I know what it stands for, but I've never used it or been to 'one'.
I have no idea what I'm talking about.
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I know what it stands for, but I've never used it or been to 'one'.
I have no idea what I'm talking about.
File transfer protocol. It's when you send or get files.
A communications protocol governing the transfer of files from one computer to another over a network.
is it like a website? can I type www.ftp.com (or somehing simialar) and get there?
Quote:
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is the simplest and most secure way to exchange files over the Internet. Whether you know it or not, you most likely use FTP all the time.
The most common use for FTP is to download files from the Internet. Because of this, FTP is the backbone of the MP3 music craze, and vital to most online auction and game enthusiasts. In addition, the ability to transfer files back-and-forth makes FTP essential for anyone creating a Web page, amateurs and professionals alike.
When downloading a file from the Internet you're actually transferring the file to your computer from another computer over the Internet. This is why the T (transfer) is in FTP. You may not know where the computer is that the file is coming from but you most likely know it's URL or Internet address.
An FTP address looks a lot like an HTTP, or Website, address except it uses the prefix ftp:// instead of http://.
Example Website address: http://www.FTPplanet.com
Example FTP site address: ftp://ftp.FTPplanet.com
Most often, a computer with an FTP address is dedicated to receive an FTP connection. Just as a computer that is setup to host Web pages is referred to as a Web server or Website, a computer dedicated to receiving an FTP connection is referred to as an FTP server or FTP site.
What is an FTP Site?
An FTP site is like a large filing cabinet. With a traditional filing cabinet, the person who does the filing has the option to label and organize the files how ever they see fit. They also decide which files to keep locked and which remain public. It is the same with an FTP site.
The virtual 'key' to get into an FTP site is the UserID and Password. If the creator of the FTP site is willing to give everyone access to the files, the UserID is 'anonymous' and the Password is your e-mail address (e.g. [email protected]). If the FTP site is not public, there will be a unique UserID and Password for each person who is granted access.
When connecting to an FTP site that allows anonymous logins, you're frequently not prompted for a name and password. Hence, when downloading from the Internet, you most likely are using an anonymous FTP login and you don't even know it.
To make an FTP connection you can use a standard Web browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, etc.) or a dedicated FTP software program, referred to as an FTP 'Client'.
When using a Web browser for an FTP connection, FTP uploads are difficult, or sometimes impossible, and downloads are not protected (not recommended for uploading or downloading large files).
When connecting with an FTP Client, uploads and downloads couldn't be easier, and you have added security and additional features. For one, you're able to to resume a download that did not successfully finish, which is a very nice feature for people using dial-up connections who frequently loose their Internet connection.
More here: http://www.ftpplanet.com/ftpresources/basics.htm
Stan100,
FTP is how you connect to a file server and transfer files. You have to have a client which will take a username, password, and servername and connect you.
I recommend this: www.smartftp.com
I use that one and I've been very happy with it. The next thing you need is somewhere that you can FTP to. I have several that I use, but I cannot give you access to them.
Basically the only reason you'd use it is if you were creating a website and the ISP or web provider is giving you FTP access to post your website files. Either that or maybe you have a spot on the net where you store files... like a remote hard drive.
Does that answer your questions?
Good service from CuteFTP too : )
FileZilla is nice.
Most of the time I just use the standard ftp program though.
I use lftp. :)
WS_FTP Pro for work, WS_FTPLE (the free version) at home.
WS_FTP LE here... but in school or something I just use a browser...
we've progressed from discussing FTP to discussing FTP clients, I see :p
Anyway, FileZilla is worth trying, and it is open source too.
FTP is unencrypted, which makes it not all that secure. Newer methods (which are usually transparently supported by FTP clients) include SCP (Secure Copy) and SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol), which both use SSL encryption.Quote:
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is the simplest and most secure way to exchange files over the Internet.
Well, considering that they were trying to sell WS_FTP Pro, they cant exactly call it insecure.
Though I think WS_FTP Pro does support secure connections.
"Secure" doesn't always refer to security. They could also be referring to transferring files with integrity, without the concern for data corruption.Quote:
Originally posted by CornedBee
FTP is unencrypted, which makes it not all that secure. Newer methods (which are usually transparently supported by FTP clients) include SCP (Secure Copy) and SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol), which both use SSL encryption.
/shug, at least that's the way I read it