FTP

File Transfer Protocol

File Transfer Protocol (FTP), a standard Internet protocol, is the simplest way to exchange files between computers on the Internet. Like the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), which transfers displayable Web pages and related files, and the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), which transfers e-mail, FTP is an application protocol that uses the Internet's TCP/IP protocols. FTP is commonly used to transfer Web page files from their creator to the computer that acts as their server for everyone on the Internet. It's also commonly used to download programs and other files to your computer from other servers.
As a user, you can use FTP with a simple command line interface (for example, from the Windows MS-DOS Prompt window) or with a commercial program that offers a graphical user interface. Your Web browser can also make FTP requests to download programs you select from a Web page. Using FTP, you can also update (delete, rename, move, and copy) files at a server. You need to logon to an FTP server. However, publicly available files are easily accessed using anonymous FTP.

Basic FTP support is usually provided as part of a suite of programs that come with TCP/IP. However, any FTP client program with a graphical user interface usually must be downloaded from the company that makes it.

Source: http://whatis.techtarget.com/WhatIs_Definition_Page/0,4152,213976,00.html

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Tom
 
Thanks Tom. I'm still a little confused. Do I need a program to download stuff from FTP sites? I downloaded a program called "CuteFTP" but I'm not sure how to use it yet. I can get connected but I don't know how to search for things like .mpg files. I know how to find mp3 files with it now but I'm mainly trying to download old "Family Guy" episodes in .mpg or .asf format.
 
You need a client to connect to ftp servers. CuteFTP is a really good one. When you connect to a FTP server, it's similar to access a network drive. According to the rights you have, you can download or upload some files. Searching for files from a FTP site is not really easy, you have to look into available folders until you find what you want. If you are looking for something special, I suggest you to use gnutella or hotline network instead of FTP. FTP is more useful when you know what you want and when you know where it is.

Hope this help...

Tom
 
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