Internet Basics 101

Question: What is a ftp?

Answer: File Transfer Protocol (FTP) allows you to copy files from a remote computer to your own.

FTP (in theory) allows you to copy a file from any computer on the internet. In reality - you typically need to have an ftp server running on the remote computer that has an account set up for you (this account consists of a username and password). In order to allow people access to public information without having to generate thousands of accounts it has become common practice to establish an anonymous account -- with a username of anonymous and a password is typically your e-mail.

There are some great FTP tools for transfering files from and (more importantly) to another computer that is set up as an ftp server. There are many different ftp programs and as always some have advantages over others. I always look for programs that are easy to use and have a very low learning curve. Fetch (Macintosh) has been a standard for many years and WS_FTP is becoming more popular on the windows platform.

download (pc) WS_FTP (first time only)
download(mac) Fetch (first time only)
install the program (first time only)
double click on the WS_FTP icon
enter the computer (ftp server) you wish to connect to
enter the username and password (if necessary)
transfer files

Once connected you will see a window similar to the one below.

Here is a quick index of what's on the window.

display of remost host
path name of your current directory
path name of remote computer directory
files/directories/subdirectories/drives in your computer
files/directories/subdirectories in remote computer
button to move (or copy) file from your computer to remote computer
button to move (or copy) file from remote computer to your computer
options available

Question: You said earlier that all you need is an FTP Server set up on the remote computer. I've got another computer somewhere I would like to set up this way. What does it take to get this working?

Answer: