What is FTP?

This webpage provides basic information about FTP and the way it is used.
The information on this page was gathered from various websites, which will be sited for more information.
This is for educational purposes only and I take absolutely no credit for the information listed on this page.

What does FTP stand for?

FTP stand for File Transfer Protocol

What is FTP?

FTP is the simplest and most secure way to exchange file over the internet. Whether you know it or not, you most likely use FTP all the time

The objectives of FTP are:

• To promote the sharing of files (computer programs and/or data)
• To encourage indirect or implicit use of remote computers
• To shield a user from variations in file storage systems among different hosts
• To transfer data reliably and efficiently

Some disadvantages of FTP include:

• Passwords and file contents are sent in clear text, allowing unwanted eavesdropping
• It is hard to filter active mode FTP traffic on the client side by using a firewall, since the user must open a random port to make this connection. Note: This problem is largely resolved by using passive mode FTP
• It is possible to tell a server to send data to an arbitrary port of a third computer

What is FTP used for?

The most common use for FTP is to download files from the internet. Because of this, FTP is the backbone of the MP3 music craze, and vital to most online auction and game enthusiasts. In addition, the ability to transfer files back-and-forth makes FTP essential for everyone who creates Web pages; amateurs and professionals alike.

What does an FTP address look like?

An FTP address looks a lot like a website address, except it uses the prefix "ftp://" instead of "http://"

     Example Website address:   http://www.gohere.com
     Example FTP site address:   ftp://ftp.gohere.com

What is an FTP site?

An FTP site is like a large filing cabinet. With a traditional filing cabinet, the person who does the filing has the option to label and organize the files how ever they see fit. They also decide which files to keep locked and which remain public. The same concept is used in FTP sites.

What is an FTP client?

An FTP client is software designed to transfer files back-and-forth between two computers over the internet. It needs to be installed on your computer and can only be used with a live connection to the internet.

Additional features of an FTP include:

• Multiple file transfer
• Auto re-get or resuming feature
• Queuing utility
• Scheduling feature
• FTP find utility feature
• Synchronize utility
• Scripting utility, for advanced users

Why is FTP becoming so popular?

When Hypertext Transfer Protocol was designed, it was not intended for moving large files. Using http works fine for downloading small bitmaps and HTML data, but can be painstakingly slow for larger transfers. FTP on the other hand is swift and efficient when dealing with large files.

Tip:

With so many web sites getting more and more complicated a fast way to transfer information to them is vital. If you have a website and wish to keep it active and informed regular uploads of information and updates are important. The Internet provides the most up-to-date information, and if your site is going to attract clients it needs to be up-to-date too.

For more information on FTP, please visit the following website: Article Insider and search Software Utilities >> FTP.