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HTTP vs FTP

Discussion in 'Other PC Software' started by paul43, 2003/08/14.

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  1. 2003/08/14
    paul43

    paul43 Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Can someone tell me what is the difference betwen--HTTP vs FTP.

    I own a Dell computer with Roxio Easy CD Creator.

    I get notices from from Dell about updates to my computer.

    On the Roxio updates and I think other updates when I go to download the Patch or Update I am asked:

    Download Now using HTTP
    Download now using FTP

    Can someone please tell me which one to select?

    Paul
     
    paul43,
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  2. 2003/08/14
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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    The Difference Between FTP and HTTP

    File Transfer Protocol, or FTP, is a protocol used to upload files from a workstation to a FTP server or download files from a FTP server to a workstation. It is the way that files get transferred from one device to another in order for the files to be available on the Internet. When ftp appears in a URL it means that the user is connecting to a file server and not a Web server and that some form of file transfer is going to take place. Most FTP servers require the user to log on to the server in order to transfer files.


    In contrast, Hyper Text Transfer Protocol, or HTTP, is a protocol used to transfer files from a Web server onto a browser in order to view a Web page that is on the Internet. Unlike FTP, where entire files are transferred from one device to another and copied into memory, HTTP only transfers the contents of a web page into a browser for viewing. FTP is a two-way system as files are transferred back and forth between server and workstation. HTTP is a one-way system as files are transported only from the server onto the workstation's browser. When http appears in a URL it means that the user is connecting to a Web server and not a file server. The files are transferred but not downloaded, therefore not copied into the memory of the receiving device.
    http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Internet/2002/FTP_HTTP.asp
     
    Steve R Jones,
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  4. 2003/08/14
    paul43

    paul43 Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Steve, thanks for the excellent explanation.

    I used FTP the last couple of times and had no problem--and the reason I used it was because I tried the HTTP the first time I tried an update and somthing wasn't working right --now I know why.

    Thanks again,
    Paul
     
    paul43,
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  5. 2003/08/14
    Welshjim

    Welshjim Inactive

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    If any one is still reading after this happy ending, I have always thought that a HTTP site that offers to download files has its own FTP built in. So you are getting the file from the HTTP site, because it is connected to a FTP site.
    Would love to get an education if this is incorrect.
    (Not that this makes much difference!!:) )
     
    Welshjim,
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  6. 2003/08/15
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    I believe that You´re right, Jim!

    On very rare occasions have I been placed in a queue to get a download. The only reason I can think of, is queueing to get connected to the FTP server.

    Christer speculating
     
    Christer,
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