File Transfer Protocol

File Transfer Protocol is a way of transferring digital information over the internet to a remote server. It allows users to upload files to a server which may by connecting to the internet with an FTP client such as WinSCP or WS_FTP. The server is usually protected by requiring users to enter a user name and password in order to upload files. However, there are some pen source FTP servers which will allow anonymous access but usually only for download purposes. These clients can be found for free on-line, and are pretty lightweight applications which offer simple click and drag operation. Adobe's Dreamweaver also has a built in FTP server which can be used to upload files to a web page.
In order to access an FTP server, you first must know the server's host name. Once this is established you must open the FTP client of your choice. In the case of WS_FTP the wizard prompts you to name the site which you are attempting to contact. This is simply to allow the user to convienintly identify the site(s) which he/she uses regularly. Then it asks what kind of connection you would like to make:FTP, FTP/SSL, FTP Implicit/SSL, or local. I chose FTP, and went to the next step which required me to enter the host name of the server I was trying to contact. After contacting the server, WS_FTP asked for my user name and password. If the server allowed anonymous access one would simply have to enter anonymous into the user name and submit, but if the server is not open to anonymous users, one would have to have a user name and password to legally access the site. Once the username and password have been verified by the server, you are connected to the FTP server.
The WS_FTP interface displays the files on the local computer on the left of the split screen and the folders and files that the user has on the remote server on the right. The user simply has to click and drag files form one to the other to transfer the information. Or the user can employ the green upload/download arrows located in between the local computer files and the FTP server files.
FTP servers can be used by software developers and web sites managers to update programs and webpages from remote locations. FTP allows for faster, more secure transfer of files and data. FTP can move multiple files at one time, and can move larger files faster that through other means.