FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a method of moving files around the Internet from one system to another. Using FTP you can transfer files between your PC and any other computer using FTP anywhere else on the Internet.

To start the FTP program from the Dialler program, click this button on the Quick Launch bar.

 

The FTP program presents you with the following screen:

 

A dialog box is also shown asking if you want to open an old session. When presented with this box click on Cancel. Pull down the Sessions menu and select New. This displays a dialog box asking you for the following information:
  • Host Name: This is the name of the FTP server you are trying to connect to. As an example, you can try Imperial College: src.doc.ic.ac.uk
  • User Name: This is normally anonymous
  • Password: Type your full email address
  • Click on Connect
  • FTP now opens a connection to the server. Once the session has been established you can copy files from the server to your PC just as if you were copying using the File Manager in Windows.

In order to get a file from the remote machine (the one your PC has connected to) you click on the file you want and hold down the left-hand mouse button then drag the file onto the local drive (your PC's hard drive) the file will then be downloaded from the remote machine to your PC.

If you wish to upload you just carry out the procedure above in reverse. However some servers restrict what you can upload and where you can upload to. Some servers don't allow you to upload at all. If you have any questions relating to a particular server then you should contact the administrator of that server for advice.

When you have finished an FTP session, close the session. To do this select the Close option from the Session menu. The program then asks you if you want to save the current session; follow the on screen instructions.

To leave the program, click on Exit.