FTP is the abbreviation for File Transfer Protocol. This is an Internet process that transfers files between your computer and others on the Internet. There are many FTP sites on the Internet and you can access these sites using Netscape Navigator. If you are given an FTP address, simply type ftp://and the address into the Netscape Location box and click on Enter.

     Many of the large FTP sites have Web front ends. In other words, you initially access them via a Web document that explains a little about the site and what it contains. When you are ready to download a file, you click on a link that fires up the actual FTP protocol, showing you lists of files and directories or it may going right ahead and transfer the file you want.

     Many of these FTP sites are known as anonymous FTP sites, which means they allow any Internet user to log on specifically for the purpose of downloading files. You don't need to be a registered user on the system.

     Netscape sends the username 'anonymou's. To configure Netscape to send your e-mail address as your password, click on Edit | Preferences | Advanced from the menu bar. Simply check the checkbox labeled Send e-mail address as anonymous FTP password, and click OK. If you have not already set up Netscape Messenger, you will need to click on Edit | Mail and Groups | Identity and fill in the information fields and click on OK.

 

     Type ftp://ftp.classroom.net into the Netscape Location box. This Classroom Connect site has many great files. Once you have accessed the server, you will be able to move within directories or folders to locate the file(s). If you want to download a particular file, follow the screen directions or simply double-click on the file name or icon. The file will be placed in the directory that you specified in the Preferences sub-menu in the Options window of Netscape.

     Here are some additional ftp sites, some with a Web front end: