WinSCP SFTP

WinSCP SFTP is a secure file transfer program

WinSCP SFTP is a Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) client; SFTP is a secure replacement for FTP (File Transfer Protocol). You can use it to upload or download files from a computer running SFTP server software. For example, it can transfer web pages to a personal or departmental website.

SFTP clients let you securely distribute backups of important files

One of the most useful functions of an SFTP client is to save extra copies of important documents in an additional location. Harper, NSIT's interactive-use server, allows you to store up to 50 megabytes of files in your own private directory.

Getting started

To launch WinSCP SFTP, go to Start → Programs → WinSCP3 → WinSCP.

WinSCP SFTP in two quick steps

  1. When WinSCP starts, you are presented with a WinSCP Login window. Open a new session to harper by double-clicking on "harper.uchicago.edu" in the right-hand pane. If this is your first time connecting to harper from this computer, or if the server has made some changes, you will be asked to accept its host key. To connect, you'll need to click Yes.
  2. Upload and download files by dragging them from one side of the screen to the other (the left window is your machine, the right is the server). Make sure the files use valid Unix naming conventions (letters, numbers, underscores, hyphens, and periods only; capitalization counts; no spaces!).

Last updated: 8/30/06