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Basic Questions





What is FTP?
FTP is short for File Transfer Protocol. FTP is a very common method of moving files between two
(or more) computers. FTP basically is a way to login to another computer for retrieving
and/or sending files. FTP was invented and in wide use long before the advent of the
World Wide Web and originally was used from a text-only interface. Fortunately things
have changed!


I can't seem to download anything by putting the ftp info into my browser, what gives?
Most FTP servers want something in return for downloading files from them. There are 3 basic types of FTP servers:

Leech (or Leach) servers - These servers are open for downloading without anything in return.

Ratio Servers- This is the most common type of server. The server owner usually wants you to upload some files before you download anything. Check the server login message or if you are logged in to the server, look for a file called "readme.txt", "Leech.txt", "requests.txt" or something similar.
To upload files, you will need to download an FTP client and connect to the server via your client.
Using programs like Internet Explorer, Netscape, or Opera use very poor internal FTP clients that connect to the FTP every time a request is made. This causes the ftp to mistake you for a hacker and ban you from the server.
Once connected to the ftp, usually there is a directory set up especially for uploading files to.
Attempting to upload to any directory other than the upload directory is usually not allowed.

Banner Servers - These servers are particularly common. They usually contain
a great number of hard to obtain files. Check the server message or log in to the server and look for the "readme" file for instructions on how to get access to the server. Usually the owner will ask you to go sign up for a site and give you a word that appears within a members area to use as a password to prove that you have joined the site.



Special Note:
Often servers will post that you should sign up for some service to get access, however if you really cant follow their directions (i.e. you live in a place that doesn't have credit cards) and you have ample time, try creating a folder with your email address in it and uploading all the quality files you can. That will usually grab the attention of the site owner and maybe, just maybe, you'll get an email back asking you if you'd like something in return.
Under no circumstances is it proper to email the ftp owner asking for special favors, free days, or other ways to access his/her site. Thats what the txt file or welcome message is for. Good luck and let's make this a fun and exciting hobby forall!

Thats all great, but I'm a simple guy, give me step by step instructions.