Internet : File Transfer Protocol

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is used to download files that are stored on other computers on the Internet. Using FTP you can :

• List the files that are stored on a computer.
• Change directory.
• Download a file from a remote computer onto your computer.

To access some files using FTP you will need a user name and password. However most FTP sites will let you logon anonymously by typing in "anonymous" as the user name and your email address as the password. If you set up your own web page then you will probably have to use FTP to put the pages onto your ISP's web server. Transferring information onto the internet like this is known as uploading.

Files can also be downloaded through the world wide web. Most people prefer to download from the web as it provides a simpler user interface.

GCSE ICT Companion 04 - (C) P Meakin 2004