Step by Step getting on FTP's
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Find a File
This is the easy part. Simply go to OTH2.Net and search for the file you're interested in.
Get a client to access the server properly
Click here to get an ftp client.
Once you've clicked the link, you'll need to click "Save" and
save the file to your hard disk. REMEMBER WHERE YOU SAVED IT!
If you forgot, simply cancel the download and start it again, this time paying attention
to where it is saved.
You'll now need to run the program, which installs your ftp client. You'll be prompted to select
CuteHTML as your default html editor, select "No". Your CuteFTP program is now installed!
Access the Server
Now, run the FTP program, if you havent already, by clicking the yellow "CuteFTP" icon on your
desktop. Once it's running, it'll ask for setup information. Fill out your real information or select
cancel. Now minimize CuteFtp by clicking the little "-" sign in the upper right hand corner of the
program.
Pull up OTH2.Net where your search results were showing.
Right click on the blue link to the file you're after and choose "Copy Shortcut".
This invokes a very handy feature in CuteFTP that monitors your clipboard and GOES to the
ftp site automatically.
Bring up Cuteftp and you'll probably see a grey window. Thats the welcome message to the FTP!
Congratulations! You made your first connection!
On the off chance that you didnt connect to the site, you'll need to look at the link on OTH2.Net
to see where to go and plug in the information manually.
If your client DID connect, skip to the next step.
To do this manually, look at the link.
It's likely something like "ftp://mp3:mp3@myserver.com:239/myfiles/stuff.stu"
There are four parts to that link that you need to know. The first is the "mp3's".
The first mp3 is the username for the ftp, the second is the password. These can be
anything the ftp site owner chose to use for usernames/passwords. They are not necessarily "mp3".
The third section to know is the section after the @ sign and before the ":".
This can be either words or an IP address (numbers separated by dots, i.e. 192.168.1.1)
but it's always the server's address in either case. Common terms include something.no-ip.com,
something.2y.net, etc.
The fourth and final item is the number after the colon ":". This number is the port. Now,
Not all servers specify a port. If you dont see a port specified, then the ftp uses the default
port - Port 21.
What do you do with this information? We're getting to that. First bring up Cuteftp and click on
the little "Lightning bolt" and down will come a few empty boxes. The first box is the URL
You'll need to place the url of the ftp in this box, remember item number 3 - either the ip address
or the name of the server. The second section is for the username, in this case mp3. The third
section is for the password. In this case it's also mp3. Now it could be anything on your
server, but in our example it's mp3. The fourth and final section is for the port. In our case
the port is port 239. We'd type 239 in this final box. Remember that no port mentioned means port
21.
Now it's time to connect. Press the lightning bolt button beside the "port" entry we just made.
Cuteftp will connect to the server!
Getting those files!
Now it's time for some gettin! Read that welcome message when you first connected to see if it says
anything about downloading from this FTP you've chosen.
If not, look at the files in the server. Do you see a folder that says "Read this to download" or
"Leech Access" or something to that effect?
If it's a file, download it by doubleclicking the file. If you cant download it cuteftp will tell you so.
If it's a folder, enter it and look for any text files that might tell you what you need to do to download
from this server. Once downloaded, read the text file and follow the instructions. That should get you
all the precious files you need! Welcome to the FTP world!
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 for
all!
Mine don't work!
Make sure to check with the FTP howto page to see if you're running into a common problem.
If cuteftp says "unable to connect" it's likely the ftp serveris either turned off or down.
Try several servers to make sure you have a real problem.
If you need more help, try visiting our Forum
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