the other day I wrote about email. today's topic is also related to email. however, since my last post was too LONG, i decided to write FTP in other entries. here it goes.
it is a utility program designed which allows you to become a user of a remote computer. However, it does not allow user to transfer files among computers. you can create, delete files and many more even if you are not in front of a computer. user can log on to a remote computer as a regular user and obtain any information that they want. Example of TELNET that we can see daily is the OPAC.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
It is a protocol used to transfer files from one host to another using TCP-based network such as the Internet. we can also upload and download files quickly on the Internet using FTP. it works the same way as HTTP, transferring web pages from a server to a browser. it is also similar to SMTP as it transfers email across in the Internet. in order to manage connection between server, clients need to run an FTP server. FTP will then provide a window that can be copied into client's storage media. FTP may run in active or passive mode, which determines how the data connection is established. passive mode is used if the clients is behind a firewall. in active, a TCP connection is created. the client will send the IP address and port number to the server and then wait until the connection is connected.
A host that provides an FTP service may provide anonymous FTP access. Many FTP hosts whose purpose is to provide software updates will provide anonymous logins.
Benefits of FTP
-One of the biggest advantages of file transfer protocol is that it is one of the fastest ways to get large files from one computer to another.
- Most FTP servers require you to log in with a username and password.
- FTP allows you to transfer files back and forth. This means that if you are an owner of a company, you can send information to your employees and they can send information back all on the same server.
HOW TO UPLOAD OR DOWNLOAD USING FTP
1) Install an FTP software program on your hard disk. Open the program.
2) Enter the host address in the text box provided.
3)Enter whatever passwords or IDs have been provided if this is an anonymous login. For example, you may have been asked to login as "guest" and use your e-mail address as the password.
4) Enter whatever password and ID you have arranged with the remote administrator if it is not an anonymous login.
5)Click Connect to establish a connection. When the connection is established, the window on the right side of the screen represents the remote site.
6) Move through the remote folders until you locate the file that you want to download, and select the file.
7)Move through your hard disk (the window on the left side of the screen) until you have opened the folder that is to receive your new file.
8)Select the remote file on the right window, and drag it to the window on the left. Most FTP programs allow you to download files this way. If your software does not allow this method, consult the help file to see how to start the download. When the download is complete, you will find your new file in the location that you specified.