File transfer protocol (FTP) client software allows you to transfer files between a hard drive and a remote server. For instance, you could put your personal home page up on the Web by transferring files from your hard drive to a Web server, or you can download programs from your favorite shareware site — fast. A designer/instructor can use FTP software to move files to a server accessible by students using a browser.

Early versions of FTP client software used clear text passwords. Newer versions use encrypted passwords for additional security. FTP sites can be public (no password required) or private (requiring a user ID and password). FTP is designed to move large files, while the HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol) browsers,  used to transfer files from remote Web servers to your screen, is designed to move HTML (hypertext markup language) files and small graphic files displayed within them.

Large files such as video, audio, or graphics can be moved from one location to another in a matter of minutes. Such files cannot be sent as an email attachment because most email providers limit the size of the attachments. Students could use FTP to move a streaming video file to their local hard drive that they can view at anytime without an Internet connection.

D.J. Berstein developed an Internet publication on FTP that provides in-depth information. If interested, check out the link. (http://cr.yp.to/ftp.html)

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