For Windows 3.1/3.11 and DOS/UNIX-bases software, it is important to be in the correct transfer mode in order to avoid any unnecessary transfer errors. As mentioned earlier, some software may switch mode automatically. Nonetheless, we provide instructions on changing mode here anyway, typically this involves clickingg check boxes on Mac/Windows and typing one word on DOS/UNIX systems.
There are two modes for file transfer that are very important when using FTP. The first is ASCII (7-bit) which is to be used for text files, such as README files. The other mode is Binary which is for non-text files such as executable files, image files, archives and so on.
To specify the mode for file transfer, click on the appropriate check box in the FTP application. Do this BEFORE transferring your file ! Being in the wrong mode can cause transfer errors in your files.
To transfer a file, highlight it by clicking (once) on it, then click on Copy. The file will be transferred from the machine that contains the file into the other machine.
Note that the 'Copy As' option 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 PCs running DOS and Windows 3.1/3.11. This does NOT apply to Windows 95 users ! Filenames which are too long for DOS will automatically be truncated.
You can choose a selection of files to be transferred :
Ensure that the files are all the same type - all ASCII or all Binary. You will not be able to use the 'Copy As' facility.
Once you have completed your transfer procedures, you will be 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. Mac users running Fetch may click on the Quit button.
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