How to FTP Between Two Computers

File transfer protocol (FTP) dates back to the early days of the Internet and is still used today. It was designed as a standard protocol to copy files from one computer to another over a network such as the Internet. FTP uses a client-server architecture. There must be an FTP server running on the remote host, and you must use FTP client software on your local computer. FTP supports authentication using a name and password combination, although you can also connect anonymously if the server allows it. Anonymous FTP does not require a name or password.

Gather Information

• 1

  Note the address of the FTP server. This address can either be a host name or an IP address. A host name will be similar to one you use to access a website. An IP address will be similar to 192.168.1.1, although your numbers will vary.

• 2

  Determine whether a user name is required to login to the FTP server. FTP sessions may either require a name or they may be anonymous. If no name or password has been provided, assume it is anonymous FTP.

• 3

  Make a note of the password required for your FTP access to the remote server. If it is anonymous FTP, you will not need a password.

Connect with an FTP Client

• 1

  Attempt an FTP connection using your web browser. Most browsers support FTP connections. Type "ftp://192.168.1.1/path/filename" in the address bar of your web browser. Substitute the actual host, domain, path and file name that you have been provided.

• 2

  Connect with a command line FTP client. Both Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X support FTP from the command prompt. Open a command prompt in Windows, or use the Terminal application in OS X. In both, type "ftp" from the command prompt to access the FTP client.

• 3

  Download a free graphical FTP client. If you plan to use FTP regularly, a graphical client can simplify the process. Some of the most popular FTP clients include WinSCP for Windows, Cyberduck for Mac OS X, or CrossFTP for either operating system.