An instructional website on Internet literacy for teachers

What is FTP FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. This is a very common method, and often the simplest way, to move files between two Internet sites. It doesn't matter where the two computers are located, how they are connected, or even whether or not they use the same operating system. For example, you can retrieve files from a computer in an Australian university that runs on Unix and download it on your personal computer that runs on Windows 98. FTP uses the same TCP/IP protocol that makes it possible for different computers around the world to access websites and e-mail that were created on different systems.  To FTP or HTTP, that is the question FTP is very useful when you find information on the Internet that you want to have a copy for yourself so you can either study it at leisure or use for your project. Although browsers like Netscape and Internet Explorer allows you to download similar files from the Web, using an FTP program offers certain advantages.  Compared to the other TCP/IP protocols, the FTP protocol is found to be the most efficient and secure means of file exchange on the Internet.  For this reason, most download sites utilize the FTP protocol in all file sends even if you may not be aware of it because you are using your browser for the process. However, if you are retrieving files from an FTP site, you will find that Web browsers don't always maintain constant connection and as a result the downloading process is slow and prone to errors. Thus, while it seems easier to obtain these files from the Web with a few clicks of the mouse, the ability to use FTP gives you greater flexibility and access.  Anonymous FTP The method of downloading public files is called anonymous FTP. Many government and educational institutions with Internet sites have established publicly accessible repositories of material that can be obtained using FTP, by allowing people to log in using the account name "anonymous", thus these sites are also called anonymous ftp servers.  Many FTP sites are protected and restricted. Those who wish to access it need to enter a valid username and password. Anonymous FTP is different because you don't need to identify yourself before accessing files. In general, you enter the word anonymous or ftp when the host prompts you for a username; you can enter anything for the password, such as your e-mail address or simply the word "guest". In many cases, depending on the system and its settings, when you access an anonymous FTP site, you won't even be prompted for your name and password.  Most anonymous FTP sites offer tons of resources for educational and personal use. You will recognize these sites because their address, or Uniform Resource Locator (URL), is different from the usual websites. For example, the URL of NASA's directory on weather is ftp://explorer.arc.nasa.gov. The NASA Headquarters Anonymous FTP Server contains specific documents, policies and general interest information. Below is one of their sub-directories -- and most if not all FTP directories look like this: Other data formats or types of files available here include Powerpoint slides, Word documents, TIF images, zip and executable files, to name a few. Lycos claims its FTP file finder can access 100 million files of software, mp3s, games, screensavers, pictures, and free software. Oakland University has a software repository of  free computer software. The FTP archive of the Swedish University Network contains not only software for games and programming but also scientific and educational resources. Click to the next page for a tutorial on using an FTP software.
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