File Transfer Proctocol (FTP)

FTP (File Transfer Proctocol) lets you look through file stored on computers around the world and copy files that interest you.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP), a standard Internet protocol, is the simplest way to exchange files between computers on the Internet. Like the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), which transfers displayable Web pages and related files, and the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), which transfers e-mail, FTP is an application protocol that uses the Internet's TCP/IP protocols. FTP is commonly used to transfer Web page files from their creator to the computer that acts as their server for everyone on the Internet. It's also commonly used to download programs and other files to your computer from other servers.



As a user, you can use FTP with a simple command line interface (for example, from the Windows MS-DOS Prompt window) or with a commercial program that offers a graphical user interface. Your Web browser can also make FTP requests to download programs you select from a Web page. Using FTP, you can also update (delete, rename, move, and copy) files at a server. You need to logon to an FTP server. However, publicly available files are easily accessed using anonymous FTP.

Basic FTP support is usually provided as part of a suite of programs that come with TCP/IP. However, any FTP client program with a graphical user interface usually must be downloaded from the company that makes it.

Advantages of File Transfer Protocol

• One of the biggest advantages of file transfer protocol is that it is one of the fastest ways to get large files from one computer to another.

•  It's also efficient because you don't need to complete many operations to get the entire file or files transferred.

•  Most FTP servers require you to log in with a username and passwod.

• FTP allows you to transfer files back and forth. This means that if you are an owner of a company, you can send information to your employees and they can send information back all on the same server.

Disadvantages of File Transfer Protocol

• The disadvantage of anonymous FTP is that you have little control over who accesses your FTP server or how often they do it.

• If you have particularly popular file downloads, it can place quite a load on the server. For this reason, many organization with limited resources have chosen alternatives like BitTorrent to distribute large files.

• Because anonymous FTP allows users to access the server without authentication, you will need to take extra security steps to prevent exploits.

• Be sure to disable the SITE EXEC command, chroot the public directory, and disable any write privileges. If you have no pressing need to offer anonymous FTP services, it is better to disable it completely.