FTP (File Transfer Protocol) refers to the way we get binary files such as programs from a server or host to our own PC and vice versa. There is a command line way to do FTP from Windows 95; however, the easy way is to use your browser or an FTP client. FTP clients such as WS-FTP are designed to make this process incredibly easy.

Download Your Windows FTP Client here

• WS-FTP

Note: This program installs itself. There is nothing to configure except your personal interface preferences and your email address.

Download a Mac FTP Client

• Fetch  ( Link to TUCOWS a very good download site. Search on FTP MAC.)

When would you want to use an FTP client instead of a Web browser to download a program? Generally, if the file is large (over 2 megabytes), your download will be quicker and more reliable if you use an FTP client.

If you maintain a web site, you will use your FTP client to put files into your web directory

An FTP client is an important piece of net software than can sometimes make the difference between a successful download and a download that aborts unexpectedly.

How to use a Web Browser to download software

With your web browser, downloading program is almost transparent. You simply click on a URL. This automatically logs you into the host server, and your download begins. Your browser should ask you where you want to put the file. Put it in c:\temp or other temporary subdirectory.

Downloads can take a long time. A 2 megabyte file can take from 30 to 60 minutes to download depending on traffic. If possible, do your downloading in the early morning. Monitor the progress of your in the little bar at the bottom of your browser window. When you are finished, you can install your program