Windows Linux Networking Expanded guide

Windows `ftp` equivalent in Linux

Transfers files between computers over a network. Linux has several options with different security levels.

Reference maintained by Win-Linux.com · How mappings are evaluated

Windows ftp

→

Linux equivalents

Debian/Ubuntu same command

scp / sftp

Fedora same command

scp / sftp

Arch same command

scp / sftp

Overview

What this command does

On Windows, "ftp" is used to transfer files over network. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "scp / sftp". Transfers files between computers over a network. Linux has several options with different security levels. This reference is grouped under Networking.

Migration tip: <strong>Avoid plain FTP</strong> — it sends passwords in cleartext. Use <code>scp</code> or <code>sftp</code> (SSH-based, encrypted) whenever possible. <code>scp</code> works like a remote <code>cp</code>.

Windows → Linux context

What changes when you use this on Linux?

Equivalent task, different tool

Windows ftp maps to scp / sftp for this task. Treat this as a workflow mapping rather than a character-for-character syntax translation.

Portable across the compared distros

The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.

Command-specific caution

Plain FTP transmits your username and password in plain text. Never use it over the internet — use SFTP or SCP instead.

For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux networking for Windows users.

Practical tasks

Common use cases

Transfer files over network

Transfers files between computers over a network. Linux has several options with different security levels.

scp file user@host:/path

Secure copy to remote server

scp -r dir user@host:/path

Copy entire directory

scp user@host:/file .

Download from remote server

Ready to run

Copyable Linux commands

Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.

scp report.pdf john@server.com:/home/john/

scp john@server.com:/var/log/app.log .

sftp john@server.com

Walkthrough

Examples with explanations

# Windows: ftp server.com

# Upload a file securely:
scp report.pdf john@server.com:/home/john/

# Download a file:
scp john@server.com:/var/log/app.log .

# Interactive session:
sftp john@server.com
  get remotefile.txt    # download
  put localfile.txt     # upload
  bye                   # exit

Reference

Common options and variations

Command or option	Use
`scp file user@host:/path`	Secure copy to remote server
`scp -r dir user@host:/path`	Copy entire directory
`scp user@host:/file .`	Download from remote server
`sftp user@host`	Interactive secure FTP session
`ftp hostname`	Plain FTP (avoid — not encrypted)

Distro differences

Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch

Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "scp / sftp" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.

Distribution	Package manager / base	Equivalent command	Difference to notice
Debian/Ubuntu	same command	`scp / sftp`	Same command on this distribution.
Fedora	same command	`scp / sftp`	Same command on this distribution.
Arch	same command	`scp / sftp`	Same command on this distribution.

Important

What to watch out for

Plain FTP transmits your username and password in plain text. Never use it over the internet — use SFTP or SCP instead.

Keep learning

What this command does

What changes when you use this on Linux?

Equivalent task, different tool

Portable across the compared distros

Command-specific caution

Common use cases

Transfer files over network

scp file user@host:/path

scp -r dir user@host:/path

scp user@host:/file .

Copyable Linux commands

Examples with explanations

Common options and variations

Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch

What to watch out for

Related Networking commands