What is the FTP protocol?

The FTP protocol (File Transfer Protocol) was conceived to allow the transfer of large files between computers. Thanks to this service, you can exchange files of any size or nature with any server linked to the Internet.

This aspect of the Internet is a little more complex than the others because it is closer to the UNIX operating system. Its basic principal is that TCP/IP allows you to enter in communication with any other computer in the world by your Info-Internet connection. The distant computer will first ask you to send it a user name and a password. Naturally, you do not have an account with every computer system in the world like you do on your home computer, and when you try to enter in contact with them, using your name and your usaual password, your access will be refused.

However, there exists an agreement allowing one to obtain limited access using the ``anonymous`` user name and an electronic mail address as a password. Usually, the anonymous user does not have access to files in the public directory, called ``pub``. The FTP directories are now available to be seen from most browsers (Netscape, Internet Explorer,…).

You can also access the FTP server of Info-Internet with your user name and your password, allowing you to use your own directory and your memory space of two mega-octets to place your own personal Web page.

There are two types of files : the binary ones (which include everything which is not text) and the text files, in ASCII format. These files may be read with the help of a word processing software.

In order to use the FTP service, we recommend the ``WS_FTP`` software. You will find the latest version in our FTP Archive or at TUCOWS : http://www.tucows.com/. Once this utility is downloaded and installed, adjust the following settings :

• Host : name of FTP server (example : ftp.info-internet.net)
• User-ID : anonymous
• Password : your electronic mail address

Your screen will be sectioned off into two parts : the left side represents the contents of your computer (local system) where as the right side represents the contents of the directories of the server you wish to connect to (remote system).

The arrows in the middle indicate the direction of the transfer of files to be made. To begin transferring a file, you must be in the correct directories, that is, locate the directory source of one side and the destination of the other side. Then you must press on the appropriate arrow. A ringing signal will be heard once the transfer is finished.

Most Frequent Problems:

1. Nothing happens when you try to open a new program that you have just downloaded : It is very likely you have brought in the file in ASCII format. The best thing to do is to discard the file and try downloading it again, this time, in binary format.

2. You try to access a site by using ``anonymous`` for your password, but your access is refused : Many FTP sites restrict access to their servers to avoid excess loads and unfortunately the best sites are often the most difficult to reach. Usually it is easier to reach them outside high frequenting hours.

3. You try to communicate with your FTP site at Info-Internet in order to transfer files, but you cannot get the www directory : Call customer service and check if your personal directory has been actived at (514) 342-INFO (4636).