Image Hosting FAQ
- What is image hosting?
- What is FTP?
- I have signed up for image
hosting. How do I get started?
- How do I download or install CuteFTP?
- How do I configure CuteFTP for FTP
access?
- Do you offer any type of support?
- What picture file formats are
acceptable for use with image hosting?
- Is there a limit to file size?
- What's a good file size for a
fast-loading image?
- I only have photographs. Now
what?
- I lost my password?
- My username
and/or password does not work?
- Why does it take so long for my
images to load?
- Where can I find freeware and
shareware graphics programs?
What is image hosting?
Image hosting is a way for you to manage your own picture files on
our server so that they can be read by anyone on the internet. One excellent use of this
capability is adding pictures to your online auctions.
What is FTP?
FTP stands for (File Transfer Protocol) and is part of the
TCP/IP protocol suite. It is the protocol, or set of rules, which enables files to be
transferred between computers.
FTP is a powerful tool which allows files to be transferred
from “computer A” to “computer B”, or vice versa.
FTP works on the client/server principle. A client program
enables the user to interact with a server in order to access information and services on
the server computer. Files that can be transferred are stored on special computers called
FTP servers. To access these files, an FTP client program is used. This is an interface
that allows the user to locate the file(s) to be transferred and initiate the transfer
process.
The basic steps to use FTP are:
- Connect to the FTP server
- Navigate the file structure to find the file you want
- Transfer the file
The specifics of each step will vary, depending on the
client program being used and the type of Internet connection.
I have signed up for image
hosting. How do I get started?
The following instructions take you all the way
through downloading and installing FTP software, configuring that software for FTP Access
and transferring your files to the FTP host.
Downloading and installing CuteFTP (shareware
version)
For use after the 30 day trial period, you must register the software. The
registration fee is about $35.00.
1) Connect to www.cuteftp.com
and download the latest version. (the instructions included here assume that you are using
version 2.61)
2) Save the downloaded file into any folder of your choice.
3) From Windows Explore, go to the directory that you saved "cute2632.exe" in
and double click on the file to "run" the CuteFTP installation program.
4) Follow the directions as presented by CuteFTP's install program.
Configuring CuteFTP for FTP access
1) "Run" the CuteFTP program from the Windows
Start Menu, Desktop Icon, or directory within Windows Explorer where it was installed.
e.g. Double click on the file "CUTEFTP32.EXE" from the following directory
"C:\Program Files\CuteFTP\CUTFTP32.EXE"
2) Click "OK" on the "Important Notice" screen.
3) You are now presented with the "FTP Site Manager" window. From this window
select one of the folders on the left side of the window or add your own using the
"Add Folder" button below. Once you have selected the folder where you want to
add your FTP configuration, click on the "Add Site" button.
4) You will now have to input your configuration information into the following fields:
(Assume the User ID is "happy" and the password is "go_lucky")
Site Label: Antum
Host Address: ftp.antum.com
User ID: happy
Password: go_lucky
Login Type: "Normal"
Transfer type: "Auto-Detect"
Host Type: "Auto-Detect"
Initial Remote Directory: /happy
Remote Directory Filter: (don't enter anything here)
Initial Local Directory: (directory on your computer where images are stored)
Local Directory Filter: (don't enter anything here)
Once all of the parameters are input, click "OK" to save your settings.
5) From the right window on the "FTP Site Manager" window, select the
configuration which you have just created (Antum).
6) click "Connect" to begin your FTP session.
7) click "OK" in the "Login Messages" window to begin your session.
Transferring Files to FTP Image
Hosting Space
1) Once your session is active, make sure that you
can see the "Local" file list as well as the "Remote" list. If you
can't see one or the other, select the "Window" menu item and select
"Toggle Local" or "Toggle Remote"
(which ever window that is not currently displayed).
2) Using the "Local" window (your computer's file list) find the directory where
your images are stored so that your local image list appears in the left (Local) window.
In the right (Remote) window, select the directory
where you wish to store your images (e.g. "JPG").
3) To transfer files to the "JPG" directory, you simply "double click"
on the file name in your left (Local) window. The file upload will then begin. You
can track the status of the upload on the CuteFTP status bar in the
lower right hand corner of the CuteFTP window.
4) Once the upload has completed, you should be able to see the image file in the right
(Remote) window as well as left (Local) window.
5) There are many options and settings which can be used with CuteFTP. For further
information, please refer to the CuteFTP "Help" documentation
How do I download or install
CuteFTP?
For use after the 30 day trial period, you must register
the software. The registration fee is about $35.00.
1) Connect to www.cuteftp.com and download the latest
version. (the instructions included here assume that you are using version 2.61)
2) Save the downloaded file into any folder of your choice.
3) From Windows Explore, go to the directory that you saved "cute2632.exe" in
and double click on the file to "run" the CuteFTP installation program.
4) Follow the directions as presented by CuteFTP's install program.
How do configure CuteFTP for
FTP access?
1) "Run" the CuteFTP program from the Windows
Start Menu, Desktop Icon, or
directory within Windows Explorer where it was installed.
e.g. Double click on the file "CUTEFTP32.EXE" from the following
directory
"C:\Program Files\CuteFTP\CUTFTP32.EXE"
2) Click "OK" on the "Important Notice" screen.
3) You are now presented with the "FTP Site Manager" window. From this
window select one of the folders on the left side of the window or add
your own using the "Add Folder" button below. Once you have selected the
folder where you want to add your FTP configuration, click on the "Add Site"
button.
4) You will now have to input your configuration information into the
following fields:
(Assume the User ID is "happy" and the password is "go_lucky")
Site Label: Antum
Host Address: ftp.antum.com
User ID: happy
Password: go_lucky
Login Type: "Normal"
Transfer type: "Auto-Detect"
Host Type: "Auto-Detect"
Initial Remote Directory: /happy
Remote Directory Filter: (don't enter anything here)
Initial Local Directory: (directory on your computer where images are
stored)
Local Directory Filter: (don't enter anything here)
Once all of the parameters are input, click "OK" to save your settings.
5) From the right window on the "FTP Site Manager" window, select the
configuration which you have just created (Antum).
6) click "Connect" to begin your FTP session.
7) click "OK" in the "Login Messages" window to begin your session.
Do you offer any type of
support?
Absolutely!! Just contact us at support@antum.com
Please provide as much information as possible. eg: description of problem and when the
problem occurred. We answer all support questions in the order they are received and ASAP!
What picture file formats are
acceptable for use with image hosting?
We accept any type of file format, although 'jpg' and 'gif' format are the most common
(this is because .jpg and .gif images are smaller = less time to upload &
download). Additionally, at most auctions these are the only acceptable formats.
Is there a limit to file size?
No. However please remember that the smaller the file size the faster your image will load
at the auction. The reason we offer no restrictions is many new users wish to begin
selling immediately. We do not want to stop you by having size restrictions. Those that
start with large file sizes will notice the benefits once reduced image size is obtained.
What's a good file size for a
fast- loading image?
Try to keep your images 50k or less for a fast loading image. If they're too large and
take a long time to load you may lose the interest of your potential buyer.
I only have photographs.
Now what?
These need to be converted into digital format. They can be scanned or shot with a digital
camera, or captured with a video capture device such as "Snappy". If the film is not developed you
can have the images saved to disk when you have your pictures developed.
I lost my password?
Contact us at support@antum.com and we'll get your
password to you promptly.
My username and/or password
does not work?
Username's and password's are case SenSiTiVe. If you continue to have problems please
contact us at support@antum.com
Why does it take so long for
my images to load?
This is caused by large file size. The optimum file size for an auction image is 50k or
less. If your file size is larger expect slower loading. If it's not acceptable you can
always resize your image. There is no need to have a picture 10"x12" with a
small item in the center. Cut off all the waste. Another reason for slow image
loading may be internet congestion.
Where can I find freeware and
shareware graphics programs?
You can find excellent freeware and shareware graphic programs at www.shareware.com, www.tucows.com, and www.winfiles.com.
One of the best shareware programs for managing images is Thumbs+ at www.cerious.com.
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