An FTP Explanation

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is a standard Internet protocol and utility software program that allows you to transfer files between your hard drive and another computer. FTP must reside on each computer in the file transfer process. The files could be personal web pages, graphic images or any other file or document you may want to store remotely.

When you access a web site to download images, trial or update programs or a formatted document the remote Internet computer communicates to the FTP utility that resides on your computer.

Where are files stored when transferring to another computer? Files are stored in one of three directory locations. Directories that are:

1. Secure and remotely accessible via the Internet as a web site directory that will have a login and password
2. Unsecured and remotely accessible location that does not have a login and password - Anonymous FTP
3. In a directory you specify on your own computer. Many people create a directory on the C: or D: drive and name it Downloads

The Problem With Using e-mail to Transfer Large Files

FTP users find transferring files via e-mail attachments grossly inefficient or impractical when dealing with large documents. In some cases sending large files as an e-mail attachment will just not work.

If the file is too large it is possible that it will not fit in your e-mail account. For instance, some ISP only allow 2Mbytes of e-mail space. Therefore, its obvious a large file may not fit. Other ISP may limit the size of attachments.

Therefore, the most reliable means to transfer these large (or even not so large) files is by using FTP. In fact FTP is the only open standard answer and a commercial grade program will work the best.

A practical use for storing files remotely is for engineering companies. They often have the need to collaborative on projects and thus need to share CAD drawings among project members. FTP is THE utility of choice.

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FTP on Your PC

Most computers today ship with an FTP program (ftp.exe) located in the C:/windows/ directory. To see this work open up MS-DOS prompt through the Start button then Programs. When you receive the DOS prompt just type ftp, then enter and the ftp program will start. If it starts you will see another prompt ftp>. Now type ? and press enter to see the ftp commands. To exit the ftp program type bye then enter. To return back to windows environment type exit.

The problem with the above FTP program is that the character based interface is too difficult to use. So, it is best to acquire a commercial grade FTP program with an easy to use graphic interface. CuteFTP is the perfect FTP program for you to use.

Unix FTP Commands

This page contains a comprehensive list.

1. date >> transaction.log
2. ftp -in remoteHostName.com <<xxxEOSxxx
3. user userName password<<xxxEOSxxx
4. get fileName
5. put transaction.log
6. exit
7. xxxEOSxxx:

The transaction.log file contains time stamped lines indicating each time an access to the remote computer occurs and a transfer takes place. Its for reference only and need not be implemented.