Using FTP

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol and it is the way files can be moved back and forth between computers on the Internet. The Windows program WS_FTP is an FTP program that runs in combination with an Internet connection. It allows a computer in one location to connect to a remote computer located anywhere in the world. The remote computer is known as an FTP server and both computers need to be connected to the Internet. Once a connection is established to the remote computer, files can be transferred back and forth between the two.

An obvious application is when a user is off campus and would like to connect to their H drive (personal network space). You would install WS_FTP on your home PC (if you have a Mac, you might use a program like Fetch) and connect to your H drive. You can download WS_FTP to your computer from the University of Mary Washington Technology Assistance Center.

Special Note! As with any program that uses the Internet, you need to get your computer connected. That means you must be using the computers in the general-purpose labs, or, if you are using your own computer in your residence hall, you must be connected via Ethernet. If you're off campus, you need either a broadband connection (cable/DSL) or dialup connection using an Internet Service Provider.