Adroit Solutions Corporation

FTP Questions

What is FTP? 
FTP Terms 
For your understanding and protection
Download FTP software 

What is FTP 

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) powers one of the most fundamental Internet functions: the transfer of files between computers. An FTP site is a temporary storage location where information is sent to and then copied from. Prior to 1995, FTP generated more traffic on the Internet than any other service. Today, businesses use FTP protocols to upload and download information.  Web developers also use FTPs to maintain websites.

FTP Terms 

Below are several FTP terms that you may hear.

  • Anonymous FTP: Transfers files from the public portion of an FTP server. "Anonymous" means that you don't have to have an account on the server. In most cases, use anonymous as your user name and your email address as your password.  This is not recommended for business transactions as it is not secure.
  • Archive: An FTP site that contains a selection of files for download.
  • Download: Also called "Get". Copy a file from an FTP site to another computer. When downloading business transactions use of a password and user privileges is usually required.  If you're merely downloading shared files an anonymous account is usually sufficient. 
  • FTP site: A Web site that stores files for download. You can access the sites with a Web browser by typing in the address. All FTP site addresses begin with ftp:// (instead of http://).
  • Upload: Also called "Put". Place files on an FTP server. Upload privileges are usually password protected to keep unauthorized users from placing files that could contain viruses or other malicious code on the server.

For your understanding and protection 

When you access an FTP account the information that is necessary is a username, password and the site address. 

Your web host will generally provide specific instructions about how to access their FTP server. If you would like a more in depth understanding read on:

  • Download a copy of an FTP program of your choice.  Most programs will have to be installed before use.  Many FTP programs are available by download from various websites or may be obtained at computer stores in boxes with manuals.
  • Open your FTP program and use your username and password to establish a connection with the server. If you are setting up the program you will also need to know the server's name. Consult your technical support for assistance when necessary.
  • Find and open the directory which contains the source information.  Open the directory that you want to copy information into.  Note: you may need to create a new directory.
  • Choose the transfer mode: this will be either binary or ASCII.
    File Type
    Usage
    Description
    ASCII Text files Use for all HTML files
    Binary Raw data (graphics, multimedia, executable files) Use for all graphics and multimedia files

  • Upload or download your files. Start the process. Verify the file names and both the source location and the destination location.  FTP transfers can irretrievably overwrite information.
  • Verify the transfer has taken place. Following the completion of the transfer locate the file or files that you transferred and verify that the file size and date are the same as the original file.
  • Disconnect from the server. This is important! You'd be surprised to know how many sites are disabled by careless users who make inadvertent changes.

Download FTP Software 

There are many FTP programs available. Below are two popular versions. Feel free to access their websites to obtain a copy.  

  • WS_FTP LE - This older limited version is available at no charge to government employees, noncommercial home users, and students and staff of educational institutions. Corporate users or those who do not qualify for free use of WS_FTP LE must use WS_FTP Pro.

  Download WS_FTP LE

  • WS_FTP Pro - The full up-to-date retail version of WS_FTP with several added features.

Download WS_FTP Pro