What is FTP, and how do I use it to transfer
files?
Overview
FTP
is an acronym for File Transfer Protocol. As the name suggests, FTP is used to
transfer files between computers on a network. You can use FTP to exchange
files between computer accounts, transfer files between an account and a
desktop computer, or access online software archives. Keep in mind, however,
that many FTP sites are heavily used and require several attempts before
connecting.
How to use FTP
Graphical FTP clients
Graphical
FTP clients simplify file transfers by allowing you to drag and drop file icons
between windows. When you open the program, enter the name of the FTP host
(e.g., ftp.empire.gov) and your username and password. If you are
logging into an anonymous FTP server, you may not have to enter anything. Two
common FTP programs are Cyberduck (for Mac) and WinSCP (for Windows). For more,
see At IU, what SSH/SFTP clients are supported and
where can I get them?
Web browser
You
can use a web browser to connect to FTP addresses exactly as you would to
connect to HTTP addresses. Using a web browser for FTP transfers makes it easy
for you to browse large directories and read and retrieve files. Your web
browser will also take care of some of the details of connecting to a site and
transferring files. While this method is convenient, web browsers are often
slower and less reliable and have fewer features than dedicated FTP clients.
To
use your web browser to connect to an FTP site such as ftp.empire.gov,
where you normally enter a URL, enter: ftp://username@ftp.empire.gov/
Command line FTP
ftp
ftp.empire.gov
If
you are connecting to your own account, enter your username and password. If
you are connecting to an anonymous FTP site, for your username, enter anonymous .
For your password, enter your email address.