Protocol for a complete Novice

I think I may have accidentally already posted this in the wrong section - many apologies!

First of all I have to own up and say I'm a complete novice to FTP. I want to upload my files as securely as possible and have read the tutorials on FTP, FTPS (Explicit) and FTPS (Implicit) and to be honest it doesn't make sense!

Would somebody please be able to explain (as simply as possible!) the difference between these and simply what is the best and most secure way of uploading my files to my website.

If anyone can do this I'd be very, very grateful.

Thank you!

The recommended protocols are FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS) or SFTP over SSH. They are equally secure.
FTPS (Implicit) is deprecated
FTP should not be used

Thank you so much for your reply, it's much appreciated. When you say FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS) is that selecting "FTPS (Explicit)" from the dropdown box?


Thank you for your help, it really is appreciated. I've tried them but the FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS) or SFTP over SSH don't seem to work for some reason

Try to contact your web hosting provider and ask them for the correct host, username and password.