In general, this provides only a second rate FTP client ... but its better than nothing (well, sometimes it is).

FTP - File Transfer Protocol

FTP allows you to transfer files from one computer to another ... just like Windows Explorer allows you to transfer files from one directory to another (which may or may not be on a different computer).

The primary difference is the protocol (you don't need to know the specific differences). Suffice it to say that FTP was developed long before the first Windows operating system - it was (and is still) used to transfer files between UNIX systems.

Today, most Windows users use FTP to transfer files to/from some computer on the internet - usually a system hosting a web site. As often as not, the remote system is UNIX.

Computers store data in 8-bit bytes.

Normal ASCII text data is stored using only 7 bits per byte (the 8th bit is always zero). (This kind of document is created using programs like notepad.exe) As a result, it is fairly easy to transfer this type of data over the internet. This is one reason the html pages are always written in ASCII.

Other types of data (images, programs, MS Word documents, and the like) use all 8 bits to store data. As a result, special algorithms are required to transfer 8-bit data over a 7-bit interface.

When you are using FTP, you need to be aware of the type of data being transferred - ASCII or binary (7-bit or 8-bit).

If you try to transfer 8-bit data in ASCII mode, data WILL be lost (the 8th bit will be set to zero).

Operating Environment	Sequence
MS DOS/MS Windows	CRLF
Unix	LF
Macintosh	CR

When ASCII transfers are enabled, many FTP clients (the part run on your machine) automatically translate these.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\ftp.exe

• There is no way to execute chmod on UNIX systems
• All transfers are binary
• Automatic line termination conversion is not provided
• There is no log file

Everyone's system is configured a little different, this worked with one of my configurations.

• Select (left click on) My Network Places
• On my system, 2 panes are displayed - Folders and a list of connections
• Using the "X", close the Folders pane (This step is not required in all configurations)
• Under Network Tasks, select Add a network place
• Use the Wizard to add the link
  • Select Choose another network location
  • Enter the name of the ftp site ... for example

    ftp://ftp.microsoft.com

  • If the site requires a username and password, uncheck Log on anonymously
  • You will be given an opportunity to change the name

The page you are looking for is currently unavailable.

On a UNIX system, double clicking an *.txt file actually displays the file's contents. (I'm not sure that it matters, but the UNIX system required a user ID and password, whereas the microsoft site's connection was anonymous.)

Most of the free FTP clients will do a better job. However, if your system is configured so that you are not allowed to load software ... then this is an alternative.

CNET lists a number of free FTP clients you can use instead of Windows Explorer.

Core FTP Lite (free) was recommended by several users on CNET.

"There are no popup ads or advertising, and you're never asked or reminded to register."

Features you may need (that I use)

• The ability to execute the UNIX chmod command (allows other people to see your files)
• The ability to edit files in ASCII mode (automatic line termination conversion)
• Generates a log file

URL: http:// cpcug.org / user / clemenzi / technical / WinExplorer / ftp.html