How to transfer files over the Internet via FTP

FTP stands for "File Transfer Protocol" which is the primary way that people move files across the Internet. Many computers allow anyone to 'ftp' onto their system and copy files from there to the local computer from which they are running ftp. Even though you can connect, you still need a login name and password to be allowed into a computer. For publicly accessible files, the login name is anonymous and the password can be your e-mail address. (Sometimes "guest" is the specific password required.)

To log into an ftp site, type ftp followed by the site name:

        % ftp site.domain.name

e.g.,

        % ftp wuarchive.wustl.edu

this will connect you to the computer at Washington University in St. Louis, only one example of the many other ftp archives around the world.

Once you connect to the remote site, you will be prompted for a login. Try

        anonymous

You may need to type in

        login anonymous

You will be prompted for a password. Type your e-mail address.

It is a good idea to know exactly what file you are looking for, since the file names are often abbreviated and can be confusing. Many FTP sites are Unix-based, which means that they may be case-sensitive, as well.

Common commands (which may vary from system to system) are:

• dir - lists contents of the current directory you are in
• cd - followed by directory name, moves you to the directory you specify
• cd .. - takes you up one directory
• pwd - tells you what your present directory is (where you currently are)
• get - the word "get," followed by a filename, begins the file transfer process (assumes it is an ASCII file) if the file you want to download is a binary file (i.e., a program to be run rather than a picture or text file), type in "binary" and then the "get" command
• quit - ends the ftp session (sometimes you need to type "bye" or "exit" to end a session)
• ? - gives you a list of commands (this is the ftp help command)

General Hints:

Files named README or INDEX or some similar name (file.index, for example) usually have information on the contents of the ftp archive, what files are in what directory, which versions they are, etc. It's a good idea to download the README file, quit your ftp session, read the README file on your computer, make notes about what you want to get on the remote computer, and then ftp to that computer again, this time armed with specific information on what you want, where it is, and what it is named.

Ftp sites are usually operated out of general goodwill to users of the Internet. This has several ramifications:

1. The software is usually, but not always free. Make sure you read any and all files that accompany the files which you download. License agreements, shareware fees, and similar legal and ethical considerations are your responsibility to handle.
2. Free usually means that you get what you pay for. In most cases, the software is quality programming with good documentation, but don't assume that the program you download won't accidentally fry your hard drive because it conflicts in a strange way with your graphics card or the new version of DOS. Caveat Emptor!! The best security is to use only highly recommended software that has had several revisions. Version 1.0 of anything is, by nature, unstable.
3. Copyright liabilities are your responsibility as well. If you download a gif and then put it on your home page, you might be in for some serious legal trouble. Before you reuse something you found on the Internet, be **SURE** you have legal rights to it.
4. Attempts to break into the host system or meddle with the files will likely not work, and if you are caught, you will be dealt with severely by the Federal Criminal Justice System. Don't try to crack computer systems! You will also negate the goodwill of the folks who were nice enough to let you on their system, and soon enough there will be no option but for you to buy ALL your software from Bill Gates. Don't make a nuisance of your self. Get in, get the files, get out, all ASAP and preferably after hours (like 6 p.m. local time or later).

Ftp utilities like Anarchie are nice shareware utilities that can help you navigate the intricacies of esoteric ftp commands through a graphic interface. If you ftp a lot, you should download a copy and use it. Other utilities are zipit, stuffit, compacter pro, and binhex4.0(for mac users). You can find these on the Internet as well.

PAY THE SHAREWARE FEES--SUPPORT HELPFUL, GOOD-NATURED PEOPLE WHO DON'T TRY TO SUCK YOU DRY FOR SOFTWARE!!

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webmaster@websteruniv.edu

© 1996, Webster University

Last Modified on Tues Jan 24 09:37:40 CST 1996