File Transfer Protocol: Accessing Archived Files on Internet Host Systems

File Transfer Protocol is an Internet communications standard that allows any user to connect with an FTP site and easily download files. Many FTP sites also allow public access, usually using the logins "anonymous" or "ftp." This type of public access is generally referred to as Anonymous FTP. Netscape and other web browsers support anonymous ftp, so you can use them as your FTP "client" or software. In Netscape, enter the URL of the system with which you wish to connect, such as:
ftp://ftp.apple.com/ or
ftp://aix.boulder.ibm.com/

The numeric address may work better during busy times of the day when nameservers are responding slowly. When connected you'll be told what your current directory is. Subdirectories have a folder icon in front of them and files have an icon of a sheet of paper in front of them. If you are not sure where to go, look for the "pub" directory (public files) or for a ReadMe or 00Index file. For additional information about FTP, read:

FTPchapter

Readme or Index Files
Many FTP top directories have a file named ReadMe or 00index with descriptions of the contents of the directory or ftp site. While attempts are made to make the filenames descriptive, often these ReadMe files are the only place you'll get a clear description of file contents. ReadMe files are often the first files you will want to download or "get." There are many different file types you can download. It is very important to pay attention to the file type. Text files often, but not always, end with a .TXT extension. Many other file types exist, which require special steps in order to utilize.

For instance:
- A binary file is a file such as a software program. DOS or Windows programs end in .exe or .com. Macintosh programs sometimes will have no extension, but often will have .hqx (for binhexed) or .sea (for Self-Extracting Archive.)
- Compressed files have been reduced in size for efficient transfer by running the file through a compression program. After you get the file it must be uncompressed. The most common types of these are .zip files for the PC, and .sit, .hqx, and .cpt files for the Macintosh.
- .GIF or .JPG files are image files and to view them outside of Netscape requires special software: a gif or jpg viewing program.

Because software programs can be rather large, transferring this type of file to your computer may take a long time via a SLIP or PPP connection since you're limited by your modem speed. Check the size of the file before FTPing it so you can estimate how long it will take to download and if you have to pay for Internet access by time online, the cost.