Retrieving Files

Before actual file transfer, it is important to be in the correct transfer mode in order to avoid any unnecessary transfer errors.

Transfer Modes

There are two very important modes for file transfer that are very important when using FTP. The first is ASCII which is to be used for text files, such as any file containing the string README. The other mode is Binary which is for non-text files such as executable files, image files etc.

To specify the mode for file transfer, click on the appropriate option in the box labelled Transfer As. Do this BEFORE transferring your file. Being in the wrong mode can cause transfer errors to your files.

Transferring A File

To transfer a file, focus on it by clicking on it, then either click on Copy or Copy As. The file will be transferred from the machine that contains the file into the other machine.

Note that 'Copy As' will transfer the file allowing you to give it a different name in the target machine. This is very useful when transferring files from UNIX machines (which allow flexible naming and are case sensitive) to DOS machines (which have more limited naming and are not case sensitive). Filenames which are too long for DOS will be automatically truncated.

Transferring Multiple Files

You can choose a selection of files to be transferred by holding down Ctrl (the control key) on the keyboard, and clicking on files in the file list box, before transferring them. Ensure that they are all ASCII or all Binary files. You will not be able to use the 'Copy As' facility.

After Transfer

Once you have completed your transfer procedures, you willbe ready to close the connection to the remote machine. This is achieved by clicking on the Disconnect button on the far right of the FTP window.

You can then close the FTP application by clicking on Server on the Menu Bar, then choosing the Exit option.

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