Re: ftp help

[lesherjt@vuse.vanderbilt.edu (John Lesher)]

Scott Weierich (scottw@onyx.southwind.net) wrote:
: I have never attempted to use the ftp area of my provider before, and 
: seem to need some help getting started. When using the option to ftp to 
: the location of my choice, "exactly" how do I enter a sites address? I 

There are various ftp programs, so I'll tell you how mine works:

	From the shell prompt (NOT the 'ftp' prompt), type 
'ftp ftp.hypermall.com'.  The ftp program will respond 'Trying...',
then prompt for a username.  Enter 'ftp', then your full email
address.
	Assuming the ftp provider is not full, you are logged in.
Something you should remember is to type 'bin', if you're xfering
binary files.  Using Ascii-mode-xfer corrupts binary files.  If
you log into 'ground.isca.uiowa.edu', ground has a safety feature
which prevents you from corrupting files by mistake.
	Use the 'cd' and 'dir' commands to see each directory.  If
you want a file, type 'get [filename]' (don't type the brackets).
The 'get' command will not allow wildcards.  If you want a group
of files, use 'mget'.  'mget' WILL allow wildcards, prompting you
for each file which matches your specification.
	Use 'quit' to logout.

These commands work on the ftp servers on both my VAX and my UNIX
accts.  I suspect they're general.  'help' usually works for a
list of commands.  'help mget' displays a help page for the command
'mget'.  (Apply this for other commands.)

	The other way is to use a web browser.  Under lynx, type 'g'
in order to allow you to type in a URL.  In graphical web browsers,
this field is usually near the top of the screen.  Type
'ftp://ftp.hypermall.com' or 'http://www.hypermall.com' to access
this site.  The 'ftp://' command gives you a straight directory,
while the 'http://' command usually gives you a better looking 
display.

Anyway, I've rambled on long enough.  :-)

Tilghman