FTP is a client-server protocol for copying files from one
computer to another over a network.
FTP is a three letter acronym (TLA) for File
Transfer Protocol.
Features
FTP is a platform & file format independent mechanism for
transferring both compressed archive files & uncompressed
files & binaries, (executable programs).
You can transfer individual files or entire directories.
FTP allows for remote file management. If a machine is
connected to the Internet with an FTP server running, all your
files on your server machine account are available to you (given
you provide the correct username and password).
Miscellaneous
Since FTP is based on the TCP/IP Protocol, (packet networks
not handshaking), it is not always available on Commercial
Networks & Bulletin Boards.
To use FTP you must know the Internet name, (IP number or
Hostname), of the computer to which you wish connect.
FTP is not a file searching tool, (e.g. Archie).
Some downloaded archives require decompression utilities. (see
pages about compression)
FTP is embedded in most World Wide Web browser
applications.
