How to Use a Web Browser to Download Files With FTP

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a fancy way of describing a fairly simple procedure. Use FTP, with your browser, to download files from the Internet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Web Browsers

1. Find the FTP address of the remote file, including the file's complete path. (If you are clicking through a link on a Web site, you will not need to know the path, since the Webmaster will have coded this into the link.)

2. Enter the FTP address in the browser address box, the same way you would enter an HTTP (Web) address. For example, your FTP address might be something like this: ftp://ftp.simtel.net/freeware/myfile.zip.

3. Press the Enter key.

4. Enter any ID information or passwords that you may have been assigned, if prompted. Some Web sites may be set up so you are not required to enter passwords or log-in IDs.

5. Choose the Save File to Disk option if given the choice between that and Open File.

6. Identify the folder on your hard drive where you want the downloaded file to be stored. Accept the default or choose another folder.

7. Wait while the file downloads to your hard disk.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to note both the file name and the folder where your file is being stored. You will need this information so you can open the file later.
• Remember to run a virus scan before opening any files that you've downloaded from the Internet.

on 11/22/2005 Sometimes, the popup dialog box for the usename and password does not appear (for whatever reason). In that case, an alternate way to gain entry is to include the username and password in the address like this: ftp://username:[e-mail]