What about using FTP?

I think I would like to learn the procedures for FTP. I have friends that have a very limited mailbox size and many times a MPG file will be returned saying "file to large or exceeds authorized size, etc.

Some of these returns have a sentence stating something about "suggest you consider FTP." I've found a couple of Web Pages that talk a little about it but I need to know what it's all about. Example: If I get the program to forward something, what about the receiver? Do they need special programs or talents to retrieve what I sent?

Dumb question I suppose but I would appreciate if someone could guide me to some reading material that might help me understand what this is all about and how to use it.

 

Hello again, Mudd.

Sounds like you want something small and simple. Try Cerberus for free:
http://www.cerberusftp.com/

If you want to get into it bigtime, check the MS Knowledge Base articles. There is a lot there on setting these up.

It may be in violation of your ISP's Terms of Service to operate a server, but if you are only talking a file or two occasionally, I don't suspect that it will present a problem.

IE can access ftp servers. All the person on the other end needs is your IP address (and possibly a port number).

 

Thank you for the reply. I may be getting into something that I can't handle, but am going to try it.

I'll wade into this and see. May be back for more questions if you will tolerate me.

 

Hi Mudd

I'm the "family" designated photograper. There comes times moving "pic files" to family members runs into the mailbox exceeds storage issues. To keep it very simply for "both end" we chose moving the large pic's through IM (MS messenger). Both parties must be present to start the exchange, but no more size issues and it's brain dead simply.

 

Dennis: That is the main reason for this inquiry of mine. Also, the relative is restricted to 5MB in email and if she doesn't empty it often I can't get a file to go.

Abraxas: The info you sent got me right to the files. Amazing!!

I'm going to work with this today. Never thought something like this existed. I'm the senior member of the family and am not supposed to know anything about computers and the off-shoots of the network because of my age. Going to fool a bunch of youngsters when I get this up and running thanks to you.

 

Hi Mudd

Please excuse me if I'm misunderstanding your skills, your desire to learn and the depth of your needs. My suggestion to use MS instant messenger (chat tool) is one of simplicty. You and you relative already have the program. It is not a FTP server program, can move as much info you like with no concerns from ISP. If you have a Hotmail email account you already have a screenname/password setup... if not just register, your ready to go. Of course, the FTP program is MUCH more robust, but is going to be more involved. Again please excuse my suggestion if your aware of the differences. The satisfaction of learning something new is the reward.
Have fun.

 

Dennis: You are exactly correct with the "learning" expression. I'm aware of the IM program, haven't used it but did use the ICQ once.

These people work nights as Security Guards and connection to them is not always ideal dure to the work hours .

I want to learn the FTP and hope I can. My gray matter may be to aged to absorb what I need to know but am going to give it a try.

Thanks to you for your interest in my post and information you gave. Really some great people on the Forum. I'm very fortunate to have found it and be a member of it.

 

Hi Mudd

Understand and appreciate the "challenge to learn ".... it's why most of use and enjoy the forums. Another suggestion, IF both of you use XP Pro, it comes with a program called "Remote Access ". I've never had a need for it, but it could be used for this task. I believe it could be configured to allow unattended access. This could also minimize security issues (?) and dynamical changing IP addresses, unless FTP programs allow easy management of these issues. Enjoy.

 

There are dozens of sites which will give you free or low cost web storage. You merely signup and then easily upload files up to the limit (some 5 mb some 100 mb!). If free, you put up with ads. But they are 24/7. Here are a couple:

http://briefcase.yahoo.com/

http://www.bravenet.com/samples/mybravenet.php

You did not say what your ISP is. If you are paying someone for Internet access, many ISPs give you a web page for free. Mine does and I frequently ftp (upload) large files there where they just sit waiting for somwone to download them. I just send my friends the link to the file.

ISPs often provide a ftp file transfer program. If not, get this for free:

http://www.ftpplanet.com/download.htm

With it, you merely drag and drop files from your disk to the ftp site. Just like using Explorer to transfer files from one folder on your disk to another.

 

Thanks for replying to this post. The information you provided is very useful. I'm not "qualified" to make a Web Page, am in over my head the way it is.

I was given the information to download a program (ftp) and have it running. It is great for a guy like me that has absolutely no skills in this matter. It is a stand alone FTP program in that no installation is required. Another user, ABRAXAS guided me to it.

Thanks again for the post.

 

TonyT

You make is sound easy enough. Will try that and see what I come up with.

Main problem is that I'm so dense when it comes to such things. Have no computer training at all. What little I've learned was by trial and error and the good people of this Forum.

 

I swear, Mudd, that if you carved yourself a working computer out of a bar of soap, you'd still call yourself a "beginner" .

 

Abraxas

If I were to say, "I can do that," and fail then I have extended my abilities out of reach. If I say "I think I can do that," leaves me an out. If I fail I can use that as an excuse. If I succeed then I pat myself on the back and say, "Good Going Mudd!!!" Thanks John