FileZilla and "stu" Server

In the CS computer labs, your files are stored on a network server. That way, you can log in to any machine, and your files will be there. You can also access your files remotely over the internet. This way, you can transfer your work to/from your laptop.

The easiest way to transfer files is to use FileZilla, a free, cross-platform, open-source app. Visit Download FileZilla Client and install FileZilla on your computer. (FileZilla is already installed on the CS lab machines.)

Warning

The default FileZilla for Windows linked on filezilla-project.org comes with "bundled offers" aka adware. Some antivirus software will detect the adware but most will not, and the adware is difficult to remove once installed. You can get the non-adware installer version from the Download FileZilla Client page (same link as above). The macOS and Linux versions don't have an adware version. Now you know why GitHub is more popular than SourceForge.

Tip

If you don't want to use FileZilla, you can try Cyberduck instead. Using a duck seems fitting for the JMU CS department.

Once you have FileZilla installed, you will connect to "stu" (which is short for "student").

• For the Host, enter sftp://stu.cs.jmu.edu.
• Enter your JMU username (all lowercase) and password.

The first time you connect to stu, you will get the "Unknown host key" pop-up box as shown below. Check the box to always trust this host, and click "OK" to continue.

Once you are connected, the right side will show a path on the "Remote site:" that looks like /cs/home/stu/username (see screenshot below). You can then drag and drop files between the left side (your machine) and the right side.