Transferring Files to Your Server

Two common protocols for moving files to and from your server: SCP and SFTP.

SCP (Secure Copy Protocol)

SCP transfers files over SSH directly from the command line.

Upload a file to the server:

scp /local/path/file.zip root@YOUR_SERVER_IP:/remote/path/

Download a file from the server:

scp root@YOUR_SERVER_IP:/remote/path/file.zip /local/path/

Upload an entire directory (recursive):

scp -r /local/folder/ root@YOUR_SERVER_IP:/remote/path/

Using a non-default SSH port:

scp -P 2222 file.zip root@YOUR_SERVER_IP:/remote/path/

SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol)

SFTP is an interactive file transfer session over SSH.

sftp root@YOUR_SERVER_IP
sftp> put file.zip           # Upload
sftp> get remotefile.zip     # Download
sftp> ls                     # List remote files
sftp> lcd /local/dir         # Change local directory
sftp> exit

GUI Option: FileZilla

1. Download and install FileZilla
2. Open File → Site Manager → New Site
3. Protocol: SFTP
4. Host: your server IP, Port: 22
5. Logon Type: Normal, Username: root, Password: your password
6. Click Connect

GUI Option: WinSCP (Windows)

Download WinSCP, create a new session with SFTP protocol, enter your server IP and credentials, and connect. WinSCP provides a dual-pane interface (local left, remote right) for drag-and-drop transfers.