FTP (File Transfer Protocol) allows you to download files on the Internet and specifically to and from your site. Try this URL in your browser, ftp://ftp.microsoft.com and you will see a directory listing of Microsoft's site in your browser. Most browsers (Internet Explorer, Netscape, etc) offer some form of FTP built in to the program.
Each of the software tools in this section allow you to perform many of the same functions, however, each has it's own advantages and features that no other program has.
You may already have used FTP and not even known it. Most shareware sites have hyperlinks to the programs available for download. You just click on the hyperlink and it asks whether you want to "save it to disk" or "open the file". If it's a program you would like to try, select "save it to disk" and the browser uses FTP to transfer the file. The important tip here is to create a folder (directory) on your hard drive called "install" (see Windows95 explorer in the Did You Know section of this newsletter). When you download a program save it in it's own folder (directory) within the install directory. This way you know right where to find it when you want to install it, delete it, or share it with a friend.
Another way of obtaining files is using an FTP program. These programs have the look and feel of Windows95 Explorer or Windows 3.11 File Manager. Most major companies have FTP sites that you can connect to and download files. Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) probably has a site for software updates, etc. FTP is also the method used by many Web Presence Providers to allow you to upload your files to your Web site. Click on the link below, it will take you to a shareware site in Florida called TUCOWS, that has the various FTP programs listed. Create your install directory (folder) and it's sub-folder FTP. Select the FTP program hyperlink for the one you want (we suggest WS-FTP LE ). When it asks to open it or save it, choose save and tell it to put it in the c:\install\ftp folder. Next, using Windows Explorer or File Manager, double click on the file name that you downloaded to unzip and install the program.
What's unzip? Go to the hyperlink below for Winzip and you can use it as well. Totally lost? Go to the hyperlink for the Vision Discussion Board and post your questions or problems there. The FTP programs will have readme files for instructions and default sites to try out. Try ftp.microsoft.com (you may need to leave off the ftp, WS FTP adds it automatically). Why make you go through all this if you can see it in the browser anyway? After reading several of these newsletters you may be developing your own Web site and need to use it. Try WS FTP you'll like it
WS FTP
For Windows95 - http://tucows.daci.net/ftp95.html
For Windows 3.x - http://tucows.daci.net/softftp.html
WinZip
For Windows95 - http://tucows.daci.net/adnload/dlwinzip95.html
For Windows 3.x - http://tucows.daci.net/adnload/win3x/dlwinzip3x.html
