How can I use my hosting account to back up files from my personal workstation or laptop?

Did you know that you can use your hosting account in the WebPal Cloud to backup files from your personal work station? This is a very convenient and easy method to ensure that your work is protected from malware or ransomware attacks to your personal computer or laptop. 

Method 1: Use FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

This is the easiest and most convenient method to get started with a secure back right away.

  1. Access your Cloud Control Panel account:

  2. Set up an FTP account:

    • In the dashboard, look for the "FTP Accounts" section.
    • Create an FTP account with a username and password.

  3. Install an FTP client on your personal computer:

    • Download and install an FTP client such as FileZilla, Cyberduck, or WinSCP (see more options below).

  4. Connect to your hosting account:

    • Open the FTP client and enter your FTP account details (hostname, username, password).
    • Connect to your hosting server.

  5. Upload documents:

    • Navigate to the folder on your personal computer where your documents are stored.
    • Select the documents and drag them to the FTP client window to upload them to your cPanel hosting account.

Method 2: File Manager in Cloud Control Panel

This option is recommend for the occasional, one-of backup tasks, such as a one-time upload of your photo library, large ZIP archives, or similar files. 

  1. Access cPanel:

  2. Locate and open File Manager:

    • Find the "File Manager" in your cPanel dashboard.

  3. Navigate to the folder where you want to upload the documents:

    • You might create a new folder for your backup if needed.

  4. Upload the documents:

    • Use the "Upload" feature in File Manager to select and upload the documents from your computer to your hosting account.

FTP Client Software Options

  1. FileZilla: It's a widely used, free, open-source FTP client available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It offers a user-friendly interface, supports various protocols (FTP, SFTP, FTPS), and allows you to manage multiple connections.

  2. Cyberduck: This is another free, open-source FTP client available for macOS and Windows. It's known for its simplicity and user-friendly interface. It supports various protocols like FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, and more.

  3. WinSCP: Primarily for Windows users, WinSCP is a free SFTP, SCP, and FTP client that provides a graphical interface and supports secure file transfer protocols.

  4. Transmit: This is a paid FTP client available for macOS. It's known for its speed and functionality, supporting a range of protocols such as FTP, SFTP, and more. Transmit has a clean, user-friendly interface.

  5. CuteFTP: Another paid option available for Windows and macOS. CuteFTP is known for its advanced features and a user-friendly interface. It supports various protocols for secure and efficient file transfers.

  6. FTP/SFTP Clients with Automation Features: Some advanced FTP/SFTP clients, such as WinSCP or scripting capabilities in FileZilla, allow for the automation of file transfers via scripting. You might create a script or use automation features within these clients to schedule and perform differential backups, although it might involve some programming or scripting knowledge.

Each of these FTP clients has its own features, interface, and platform compatibility. The choice depends on your specific operating system, the features you require, and your personal preferences regarding the user interface.

Backup Software Options

If you would like to set up automatic, recurring backup of your document folders to your WebPal Cloud Account, you may want to look at specialized backup software, such as one of the following:

  1. Cobian Backup: Cobian Backup is a free and user-friendly software that allows FTP backups. It's suitable for personal computer users and small businesses looking for a straightforward backup solution.

  2. FBackup: FBackup is a free backup software that allows users to back up files and folders to various destinations, including FTP. It's lightweight, easy to use, and suitable for personal or small business needs.

Important Notes:

  • Always ensure that you have enough space in your hosting account to store the backup files.
  • Regularly check and manage your backups to avoid exceeding the storage capacity provided by your hosting plan.
  • Make sure your documents are organized and well-labeled to easily retrieve them when needed.
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