What is FTP (file transfer protocol)?
"The objectives of FTP are:
1) to promote sharing of files (computer programs and/or data),
2) to encourage indirect or implicit (via programs) use of remote
computers,
3) to shield a user from variations in file storage systems among
hosts, and
4) to transfer data reliably and efficiently. FTP, though usable
directly by a user
at a terminal, is designed mainly for use by programs."
Goto:"ftp://nic.merit.edu/documents/rfc/rfc0959.txt"
to view the entire white paper
Okay, for you "newbies" to FTP, here it is in plain english...
FTP is just a simple way to transfer your
data from your local PC to another remote PC (server) somewhere
else
using modems. It's the same method you use to transfer files
around your local hard drive or between your hard
drive and your floppy drive using Windows Explorer, execept that
you need to use an FTP program ("ws_ftp"
being the most popular) which knows how to send and recieve data
thru modems.
Using The "Ws_ftp" Program
We recommend you download the latest version
of shareware from Ipswitch.
We are using "ws-ftp95"
(version 4.5) as of this writing on Win95 and Win98, so the following
sample screens will be from that version.
It should be enough to get you started no matter which version
you choose to use.
1) The first screen will look like this:
On left is the local (your PC) system directory
window. On the right is the remote (our server) system window.
Push the Connect button on the lower left to establish a local/remote
connection.
2) The Connection Menu
Fill out the session properties like this, substitute
your e-mail address instead of mine (gai@grfxnet.com), then click
on "Startup"
3) The Connection Menu, Startup folder
The "Initial Remote Host Directory"
is /incoming. Your "Initial Local Directory" will be
C:\anyfolder (what ever drive
& directory you want to use for FTP data). Go back to "General"
folder and press "OK" to connect the
local/remote systems (see step 2 above).
4) Do the FTP thing
Highlight the files you wish to transfer (FTP)
then push the right facing arrow (>) between the local and
remote windows. That's all folks!
Note: Because of security you can only transfer
a file once. If you need to transfer it again you must rename
it,
like "file1.bmp" to "file1a.bmp".