FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a way to download (and upload) files from the internet very, very quickly. FTP is much more efficient than most other methods of transfer because it is intended and was designed to do large transfers very quickly.
If you are using a relatively new version of Internet Explorer or Netscape, you can simply browse to FTP sites in exactly the same manner as you do normal web sites. The only difference is that FTP sites begin with FTP and normal web sites begin with HTTP.
You may find it easier to use a dedicated FTP client since these are specially designed to handle this particular kind of transfer. The better FTP clients look exactly like the Windows Explorer, complete with two panes. This makes it appear that the FTP site is actually part of your desktop. You can even drag and drop files between the desktop and the FTP client at will.
Some good FTP clients are listed below. The thing to do is download demonstration copies of each of these clients, check them out, then buy the one that you like the best.
| CuteFTP | |
Nice FTP client with lots of features. These include
|
|
| KnoWare, Inc | |
| Several different FTP clients. FtpNetdrive maps an FTP site as a drive letter, which integrates it directly into your desktop. Internet Neighborhood adds the FTP site directly to your network neighborhood. These are both very nice products. | |
| WS_FTPPro | |
|
|
Unless otherwise noted, all photos and text is Copyright © Richard G Lowe, Jr.