomed pot, begin by heating the milk, sugar and powdered milk. Bring the mixture to a low simmer to dissolve the sugar then reduce the heat to keep the mixture warm.

Prepare the Egg Yolks

Whip the egg yolks by hand or with a mixer until thickened. Then, add one cup of the heated milk mixture while continuing to whisk. When the eggs and milk are blended, pour the contents of your mixing bowl back into the pot.

Simmer

Increase the heat under the pot and continue to simmer the mixture until it is thickened like gravy. You’ll need to stir constantly. When the mixture is thick and has reached a temperature of 170-180 degrees Fahrenheit, stir in the light cream and vanilla.

Refrigerate

Remove the mixture from the heat and refrigerate overnight or even 48 hours. At the minimum, refrigerate the mixture for 6 hours.

Freeze!

When it’s almost time to enjoy the dessert, add a generous amount of chocolate syrup and mix the chocolate in smoothly. Then pour the mixture into the freezing canister of the ice cream maker.

Layer ice and salt around the canister until the canister is completely surrounded by one inch layers of ice separated by ¼ cup of salt. Turn on the machine and let it freeze the ice cream. You’ll know it’s done when the machine strains to turn the mixture. Then, serve it and enjoy!

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How to Make Homemade Banana Pudding

If you are ever in need of a special desert that is rich with flavor and unique, consider a homemade banana pudding. The banana pudding that comes in a box is nothing compared to the creamy goodness of a true pudding. Here’s how to make your own homemade banana pudding.

Ripen Your Bananas

Ripe bananas are the key to tasty banana pudding, so be sure yours are sufficiently ripened. They should be bright yellow with brown spots. Bananas ripen best in the dark, so leave them in a paper bag until they are ready to be used.

Gather Your Ingredients

For banana pudding you will need:

• 1 Cup of Sugar
• ½ Cup Flour
• ½ Teaspoon Salt
• 2 Cups Whole Milk
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 Tablespoon Butter (NOT Margarine)
• 4 Egg Yolks
• A Box of Vanilla Wafers or Other Wafer-like Cookie
• 4-5 Perfectly Ripened Bananas

Prepare the Pudding

Place vanilla wafers at the bottom of a 9×9 baking dish.

Peel the bananas and cut into ½ inch slices. Quickly cover the slices to prevent browning.

Combine sugar, flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir together and mash out any lumps.

Place egg yolks in a heavy saucepan. Whip the eggs briskly using a fork or whisk over medium heat.

Add flour mixture alternating with milk and vanilla until all are combined.

Bring to a gentle boil.

As the mixture thickens, add the butter and continue stirring

Stir consistently as the mixture boils gently until it reaches a pudding like consistency.

Remove the pudding from heat.

Prepare the Dish

Pull out the 9×9 baking pan already lined with vanilla wafers. Add a layer of banana slices on top of the wafers being careful to keep the bananas tightly placed together.

Pour half of the pudding mixture into the dish, smoothing it out with a spatula. Then, add another layer of wafers and bananas topped with the remainder of the banana pudding.

Prepare the Meringue

Make a quick meringue by beating four egg whites on high until they form soft peaks. Then add ¼ teaspoon of cream of tarter and five tablespoons of sugar – one at a time, beating on high speed throughout. When the mixture forms stiff peaks, fold in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Bake and Serve!

Spread the meringue over the layers of pudding being sure to seal the edges of the pan. Then bake the pudding at 375 degrees until the meringue browns (about 12-15 minutes.) Serve and Enjoy!

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How to Make Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake is a delicious summer treat that uses fresh strawberries and angel food cake to make your taste buds tingle. Here’s how to make your own strawberry shortcake sure to make your family thrilled.

Gather Ingredients

To make strawberry shortcake, you’ll need the following:

• Gather Ingredients
• To make strawberry shortcake, you’ll need the following:
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk
• Shortbread or Angel Food Cake
• 10-15 cups strawberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 pint chilled heavy whipping cream
• 2 to 3 drops vanilla extract

Prepare Ingredients

Remove the stems from the strawberries and cut them into slices. Put a handful of slices aside as garnish, but put the rest into the mixing bowl. Sprinkle sugar over the strawberry slices and stir. Repeat until the strawberries are covered evenly with sugar. (For a sugar free dessert, you can use Splenda ™ rather than sugar.) Put the strawberries into the refrigerator where the sugar will draw out the strawberry juice making syrup.

In separate mixing bowl, combine the whipping cream and vanilla. Whisk the mixture briskly until the cream begins to fluff. Then place the cream into the refrigerator as well.

Combine Ingredients

Strawberry shortcake must be served immediately to avoid the cake portion becoming soggy. When you’re ready to serve dessert, slice the short bread, or angel food cake for a lighter version, and place on a plate. Scoop out a generous amount of strawberries and syrup and place over the shortbread. Place a dollop of whip cream on top and finish with a garish of a fresh strawberry slice. Serve immediately.

Store the leftover strawberries in an airtight container or even greenbags to help keep the fruit fresh as long as possible. Likewise store the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate both.

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How to Make a Black Currant Liqueur

Specialized liqueurs are a treat, and the price tag on a bottle can be high. But there is another solution. You can make your very own liqueurs to be given as gifts or to be enjoyed with a fine dessert or alone.

How to Make a Black Currant Liqueur

Black currants have an earthy rich flavor that is perfect for liqueurs or sauces. This special flavor and the ease of the recipe make black currants perfect for our homemade liqueur.

Assemble the Ingredients

To make black current liqueur, you will need the following ingredients, although some you won’t need for a long time after beginning the recipe.

• 3 pounds of clean black currants
• A pinch of cinnamon
• 1 clove
• 2-3 black currant leaves
• 1 quart of Brandy
• 1 pound of sugar
• 1 cup of raspberries (optional)

Make the Liqueur

In a large bowl that you do not use frequently in the kitchen, combine all ingredients except the sugar. Cover the bowl tightly and keep refrigerated or otherwise chilled for forty-five (45) days.

At the end of the forty-five days, remove the bowl and drain the contents to separate the fruit. Discard the fruit.

Add one cup of water and the pound of sugar the remaining liquid. Stir thoroughly to dissolve the sugar.

Pour the juice into waiting bottles and seal or close the lids of the bottles very tightly. The bottles should be stored for at least two months before serving.

Liqueur is a very sweet spirit that is served in small portions in a brandy snifter or cordial glass. The black currant liqueur can be chilled to bring out the fruit flavor or at room temperature to enjoy the aroma and sweetness. It is best served with dessert or in lieu of a dessert following a meal.

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