Downloading and Storing Data

1
Downloading and Storing Data

• Using FTP and Other Services to Transfer and
  Store Data

2
Understanding File Transfer Protocol (1)

• E-Mail servers may limit the size and type of
  files you can send
• At ACCD, 2 MGB is the max
• No files that execute programs
• File Transfer Protocol (FTP) protocol that
  transfers files between computers connected to
  the Internet
• Resolves problem of sending/receiving/storing
  large files
• Any file type can be sent/received using an FTP
  site

3
Understanding File Transfer Protocol (2)

• FTP is operating neutral makes no difference
  that operating systems are different (FTP
  transfers files seamlessly)
• FTP Site/Server site to which you send (upload)
  files or receive (download) files
• Local Computer your computer connected to a FTP
  Site

4
Understanding File Transfer Protocol (3)

• Transfers Modes usually chosen automatically by
  FTP program
• ASCII mode (Plain Text)
• Binary mode (Everything else)
• File Types and Extensions
• File extensions (.xls) determine file type (Excel
  worksheet)
• File extensions help FTP programs determine which
  transfer mode to use

5
File Types and Extensions
6
Connecting to an FTP Server

• Two methods of connecting to FTP Server
• Web Browser most support FTP but have limited
  functionality ok for occasional file transfer
  but a FTP client program is better for
  transferring lots of files
• FTP Client Program a program on your PC that
  transfers files between your PC and an FTP site
• Log-On regardless of which method is used,
• user usually must log-on to FTP site with user
• name and password

7
Levels of Access for FTP Servers

• Pubic Access FTP
• Anyone can log-on to a public FTP site, usually
  using an anonymous login
• Access is restricted to designated public files
  and folders (pub directory)
• There are limits on uploading files (time limits
  files are available to other FTP users)
• Full-Privilege FTP
• Access to non-public FTP requires user name and
  password
• Usually can store files for longer periods of
  time

8
Use Web Browser to Navigate FTP site

• Not difficult to use since most users are
  familiar with Web browsers and hyperlinks
• FTP site are organized hierarchically, like
  folders and files on a PC hard drive
• Root Directory starting point, contains other
  directories with files and other directories
• Viruses 1) any file downloaded from Internet
  can contain a virus be sure to scan downloaded
  files for viruses! 2) be careful about which
  files you download and the sources of the files!

9
How Best to Find Good FTP Software?

• Use Internet search engines look for reviews or
  comparisons of software by users, vendors, or
  computer magazines
• Web Sites - several Web sites provide links to
  freeware shareware software, as well as
  software descriptions and user ratings
• Download.com

10
Downloading Programs (1)

• Four types of downloadable software
• Freeware no cost, no restrictions
• Good way to get user feedback on new software
• Some software may contain bugs
• Shareware similar to Freeware, but is usually
  available for free only for a short evaluation
  period
• Usually more reliable than Freeware
• Usually have established ways to report bugs and
  receive free or low-cost software upgrades and
  patches

11
Downloading Programs (2)

• Limited Edition free restricted version of
  software that does not provide all of the useful
  features of the software
• Licensed (full version) software that must be
  purchased

12
Download FTP Client Program Download Winzip
Using FTP

• Download and install WSFTP_HomeT40_Install.exe
  file
• After installation, program can be used to
  transfer files
• Read WS_FTP Home Release Notes file or Help menu
  for program instructions
• Download winzip100.exe using FTP software

13
Compressing and Decompressing Files

• Compressed files many Internet files are stored
  in compressed form they use less space and take
  less time to transfer from one computer to
  another
• File Compression program (e.g. Winzip) can be
  used to compress (zip) files or decompress
  (unzip) files

14
Tracing an Internet Route

• When downloading software from a Web site, you
• might be asked to select a download location
  (mirror
• site) from which to download a file
• Mirror site a replica of an existing server
  that provides an alternate location for
  downloading files
• Objective - find one closest to you a more
  direct connection
• Hop connection between two computers by
  minimizing the number of hops between computers,
  you reduce the download time for transferring
  files
• Use Windows tracert program to do this

15
Online Storage Services

• Some ISPs provide free space to store a Web site
  or files (good for individual but not to share
  with others)
• A company could set-up its own FTP server or
  share access to one (hardware/software costs)
• From this need, ISPs and other entities started
  providing storage space on their servers, with
  access via FTP client program, Web browser, or
  other interface

16
Online Storage Providers

• Advantages
• Space is secured by account name and password
• Permits sharing of files by many users (remote
  offices, employees traveling)
• Used by businesses to send/receive large files
• Store computer backup files
• Accessible to wireless devices
• Examples
• Xdrive
• My Docs Online
• FilesAnywhere