FTP: Definition and additional resources from ZDNet

(1) (Foil Twisted Pair) See twisted pair.

(2) (File Transfer Protocol) A protocol used to transfer files over a TCP/IP network (Internet, Unix, etc.). For example, after developing the HTML pages for a Web site on a local machine, they are typically uploaded to the Web server using FTP.

FTP includes functions to log in to the network, list directories and copy files. It can also convert between the ASCII and EBCDIC character codes. FTP operations can be performed by typing commands at a command prompt or via an FTP utility running under a graphical interface such as Windows. FTP transfers can also be initiated from within a Web browser by entering the URL preceded with ftp://.

FTP Vs. E-Mail
E-mail was designed for ASCII text only. In order to include other file types such as images and programs in an e-mail message, they have to be converted to a full binary format and "attached" to the message. FTP was designed to handle binary files directly and does not add the overhead of encoding and decoding the data as does e-mail.

FTP Vs. HTTP
When you download a Web page, the HTTP protocol is used. HTTP and FTP operate in a similar manner for file transfer, and both support binary files.

It's a Verb Too
The term is also used as a verb; for example, "let's FTP them the file." See FTP commands, anonymous FTP and TFTP. See also FTTP.

FTP Utility
Ipswitch's WS_FTP Pro makes FTP'ing easy under Windows. After logging in and switching to the appropriate folders on the local and remote systems, transferring files requires only highlighting, dragging and dropping.

Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia.
Copyright (c) 1981-2008 The Computer Language Company Inc.
All rights reserved.

Additional Resources

FreeFTP (exe): Free FTP is a multithreaded FTP client with the look-and-feel of Windows Explorer, and makes moving files between the Internet and your computer as simple as local file manipulation. FreeFTP can be used for: Web site publishing and maintenance, Upload and download of images, documents, movie and music files Create...; Tags: Internet, Microsoft Windows, Tools & Techniques, Web Site Development, Operating Systems, Software, Management; Software downloads 2008-07-02
Rapid Ftp Copy (zip): Rapid FTP Copy software simplify and optimize Web site publishing from local to ftp. It maintain information about site files and publish changed files, remove removed files and add new files. Rapid Ftp Copy allow many profiles for various sites. Version 1.0.3079 includes unspecified updates.; Tags: FTP, ISX; Software downloads 2008-07-02
Security Monitor Pro (exe): Professional Video Surveillance Software With Support For Multiple IP Cameras. Security Monitor Pro is the perfect solution for complex security problems. It can monitor and record from up to 8 IP cameras and any number of USB or FireWire webcams simultaneously, create continuous video recordings, and preview multiple cameras in...; Tags: Security, Video, Camera, Security Monitor Pro, Corporate Communications, Marketing; Software downloads 2008-07-01
SmartFTPPlayer (zip): FTP Explorer with advanced features: viewing separate frames from AVI films and encoding characteristics of video and audio files; ID3 tags and bitrate for MP3 audio files; playing audio and video files (13 various formats) directly on FTP, and AVI and MP3 files - from any position; downloading parts of...; Tags: AVI, Video, File, websiTeam, Corporate Communications, Marketing; Software downloads 2008-06-27
Memeo AutoBackup Professional (exe): Memeo AutoBackup Professional is enterprise-secure data protection without the price and complexity of corporate backups. No IT department is required to setup or manage this software. Recommended for home office and small business users. Once installed, users can begin backing up their files in less than 60 seconds. Backup to...; Tags: Memeo, Memeo AutoBackup Professional, Backups, Network-Attached Storage (NAS), Storage, Hardware; Software downloads 2008-06-25

AnyClient (exe): AnyClient is a platform independent file transfer application that supports all major file transfer protocols including FTP/S, SFTP, and WebDAV/S. AnyClient is available both as a Web-based service requiring no software installation, and as a downloadable application that you can install locally. This version is the first release on CNET...; Tags: Application, JScape, AnyClient; Software downloads 2008-06-24
SpotFTP Password Recovery (exe): SpotFTP Password Recover is Windows utility that offers administrators and users a comprehensive solution for recovering FTP passwords and other critical business information stored in users' computers. SpotFTP recovers FileZilla, WS_FTP, SmartFTP, Far ftp client, CuteFTP, FlashFXP ftp, SecureFX ftp client, WebDrive, FTP Voyager, AutoFTP, 32bit FTP, FTP Now, FTP...; Tags: Recovery, FTP, Nsasoft, SpotFTP Password Recover, SpotFTP; Software downloads 2008-06-23
Smart Thumbnails Creator for Web (exe): Thumbnail creator can help you create your Web thumbnail galleries and photo albums in a snap with a TWO mouse clicks. Just select your images directory. Your thumbnail galleries and photo albums have come to life. Thumbnail galleries and photo albums are in HTML and JPEG formats, and are compatible...; Tags: Web, Photograph, Photo Album; Software downloads 2008-06-20
NetDrive (exe): NetDrive connects remote storage like a local hard disk. With NetDrive, managing your remote storage(ftp/ webdav) server will be as easy as any old file folder on your PC. Once you mount the local drive, you don't need to run an application or an FTP client interface but a simple...; Tags: SolutionBox, NetDrive, Storage, Microsoft Windows, Hardware, Operating Systems, Software; Software downloads 2008-06-20
Handy Backup (txt): Handy Backup Standard is a backup software certified with the Microsoft Works with Windows Vista logo. Performs automatic backup to DVD/CD, Blu-ray, HD DVD, FTP, USB, Flash, FireWire, LAN, and online. Supports ZIP64 compression, 128-bit encryption, has a flexible scheduler, can run as Windows service and notify via e-mail. Has...; Tags: Handy Backup Standard, Backups; Software downloads 2008-06-19
Glub Tech Secure FTP (gz): A pure Java-based client application that allows for a 128-bit encrypted secure connection to be made to a server that supports FTP over SSL or FTPS. The application can be run via its graphical user interface GUI or from the command-line interface CLI, allowing for headless scriptable operation. This makes...; Tags: FTPS, Server, SFTP, Glub Tech; Software downloads 2008-06-19
Got Firefox? 503 Service Unavailable (updated): Well I waited until 1pm EDT and tried to get into the Firefox world record site to download the latest version. It should come as no surprise that the site is down: http://www.spreadfirefox.com/en-US/worldrecord : 503 Service Unavailable Failed to resolve the name of server...; Tags: Mozilla Firefox, Mozilla Firefox 2.0, Mozilla Corp., Web Browsers, Internet, Ed Burnette; Blog posts 2008-06-17
Firefox 3 download fiesta: Ready, set, kaboom: Firefox 3 download fiesta: Ready, set, kaboomuhhhh...maybe because there is millions of people hammering mozilla's servers right now trying to download firefox.. maybe?!!Bwaahhh HAHAHAHA!I guess Mozilla isn't quite ready yet, problems?Yes I tried the FTP site and they have a page up stating they're not ready yet. I am also...; Tags: Web browsers, Mozilla Firefox, Mozilla Firefox 3.0; Discussion threads 2008-06-17
Don't download Firefox 3 yet: Don't download Firefox 3 yetRE: Don't download Firefox 3 yetHaha, just one of those marketing gimmicks! Does Mozilla have sufficient bandwidth for the hordes or downloaders? ;)RE: Don't download Firefox 3 yetFirefox 3 is hosted by Google's servers. I think the goog can handle both the server...; Tags: Web browsers, Mozilla Europe, Mozilla.com website, Mozilla Firefox 3.0, Mozilla Firefox, Mozilla Corp.; Discussion threads 2008-06-17
Firefox 3 RELEASED: Thoughts?: As you're all well aware by now, the latest version of everyone's favorite browser is slated for release today. There's been a whole lot of coverage of the release -- Adrian Kingsley-Hughes details the changes here, Mary Jo Foley covers Microsoft competition here, musings about memory usage...; Tags: Mozilla Firefox 3.0, Mozilla Firefox, Web Browser, Web Browsers, Internet, Andrew Nusca; Blog posts 2008-06-17
Firefox 3.0 final - First thoughts: Firefox 3.0 final - First thoughtsThink again. It's RC3 not FINAL.I have RC3 and it's the SAME build. so it's not what you're thinking of. They're keeping track of the location and someone decided to play a little prank and change the RC3 name to the actual...; Tags: Web browsers, Firefox 3.0 Final, Mozilla Firefox, Mozilla Firefox 3.0, RC3; Discussion threads 2008-06-17
Firefox 3.0 final available for download today: This is the day that Firefox users and those waiting for the new release to become Firefox users have been waiting for - Firefox 3.0 final has hit the Mozilla public FTP server and is available for download. by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes; Tags: Mozilla Firefox 3.0, Mozilla Firefox, Mozilla Corp., GetFirefox, Web Browsers, Internet, Adrian Kingsley-Hughes; Blog posts 2008-06-17
Firefox 3.0 final available for download: Firefox 3.0 final available for downloadThose will magcally change ...... once the release is made official.RE: Firefox 3.0 final available for downloadIs this really the final version? Runonce initial page refers to RC as do the release notes?RE: Firefox 3.0 final available for downloadIs this really the final version? The...; Tags: Web browsers, Version 3, Mozilla Firefox, Mozilla Firefox 3.0, Firefox 3.0 Final; Discussion threads 2008-06-17
XtremeFTP (zip): Xtreme FTP is a free FTP program that allows you to upload any file to a Web site you have administrator access to. Currently, you must type in the location of the file to upload, but a browse button will be added later. E-mail me with any bugs. This version...; Tags: File, BLANKsoft, Xtreme FTP, E-mail, Web Site Development, Web Technology, Online Communications, Internet; Software downloads 2008-06-17
NexusFile (exe): NexusFile is a file manager for windows. This program can be your new fast and file manager as a replacement of windows explorer. You can manage files/folders fast and easily that you couldn't do with a windows explorer. You can do almost everything with keyboard shortcut besides with mouse. For...; Tags: File Manager, Window, Xiles, NexusFile, Keyboards, Construction, Hardware, Peripherals; Software downloads 2008-06-17