FTP
FTP, or File Transfer Protocal, is used to transfer files from a server to your computer. FTP site addresses are much like web site addresses except that they begin with ftp:// instead of http://
Why ftp:// instead of http://?
FTP sites specialize in downloading larger files while web sites are meant for smaller files to be viewed in a browser. FTP sites are also a good place for people who do not use a web browser or do not have access to one at the moment to download files.
What do I Need to Access an FTP Site?
Some browsers such as Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer already can access FTP sites. The type of FTP in these programs is very simple and does not support some more advanced FTP features. If you want a good FTP program, you will have to download a program that specializes in FTP for your system. Below is a listing of some of the best FTP programs for different systems:
Macintosh
Fetch
Anarchie
PCs
Cute FTP
What is the benefit of using an FTP program over using a standard browser's FTP?
For the user, it is much easier to log into an FTP site that requires password and username authorization with an FTP program than with a standard browser. Many times, FTP programs will display files better than a browser will as well.
If you wish to upload files to an FTP site, the best way to go is through an FTP program. Standard browsers do not support uploading files well at all.
How do I log into an FTP site?
Logging into an FTP site requires a username and a password. If you want to go to an FTP site that is open to the public, then you will be using anonymous access. Anonymous access is automatically provided if you are using a standard browser that supports FTP. If you are using an FTP program, you will want to use the username "anonymous" and password as your e-mail address. Not all sites require this but it is best to do this for all FTP sites that you log in to.
If you have an account on the FTP server you are contacting, then you will want to enter your username as your username on the server and your password as the password on the server. The easiest way to do this is through a FTP program, but it also can be done by certain browsers within the URL. The format of this is ftp://login:password@ftp.server.com where "ftp.server.com" is replaced with your ftp server, "login" is replaced with your login on your server, and "password" is replaced with your password on the server. Everything else remains the same.
What are some good FTP sites?
There are many FTP sites which offer shareware, freeware, and demos on the Internet. Below are some of the more popular ones:
Macintosh Software
Apple
Computer Software Updates
Info
Mac Archive (Shareware and Freeware)
Unniversity
of Michigan Mac Archive (Shareware and
Freeware)
AMUG
Archive (Shareware and Freeware)
PC Software
Other FTP help pages
Quick
and Dirty Guide to FTP
Dragonfire.net's guide to FTP. This guide is more for the advanced
user. The site lists many text commands and many standard
chmods.