(1) Table of Contents
(2) What is and how do I use the FTP program?
(3) What is and how do I use an FTP client?
(4) Getting help when you have problems with a site.
(5) How do I set up an (Anonymous) FTP account?
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Subject: 2. What is and how do I use the FTP program?
What is FTP?
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) allows a person to transfer files between two computers, generally connected via the Internet. When using FTP, you can use a program, called a 'client' to connect to a machine that holds the files, a 'server'.
What is Anonymous FTP?
Some computer systems throughout the Internet offer files through anonymous FTP. This means that you can access a machine without having to have an account on that machine (i.e. you don't have to be an official user of the system). Check with the system administrator of the remote system before attempting anonymous access.
Procedure
The simplest way to initiate FTP would be to get to a DOS prompt then issue the command “ftp <system-name>”. The <system-name> is the remote system you are connecting to, either a name like ftp.cyspacecity.net, or the Internet address 208.244.88.118 for the CYSPACE server.
After a short wait, you will be prompted for your username. If you do not have an account on the remote system, some systems allow you to use “anonymous”.
You would then be prompted for the password. In the case of an “anonymous” user the system will tell you to send your e-mail address.
After that, you should receive the FTP prompt ( usually “ftp>” ) and have access. You can get a directory of files by giving a “dir” or “ls-l” command.
You can then look around and send/retrieve files. Note that when you retrieve files, you have to know where the files are going to end up on your machine. This is where the 'lpwd' command comes in handy.
Commands
Some useful commands available on most systems include:
ascii Switch to ascii mode. Ascii mode is the default mode and used for transferring text files
binary Switch to binary mode. For transferring binary files like .ZIP files, .Z files and graphic files
cd Change the directory on the remote computer
dir List the files in the current directory on the remote computer.
ls Same as 'dir', but shows less information sometimes.
get Copy a file from the remote computer to yours
help Gives help on the use of commands within the ftp program
lcd Change the directory on your computer (the 'l' is for local)
lpwd Shows the present working directory (pwd) on your computer (the 'l' is for local).
mget Copy multiple files from the remote computer to yours
pwd Shows the present working directory (pwd) on the remote computer
File Transfers
Usually, files are grouped in directories, so that you don't have to get many files separately. The 'mget' command is useful in this respect. Wildcard symbols ( *, ? ) may be used to with this command.
open <site> <username> <password>
dir # To obtain a directory listing
cd <directory>
get <file> # To retrieve a file
mget <file> # To retrieve multiple files
quit
Example:
open ftp.cyspacecity.net anonymous
dir
cd /website
get newpage.html
cd /images
mget *.gif
quit
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Subject: 3. What is and how do I use an FTP client?
An FTP client is a program that makes FTP more user friendly by adding a graphic interface. There are different clients and versions for different operating systems with each having specific steps for setup and usage, which is well beyond the scope of this text. Please refer to the documentation of your particular program for support.
Entering “FTP client” into any search engine will bring up various ftp client softwares with a host of available features. Some of these programs are free to download. Recommendations on client FTP software cannot be made on this document as the software market continues to change and grow. With a little research the best program for your particular needs can be found.
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Subject: 4. Problems with a site.
If you are unable to access the site because your computer doesn't seem to be able to 'find' the site (the ftp program returns 'invalid host' or 'unable to resolve hostname' or some similar error message), check with the ISP to see if their server is functional.
If you can get a connection with the site or if a problem appears while accessing the site or when retrieving a file, mail the problems to 'cyspace@site_name'; replace 'site_name' with the name of the troublesome site.
When you report a problem, please be very explicit, i.e. don't write 'I can't get a file' but explain when it happened, what file it was, what system you are using etc. Word your message politely and always provide and alternate means of getting in touch with you such as a phone number or alternative e-mail address.
One common error messages is:
'permission denied'. This can mean a few things: either you don't have rights to the directory where you started 'ftp' from and you're trying to retrieve a file or the file or directory on the remote site has been made unaccessible to you.
The solution to the first possibility is to change to a directory where you are allowed to write files (like your 'home' directory). The solution to the second possibility is to ask the admin to change the permissions to that file or directory, but you'd better have a good reason to need access to that file or directory. Most of the time those permissions are there for a reason. For other messages check the help files on your ftp client first to see if they give you the answer.
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Subject: 5. How do I set up an (Anonymous) FTP account?
