FTP - File Transfer Protocol

This is the backbone of the Internet system, a process by which a remote server can be accessed and explored as though it were just another local hard drive. The design originated with the remote accessing of UNIX servers, during which the user had the ability to "get" or "put" files to and from the server. With the current volume of programs that automate much of this procedure, anyone with an Internet connection and a little time can use FTP. Access requires a bit more information than most of the other Internet access types, but I will summarize most of this. Once you have the server information, you need a simple FTP program to automate the more detailed functions.

FTP Information

server address	This can be an IP address or an alphanumeric address. Purely decimal IP addresses are commonly used with FTP access because FTPs are generally not used in conjunction with the Internet and so easily remembered names are unnecessary.
port	This is similar to an extension dialed with a standard phone number. This accesses the server in a certain way and signals the server that a specifically FTP designed access is about to occur. The server can also use the port number as a security measure by changing the standard setting to some other number. The standard port setting is 21.
user name & password	Most programs allow you to choose whether to access anonymously or by using a personal name and password. Anonymous access uses "anonymous" as the user name and an e-mail address as a password. The e-mail address does not necessarily have to be valid, so this information is never used for security purposes. Instead servers now commonly record the IP address of a user in case of hacking attempts or other inappropriate behavior.
remote directory*	This is the directory that you wish the server to begin in. With slow connections, this may speed up initial connection time and avoid unecessary browsing and directory listing, both of which require time. You still have the option of changing your directory once you have access.
local directory*	This is the directory on your computer that you wish to have open, which usually is the directory to download to and/or upload from. Like the remote directory, you can change this once a connection has been made.
access type	Depending on what type of access your name and password grant you, you may have any combination of read, write, and execute. Each file and directory has its own specific restrictions per user on what can be accessed and to what level of access is granted. One example is the standard "upload" directory found on most FTP servers. This directory often disallows read access, while permitting write access. Users can upload files, but they cannot see what has been uploaded, including their own files. This is not necessary information, but merely a guide to why you may not have access to certain sections on a server.

*optional information

FTP Program
Once you have all the above information, you can get a program and access the FTP site. For PC users, "WS FTP LE" is the most common and often considered the simplest to use. For the Macintosh, Fetch is often the most recommended, although it is a commercial program. Personally, I use LeechFTP as it has the capability to collect multiple get and put commands into a single batch, which can be then performed without continuous supervision.

FTP programs on Download.Com
for the PC
for the Mac

From this point it should be fairly straight-forward. Transfer the files you wish from the appropriate directories; transfers are always done as a copying process. To delete a file from a local or remote directory, it must be specifically selected and the delete command must be used. Move commands are not a part of the basic design of FTP. A word of warning, however: be careful what you download; some systems have virus-laden software that can really wreck havoc with your system.

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