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What is FTP?
For those of you new to FTP (File Transfer Protocol), it is a network protocol used to transfer data from one computer to another through a network, such as the Internet. Yes, it's as simple as that.
Why do we use FTP?
Like many design-led companies, Absolute Graphix deals with some large computer files such as high resolution images and highly detailed artwork formats. Quite often these files are far too big to send via email. Connecting to our FTP server will allow the easy exchange of these large files.
Do you need any special techincal know-how?
In a word, yes. FTP isn't as simple and straightforward as using Windows Explorer or Mac Finder. Some technical knowledge is essential but it is pretty easy to master and the technical knowledge needed is very basic and simple.
Getting an FTP client
An FTP client (program) is a piece of software which allows you to connect to a server using the FTP method. There are loads available for both Mac and PC. It's up to you which one you choose but a few goods ones can be found here:
http://filezilla-project.org Free FTP software for Mac and PC
http://www.smartftp.com Paid-for FTP software for PC
http://www.ipswitch.com Paid-for FTP software for PC, very popular
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/internet_utilities/classicftpformac.html Mac FTP
You can also try a Google Search for FTP Software.
Using your FTP client
Once you have an FTP client you will need to set up a server connection (not as scary as it may sound!). This simply means entering a new "site" or "server connection", which will require an address (for example ftp.hostname.com) and a username and password. Once you have done this, click the connect button and the rest is easy. The file exchange methods may vary from program to program but generally you see two windows, a "local" window showing your hard drive and a "remote" window showing the server hard drive. From here you can either upload or download files.
Uploading files to the server - IMPORTANT INFO!
Here's that technical know-how that you need to know! There are two methods of uploading data via FTP, one is called ASCII and one is called BINARY. Using the correct format is very important - if you choose the wrong format then your file will very likely corrupt. Many FTP clients automatically select the correct format for you depending on what you are uploading, but some require you to choose. Selecting the correct format is simple:
ASCII - Only use this if you are uploading plain text files (a good example is HTML documents)
BINARY - for everything else
Downloading files
This operation is the same as uploading except the process happens the other way around and you do not need to worry about the ASCII or BINARY format.
Using a web browser
Most modern web browsers are capable of connecting to FTP servers but only allow downloading.
Our FTP Connection info
We only supply the address, username, and password to legitimate users who have a file they wish to send us. If we are doing some work for you and you need this info then please give us a call. You can click here to access this info but you will need our password.
Limitations PLEASE READ THIS
(i) FTP transfers can be large but let's keep the files under 600mb please. Anything bigger will have to go on a DVD and be sent to us. We won't even attempt to download super-big files so please don't waste your own time trying to upload them.
(ii) FTP transfers have no prompt system - in other words, if you upload a file for us then we don't know about it unless you tell us. If you are sending us a file via FTP then please call and tell us otherwise we won't know it's there!
(iii) Upload speeds can be a lot slower than download speeds on some services.
(iv) FTP is not renowned for great security. NEVER upload sensitive data (such as financial info) or info you would not want made public. Remember, the FTP server is communal among Absolute Graphix and its clients and agents and we offer no guarantee of security.
Need more help?
If you need further help then please call us on 01303 844401 for assistance.
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