In this guide we shall see basic concepts ofFTP, anonimous FTP, gopher, archie.

FTP - File Transfer Protocol

FTP is used to transfer files across the Internet. It is a group of rules or procedures (protocol) which determines how files are to be copied from one machine to another.

It can be used for:

• Download or in other words bringing files to your machine from another computer on the Internet. (generally used for programs)

• Upload Sending your information to another computer on the Internet.

The browser can be used to work with FTP, but there are specific programs for this too.

LeechFTP, CUTE FTP, WS FTP

LeechFTP is one of the easiest applications to use and is free. Cute FTP and WS FTP also work well. You can download them from www.download.com.

FTP clients generally look like Windows Explorer in their graphic interfase. They have a panel that represents the local directory (folders on our hard drive), a panel represents the remote directory (folders on the server which you are connecting to) and a superior and inferior panel indicating movements, as a taskbar.

LeechFTP (see below) also has an extra panel to the left showing the different threads that are running, the files in the queue, the transmission failures, etc.

¿WHAT IS FTP FOR?

Generally it is used to transfer large files. It is quicker and more efficient than e-mail.

• People maintaining their own website usually send the updates via FTP.

• Some companies keep their clients' software updated via FTP.

• It is used to distribute magazines, information etc.

• Many FTP servers offer files. You can find: software, documents, files on networking, images, song lyrics, midi files, etc...

In order to download software or information from FTP servers, addresses must also be opened, as in web, but using the ftp:// protocol instead of the http://.

Llinks to ftp sites work just like http links. Once you click on a link these open automatically. One difference is that an FTP site might be busy if the maximum simultaneous number of users is connected.

Generally, when you enter an FTP site, a list of available files appears. You must indicate to the server which you want to download. You usually do this by clicking on the name of a file and initiate the download.

FTP SERVER TYPES

There are two main FTP server types:

• Those that allow access to any user on the network without requiring identification. These offer files through a type of access called Anonymous FTP. This means that you don't need to be a registered user with an account on this system.

• Those that offer services to certain users. For example, if you wanted to update your website, you need to connect to the server where the site is hosted and identify yourself with a username and passwork.

In order to connect to an FTP server you need three things:

• Name of the Host computer (Host address)

Ej: ftp://earthlink.net

• User name (Login)

Some servers automatically assign the name: 'anonymous' or 'ftp'.

• Password

For Anonymous FTP you can usually use your e-mail address.

There is a good FTP site search engine on the TILE.NET server:

http://tile.net/ftp-list/

Activity

1- Connect to an FTP server and look at how the directories are organized.

Once you are connected to an FTP server a list of folders will appear. Those that say PUB are public files. THis means that you can use them.

By clicking you can make your way into the folders until you reach the desired file. If you double click this file you are now 'requesting' the file. Sometimes you may choose the download mode. The 'Automatic' option is best, but if it is not available, use 'Binary'.

2- Download a file to your machine. (Not too large or you will have to wait long.)

3- The computer usually lets you know when it has finished downloading.

There is a good list with FAQ on anonymous FTP at:

http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/ftp-list/faq/faq.html

(Remember that if you do not find the file you are looking for you can delete the last few sections (the path and filename) and try again. This lands you nearer the home page of the server. You can then continue from there.

GOPHER

Gopher is a technology which grew in 1991 as an attempt to organize the information on the Internet. It is used to find information. You don't need to know where it is stored, since you can look from folders from a gopher server. The gopher interface is always text in the form of menus. There are no images, and you go from one folder to another until you reach a file, which you can download. A similar structure to the content of our hard drive is used. It also allows navigation of FTP servers.

There are practically no Gopher clients since web browsers are perfectly capable as Gopher browsers.

ARCHIE

Archie is a tool for searching FTP. In order to learn how to use it go toRutgers University:

http://www-ns.rutgers.edu/htbin/archie

http://archie.rutgers.edu/archie.html

Archie searches by program names. Without knowing the exact name of a program, you can enter a part of it and Archie will search from there.