File transfer protocol, or FTP, is a method to move a file or a series of files from one computer to another over the Internet. "Anonymous FTP" sites make computer files - software and graphics as well as text files - available to anyone who wishes to log in.
It requires some practice to learn how to use anonymous FTP sites, but they can be a valuable resource. What follows is a list of resources particularly relevant to Asian researchers.
The "address" of each site is a uniform resource locator, written in a form usable by browser programs such as Mosaic. To enter the listed site in the traditional way, you would type "ftp cnd.org" (to use the first example), type in "anonymous" as your log-in, type in your e-mail address as the password, type "cd pub," then type "dir."
If there is a "readme" or "index" file, we advise you to read it. Please consult your favorite Internet reference for instructions on how to retrieve files.
To search for FTP resources, you can use a tool called "archie." If "archie" is not available on your local computer, you can telnet to other computers such as archie.au in Australia, archie.wide.ad.jp in Japan, archie.kr or archie.sogang.ac.kr in South Korea, archie.nz in New Zealand or archie.ncu.edu.tw in Taiwan. In each case, the log-in is "archie," and once you have logged in, type the command "help."
For instructions on how to retrieve anonymous FTP files using e-mail, send the message "help" to [email protected]. It may be more efficient, however, to use the technique for file retrieval listed under "World Wide Web."