# WinSCP
WinSCP (opens new window) is an open source data transfer client for Windows that work with commonly used transfer protocols including SFTP, S3 and SCP.
If your host organization allows, you can use WinSCP for file transfers and synchronization of folders between your local computer and your lab machines.
Requirement
- Windows operating system.
- A working connection to your lab.
# Install
On your local computer, download WinSCP from winscp.net (opens new window) and install the software. This may required administrator privileges.
# Configure
TIP
This section configures WinSCP to connect your local computer to your home machine. Additional configurations will be needed for connections to iaas and blue machines.
You will see the Login screen when you start WinSCP for the first time.
In this Session tab insert:
- File protocol:
SFTP - Host name:
10.5.5.12 - Protocol:
22 - User name:
<your-username> - Password:
<your-ssh-password>
Click Advanced and select Tunnel:
In the Tunnel tab insert:
- Connect through SSH tunnel:
Check - Host name:
<your-lab-IP>(usually starts with 10.42.130-something) - Protocol:
22 - User name:
<your-username> - Password:
<your-ssh-password>
Click Ok when completed.
Once you have confirmed the advanced settings you will get back to previous window. Hit Login.
With a little bit of luck, you should be able to see the files in your lab on the right side of your screen.
# Synchronize
Synchronization (opens new window) is an additional feature that provides advanced copying. For example, when only a subset of updated files or only a new files have to be copied a lot of time can be saved compared to normal copy in WinSCP, which transfers all of the files every time your transfer a folder.
When selected the folder to be synchronized this option can be found in Commands menu as Synchronize... (Ctrl+S).
Synchronization allows multiple adjustments such as synchronization towards target, but also both ways. Whether one wants to synchronize deleted files or what comparison criteria one would like to use.
Be careful!
Selecting Both or Local targets will download data from your lab to your local computer. It is your responsibility to only use this configuration for folders in your lab that contains non-sensitive data that you can keep on your local computer.
When confirmed, a file comparison is done by WinSCP, where one can choose files to be synchronized. Click Ok to confirm.
You will get a confirmation status when your synchronization is completed.
