How to FTP files
The Internet is inundated with acronyms. One of the most common today is hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), which is the standard protocol used to transfer web pages across the Internet. Before HTTP, though, there was file transfer protocol (FTP). This protocol allows a user to log in to a remote computer and send and receive files. Many ftp servers have files available to the public by way of an "anonymous" log in procedure. The username and password is usually given when the ftp connection has been made.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine the name of the server you wish yo log in to. Many times, this will be given to you by the person who is receiving or sending the file. For public access FTP sites, you can either search for them through an Internet search engine or "guess" by replacing the "www" in a web address with "ftp." For instance, you could try "ftp.aol.com" as opposed to "www.aol.com."
-
2
Go to the command prompt for your operating system. For Windows, this means opening an MS-DOS window. Type "ftp <server>," where <server> is the name of the ftp server you are logging into, and press "Enter." Enter your username and password where requested. For public access servers, the username will almost always be "anonymous" and the password your full email address.
-
-
3
Use the command "dir" to list a directory's contents and "cd" to change to a different directory until you find the file you want to receive or the directory your wish to transfer a file into.
-
4
Use either "get <filename>" or "put <filename>" to receive or to send the file.
-
5
Type "bye" when the files have been transferred to end the connection.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Change the directory on your own computer to the one containing the file you wish to upload before making a connection. It is sometimes difficult to change the directory after you have made an ftp connection. Once the connection is made, type "help" at any time to get a list of commands recommended by that particular FTP server. Use the command "hash" to turn hash marks on so you can watch the progress of the transfer.
There have always been concerns about security with ftp transfers. Do not send highly sensitive data by ftp.
