How to use FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

To transfer file between two computers, the two machines must "talk the same language" or use the same protocol. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) can be used by various computers to communicate with one another because it permits these computers to use one universal way of tranferring the electronic information.

To transfer files between you home computer and your UNIX account...

1. Go to you Start Menu, then Run. In the dialog box type in command.

2. A black window will come up. Type in ftp followed by the domain name (DNS). For example, ftp utopia.poly.edu.

3. You will have to login to your account. Enter your username and password. You are now connected to the server.

To transfer a file to your UNIX account

1. Locate the file on your local computer.

2. Type in lcd followed by the full path to the file, including the drive letter, and all the directories. Make sure the path is in quotes. For example, lcd "D:\My Documents\Files"

3. Type in bin and press Enter.

4. Type in mput followed by the file name and extension. For example, mput file.cpp

5. To check if your file is transferred, type ls, it will list all the files you have in that directory.

To transfer a file from your UNIX account

1. Locate the file on your UNIX account.

2. Type in lcd followed by the full path to the directory on your local computer where you want to place the file. Make sure the path is in quotes For example, lcd "D:\My Documents\Files"

3. Type in bin and press Enter.

4. Type in mget followed by the file name and extension. For example, mget file.cpp

5. To check if you file is transferred, look for it on your computer.

When you are done transferring the files, type in bye to exit FTP.

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© 2003 Polytechnic University Department of Information Systems
Last Updated: May 30 2003