Copyright: Copyright© 1999 Symantec Corporation.  All rights reserved.
Citation: Copyright© 1999 Symantec Corporation.  All rights reserved.


An Introduction to FTP

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The File Transfer Protocol, or FTP, is the standard method used to move files between computers over the Internet and other TCP/IP networks. Specifically engineered to transfer files over TCP/IP networks, FTP is a dependable transfer protocol with relatively few configurable options.

FTP Clients and FTP Hosts

FTP Address and Logon Information


Connecting to an FTP Host

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Before you can connect to an FTP host, you must have an Internet or network connection. You can either make a dial-up connection with an Internet Service Provider or connect using network equipment, but this link must be preconfigured before you attempt to connect to an FTP host.

For more information, see Connecting to the Internet.

Whether you select an entry from the Connection Directory or manually connect, you will need the address of the specific FTP host. You will also need a personal user ID and password. If you're using the Connection Directory you will only need to supply that information once; subsequent the logons will be automatic.

For step-by-step instructions on creating an FTP entry in the Connection Directory, see Step-by-Step: Adding an FTP-class Entry.

You can initiate an FTP connection attempt from within Procomm Plus by:

•	Double-clicking an FTP entry or group in the Connection Directory, or by highlighting the entry and clicking on Connect. See Step-by-Step: Connecting to an FTP Host with the Connection Directory.

•	Selecting an FTP entry or group from the Rapid Connect list. See Step-by-Step: Connecting to an FTP Host with Rapid Connect.

•	Selecting Manual Connection from the FTP window or from the Connection Directory and supplying an FTP address. See Step-by-Step: Connecting Manually to an FTP Host.


Elements of the FTP Window

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The FTP window is divided into three horizontal sections:

•	At the top of the window are the menus and the Action Bar. See The FTP window's Menus and Action Bar for more information.

•	The central portion of the window contains the Local and Remote Paths panes. See Local and Remote Path Panes for more information.

•	The lower portion of the window contains the progress window and Status Line. See FTP window: The Status Area for more information.


FTP Address and Logon Information

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Before you can logon to an FTP host with the FTP window, you'll need the address of the host that you want to access. You can obtain FTP host addresses from a variety of sources.

For your convenience, Procomm Plus includes a Connection Directory file with FTP entries for many interesting FTP hosts on the Internet. The directory filename is internet.dir.

When you connect to an FTP host, you must log on before you can access its files and folders. Some sites can only be accessed if you have an account with a password and user ID assigned by the system operator. To access these sites, you'll need to contact the operators for the logon information you need.

However, many FTP hosts offer "anonymous" logons. These hosts make files available for public access by allowing anonymous logons, in which an FTP client uses the word "anonymous" or "ftp" for a user ID and an email address for a password. For more information, see FTP Logon.

The Host IP Address

The Client IP Address

FTP Logon


FTP Clients and FTP Hosts

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An FTP connection over the Internet creates a "Host/Client" relationship between your computer and a remote system. As the term implies, one system, the FTP host, offers services to the other system, the FTP client.

FTP Client

When Procomm Plus's FTP window logs on to an FTP host, it negotiates operating conditions, then requests a listing of the files available in the FTP host's current file directory. Once the list of files is retrieved, the FTP window displays them in its Remote Path pane. You can then select host files to transfer to your system, browse other host directories, or select files on your system for transfer to the host.

Like other FTP client applications, Procomm Plus's FTP window can only connect to FTP host systems. It cannot connect directly to another FTP client system, or any other kind of system. The FTP window's sole purpose is to allow you to access files and directories on an FTP host system for file transfers and disk management.

FTP Host

An FTP host is a central computer that allows FTP clients to access files after logging on with a user ID and a password. All FTP hosts rely on highly specialized software which allows multiple FTP clients to connect to them simultaneously.

FTP hosts cannot originate connections; they only respond to connection requests from FTP clients, or from other Internet applications that support FTP.


FTP Logon

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When you connect to an FTP host, you must log on before you can access its files and folders. Some sites can only be accessed if you have an account with a password and user ID assigned by the system operator. To access these sites, you'll need to contact the operators for the logon information you need. However, many FTP hosts offer "anonymous" logons.

Anonymous Logon

Many FTP hosts make files available for public access by allowing anonymous logons, in which an FTP client uses the word "anonymous" or "ftp" for a user ID and an email address for a password.

Procomm Plus's Connection Directory is designed to make logging on to an FTP host as easy as possible, whether the host requires an assigned userid and password or allows anonymous logons. For more information, see FTP-class Settings.


FTP Window: Local and Remote Path Panes

The central portion of the FTP window is its main work space. Split vertically into two panes, it displays the folders and files available on your system on the left side and those available on the host system on the right. Each side's current path is displayed at the top of its pane; the Remote Path pane is blank unless you're connected to an FTP host.

You'll probably find the two panes familiar. They're designed to work similar to the Windows Explorer, and files and folders on the both systems are displayed with standard Windows icons whenever possible.

Navigating Drives and Folders

Working with Files in FTP


FTP Window: The Status Area

The bottom section of the FTP window gives you the status of your FTP session. It includes the Progress Window list box and the FTP window's Status Line.

Progress Window

The Progress Window, located beneath the Local and Remote work area, displays the FTP commands sent by the FTP window and information sent by the host in response. You may find this information helpful if you're having difficulty making a connection with a particular host system.

The Status Line

The FTP window's Status Line displays messages about the current activity of your FTP session.


FTP Window Configuration

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You'll find that the default settings for the FTP window are optimum for most situations. Typically, you'll only need to configure your address and logon information to begin using the FTP window. We'll discuss in detail the settings you may want to change to adapt to a particular FTP host system.

For a complete discussion of the various FTP configuration options, see FTP Options and The FTP Entry Class.

Your TCP/IP Connection

File Transfer Mode

Passive Mode

Host Type

Logon Timeout


File Transfer Mode

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There are three FTP file transfer modes: Binary, ASCII, and L8. In most cases you can leave the file transfer mode set to Binary and safely transfer files of all kinds. However, on some FTP connections, you'll need to use either ASCII or Binary mode depending on the file type.

For example, if an FTP host is running on a UNIX system, ASCII text files must be translated, since DOS uses carriage return/line feed pairs to separate lines, while UNIX uses only a line feed. Because of this you will need to transfer certain files in ASCII and others in Binary mode. Indications that you need to switch file modes are: corrupted file transfers in Binary mode, or text files with irregular formats.

•	Use the ASCII file transfer mode if you are sending or receiving a Text file. A text file contains only the characters that you would see on a typical typewriter. Text files contain no graphics and very simple formatting.

•	Use the Binary file mode for all files that are not text files. Binary files include graphic files, programs, and documents that are formatted with characteristics such as bold, various font styles, and underline.

•	The L8 file transfer mode, which is also referred to as Tenex, is rarely used. It was designed to work with a number of older machines, most notably PDP-20 computers running the TOPS20 operating system.

To change the file transfer mode, select Options | File Transfer Mode, then select the mode you wish to use.


Host Type

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The Host Type setting tells the FTP window what to expect from the FTP host system. This information is used for proper display of the host's files and directory structure. The Auto Detect setting will work for most connections, but in some cases you may need to specify a host type.

If the host type is incorrect, you will be able to connect to the host, but you won't see files or directories appear on the Remote Path side of the FTP window. Also, if you select the FTP | Expand Remote Folder menu item, you may see two small dots or you may see information other than file names and their corresponding properties. If this happens, you need to find out what operating system the host is using. You can sometimes find that information by reading the information in the Progress Window. Otherwise, you may want to contact the FTP host's system administrator.

To set a specific host type for your Connection Directory entry, select the problematic entry, select the Basic Options settings button, and then select the FTP host's operating system in the Host Type list box.


Logon Timeout

The Logon Timeout has a default setting of 60 seconds. This is usually enough time to log onto a system. If you find that the connection times out before you can successfully logon, you can lengthen the amount of time the FTP window will wait for a logon. See logon timeout in FTP-class settings: FTP Options.


Navigating Drives and Folders

Browsing files and folders in the FTP window is much like browsing with Windows Explorer. You can click on files to select them, and double-click on folders to make them the current path. You can also move "up" a folder by double-clicking on a folder labeled with a double period (".."), typically displayed at the top of a pane.

In the Local Path pane, you can select a different drive for browsing by clicking once on the disk drive icon that is next to the pane label. This displays the list of drives available on your system. Drive letters are indicated much as they are within Windows Explorer. Click on the drive you want to view, or highlight it and press <Enter>.

Instead of selecting drive letters on the Remote Path side, you can quickly switch to different paths by selecting a folder. Double-click on the one you want to use, or highlight it and press <Enter>. The FTP window changes the remote path and updates the file and folder display appropriately.

You can also quickly "jump" to a folder on the local or remote side by selecting File | Change Folder | Local... or File | Change Folder | Remote..., respectively. The FTP window displays a dialog with the current path and allows you to enter new one.


Passive Mode

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Many network administrators install a security layer or "firewall" for networks connected to the Internet. These security measures prevent access of information and resources by outside computers. With regard to FTP hosts, these securty measures may prevent an FTP host outside of your local network from transferring files, host directories, and file lists to a client on your local network.

However, some security measures allow the outside world to make a special type of connection with an FTP host -- a passive connection. The FTP window's Passive Mode feature allows it to operate within these secure environments and still communicate with hosts outside of the local network. If you understand the details of a TCP/IP network, note that Passive Mode allows the FTP window to negotiate a connection with the host on a specific port, and the host only receives from and send data to the client on the negotiated port. Please consult your network administrator for information about your security configuration.

You can change the current Passive Mode setting in Setup. Select the Options | FTP Options | General Options menu item, and select or clear the Use passive mode (for local firewall) check box. For more information, see Use passive mode in General Options. You can also specify the Passive Mode option in your Connection Directory entries. While viewing an entry, select the Basic Options settings button, and then select the approprieate option in the Passive Mode list box. For more information, see Passive Mode in FTP-class: Basic Options .


Starting the FTP Window

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You can start the Procomm Plus FTP window in several different ways:

•	By selecting it from the Programs | Procomm Plus folder on the Windows 95/NT Start menu.

•	By selecting the Window | Change Window | FTP menu item from a Procomm Plus communication window.

•	By selecting the Window | New Window | FTP menu item from a Procomm Plus communication window.

•	By double clicking an FTP group or entry in the Connection Directory. The FTP window loads, then attempts to make a connection to an FTP host. You can also initiate the connection by clicking on the Connect button once you've highlighted a group or entry.

•	By selecting an FTP entry from the Action Bar's Rapid Connect list box.


Step-by-Step: Connecting Manually to an FTP Host

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If you want to connect to a host system without creating a Connection Directory entry, you can do so from the FTP window or the Connection Directory:

•	To manually connect from the FTP window, select the FTP | Manual Connect menu item.

•	To manually connect from the Connection Directory, click the FTP entry class selection tab, then select the Connection | Manual Connect... menu item.

After Procomm Plus displays the Manual Connection dialog, click in the Host/IP field, and enter the FTP host's address. The initial settings for the other fields in the Manual Connection dialog are derived from the current values in the Internet, FTP options in Setup. If they're appropriate for the site you're connecting to, click on OK to accept them and initiate the connection attempt. Otherwise, make any required changes, and then click OK.

The settings in the Manual Connection dialog are similar to those available in an FTP Connection Directory entry. For more information on their usage, see FTP-Class Settings.


Step-by-Step: Connecting to an FTP Host with Rapid Connect

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You can make an FTP connection from any mode using the Action Bar's Rapid Connect feature:

1.	Open the Rapid Connect list box.

Click on the Rapid Connect list box's  arrow button to open the list. The Rapid Connect list box displays the Connection Directory entries and groups in a convenient folder tree.

2.	Display FTP entries.

Each of the top-level icons in the Rapid Connect list box corresponds to a Procomm Plus communication mode. You can view the list of groups and entries available for a particular mode by clicking on the <+> indicator to the left of the icon for that mode, or by moving the highlight bar to the icon and pressing the right cursor key.

If the Connection Directory contains a group of entries for a particular mode, the group will be displayed as a small folder. You can expand the group to view its individual entries by clicking on the <+> indicator, or by using the cursor keys.

Unless you've added FTP-class entries to the default Connection Directory file, you'll only see the Symantec entry. Once you've added your own entries, you'll be able to scroll through the list and select them as well.

Since you're attempting to make a FTP-class connection, be careful not to click on the entries under any of the other mode icons.

3.	Select the entry you want.

Click on the entry you want, or move the highlight bar with the cursor keys and press <Enter>. If you selected the entry from within the FTP window, the FTP window will begin its connection attempt at once. Otherwise, Procomm Plus activates the FTP window before it tries to connect.


Step-by-Step: Connecting to an FTP Host with the Connection Directory

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You can open the Connection Directory from within any of the Procomm Plus modes, and connect to an FTP host. Just follow these steps:

1.	Open the Connection Directory.

Click on the Connection Directory Action Bar button, or select the File | Connection Directory... menu item. You can also use the keyboard shortcut <Alt><D>.

2.	Display the FTP entries.

If you opened the Connection Directory from within the FTP window, the FTP entries will be displayed automatically. Otherwise, click on the FTP tab to display them.

3.	Select the entry you want to connect to.

Click on the entry you want, or highlight it using the <Tab> and cursor keys. You can select multiple entries or entire groups, but only the first entry you select or the first entry within a group will be used in the connection attempt.

4.	Initiate the connection attempt.

Click on Connect, or select the Connection | Connect menu item, or simply double click on your selection(s). The FTP window activates and attempts to make a connection to the FTP host you selected.


Step-by-Step: Sending and Receiving Files using FTP

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After you've connected to an FTP host, as described in Step-by-Step: Connecting to an FTP Host, you can browse the folders on both the local and remote systems. Transferring files between the two is a snap, as you'll see in this example:

1.	Browse the folders on the host and your computer.

The FTP window displays the files and folders in the current path of each system in separate panes of its window. The left pane displays the Local Path; the right pane displays the Remote Path. Each system's current path is shown above its respective pane.

You'll find the FTP window's Local and Remote Path panes very familiar; they look and work similar to the Windows Explorer! To change to a folder, double-click its icon, or highlight it and press <Enter>. To change to the current path's parent directory, double-click the folder labeled with two dots at the top left corner of each pane.

The Local Path label above the left pane is also a control for browsing. You can select a different drive on your local machine by clicking on the Local Path label. If you know a specific path you'd like to select, you can jump to it quickly by selecting the File | Change Folder | Local or | Remote menu item and entering the new path.

For more information, see Navigating Drives and Folders.

2.	Select the file(s) you want to transfer.

If you want to send a file, select it from the Local Path pane; to receive a file, select it from the Remote Path pane. To select a file, you can either click on it, or highlight it with the cursor keys. You can select multiple files by dragging the mouse over them, or by holding down the <Ctrl> key as you click on the ones you want.

3.	Copy your selection(s) to the Windows Clipboard.

Select the Edit | Copy menu item, or press <Ctrl><C>. You can also right-click on your selection(s) and select Copy from the pop-up menu.

4.	Select the destination folder.

If you are sending a file, select the destination folder for the file in the Remote Path pane; if you are receiving, select the destination folder in the Local Path pane.

5.	Paste your selection(s) from the Clipboard.

Select the Edit | Paste menu item, or press <Ctrl><V>. You can also right-click in the destination folder and select Paste from the pop-up menu. The FTP window initiates the transfer and displays a progress dialog.

Your ability to send files to the host depends on your privileges on the host system. Some host systems will not allow you to send any files; others only allow file transfers to specific host folders.


The Client IP Address

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For the host system to communicate with your system, your system must also have an IP address. If you access an FTP host through a direct network connection, your IP address is assigned by your network administrator. The address is entered in your network  configuration.

If you use a modem and Dial-Up Networking (Windows 95) or Remote Access Service (Windows NT) to connect to an Internet Service Provider (ISP), your ISP will assign you an IP address. This IP address will either be permanently assigned to you, or a temporary address that may change from session to session. For more information, see Internet Addresses.


The FTP Window

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The Procomm Plus FTP window allows you to transfer files to and from an FTP host system. You can transfer files using FTP as long as you have a TCP/IP connection to an FTP host, whether that connection is made over a dial-up SLIP or PPP connection, or via your company's local area network. After you're connected to an FTP host system, the FTP window's sleek interface makes it as easy to transfer files to and from the host as it is to copy files between folders on your local machine.

This discussion includes a general overview of the FTP window, as well as in-depth discussions and step-by-step instructions:

An Introduction to FTP

Starting the FTP Window

Elements of the FTP Window

FTP Window Configuration

Connecting to an FTP Host

Step-by-Step: Sending and Receiving Files using FTP

The FTP Window's Menus and Action Bar


The FTP Window's Menus & Action Bar
The FTP Window’s Menus & Action Bar

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Certain menu commands and their Action Bar counterparts are disabled if the FTP window is not connected to a host system.

Action Bar Button	Menu | Item	Description
	No associated menu item.	The Rapid Connect drop down list box gives you quick access to your Connection Directory entries. For more information, see Step-by-Step: Connecting with an FTP Host with Rapid Connect.
	No associated menu item	Using the Script File drop-down list box, you can quickly select a compiled script to run. If the script you want is already shown in the list box window, you can click on the Start Script icon.
	File |  Open Connection Directory...	Displays a standard File Open dialog, where you can select an existing Connection Directory file to be loaded for use. See The Connection Directory.
	File |  Connection  Directory...	Opens the Connection Directory and displays the currently-loaded .dir file. See The Connection Directory.
	File | Open	Launches the program or displays the file depending on the type of file you selected. See Working with Files in FTP for more information. If you've selected a remote file, the remote file is transferred to your local machine and opened, but the file is not saved.
	File | Send	Transfers the currently selected file(s) to the other machine. If local files are selected, they are sent to the remote machine. Likewise, remote files are sent to the local machine..
	File | Delete	Deletes the currently selected file or folder.
	File | Rename	Allows you to rename the selected file.
	File | New Folder	Creates a new folder beneath the current folder.
	File |  Change Folder | Local...	Displays a dialog where you can change the current local folder in the FTP window.
	File |  Change Folder | Remote...	Displays a dialog where you can change the current remote folder in the FTP window.
	File | Properties	Displays the available information for the currently selected file or folder on the Status Line. This command works on only one item at a time; if you select more than one item, only the first's attributes will be displayed.
	File | Exit	Closes the current instance of Procomm Plus. If you’re connected to a host system, the connection will be terminated automatically.
	Edit | Cut	Copies the selected file(s) into a special clipboard. Afterward, select the Edit | Paste menu item to transfer the file(s) to the selected folder and delete the original file(s).
	Edit | Copy	Copies the selected file(s) into a special clipboard. Afterward, select the Edit | Paste menu item to transfer the file(s) to the selected folder
	Edit | Paste	Transfers any files that you have cut or copied.
	Edit | Select All	Selects all of the files and folders within the currently selected path/pane.
	Edit | Invert Selection	Deselects any files or folders that were selected within the path/pane, and selects the remaining files and folders.
	View | Action Bars...	Opens the Load Action Bars dialog, where you can specify the Action Bar files you want to use. See Selecting Action Bars.
	View | Large  Action Bars	Toggles the display of large or small Action Bar icon buttons.
	View | ToolTips	Toggles the display of the Action Bar "bubble help" labels. If this menu item is checked or enabled, the Terminal window will also display brief help information on the Status Line when the mouse cursor is left motionless over an Action Bar button for one second. The ToolTips setting is automatically saved for future sessions.
	View | Status Line	Toggles the display of the News Reader window Status Line. This setting is automatically saved for future sessions.
	View | Large Icons	Displays large icons for files and folders.
	View | Small Icons	Displays small icons for files and folders.
	View | List	Displays files and folders in a list format with small icons.
	View |  Progress Window	Toggles the display of the Progress Window text in the pane at the bottom of the window.
	View |  Progress  Window Font...	Opens the Font dialog where you can select a font for text within the Progress Window.
	Options |  System Options...	Opens the System Options panel within Setup. For more information, see System Options.
	Options |  Internet Connection...	Opens the Internet Connection panel within Setup. For more information, see Internet Connection Options.
	Options |  FTP Options	Pulls down a submenu, from which you can select a specific panel to access within the FTP group within Setup. For more information, see FTP Options.
	Options | Filters	Opens a dialog where you can specify the file filters that the FTP window uses to list files. By default, the Local files field is set to "*" and the Remote files field is blank, but you can enter any valid filename pattern.
	Options | File  Transfer Mode	Sets the file transfer mode to Binary, ASCII, or L8. Binary mode is used for non-text files, and it is the default transfer mode with most connections. ASCII mode is used only for text files when you connect to certain FTP hosts. L8 (Tenex), a rarely used protocol that is found on a few older host machines such as the PDP-20s. See File Transfer Mode.
	FTP | Connect/ Disconnect	Attempts an FTP connection with the current entry in the Rapid Connect list box.  When a connection is established with a host, this menu item becomes Disconnect. Select Disconnect to terminate the connection with the host.
	FTP | Manual Connect...	Opens the Manual Connect dialog, where you can enter the address for a specific FTP host system. For more information, see Step-by-Step: Connecting Manually to an FTP Host.
	FTP | Refresh  Current Folders	Queries the FTP host and displays the latest files. This is useful if you are on a very active site, or have had the same directory displayed for a while.  The folder is automatically refreshed each time you change folders. However, files may have been uploaded, deleted, or renamed since your folder was refreshed. <F5> is the keyboard shortcut.
	FTP | Expand  Remote Folder	Displays the complete data received from the host after a folder query.  These lists can be informative if you do not see any files or directories after making a connection to an FTP host. For more information, see Host Type.
	FTP | Display  Progress Text	Displays the messages sent to and received from the host in the current FTP session. The information is displayed in the viewer, specified in Setup.
	Tools | Send a Fax...	Opens the Send a Fax wizard, which will guide you through the steps required to send a fax document.  If wizards have been disabled, the Send a Fax dialog is displayed instead.
	Tools | Fax Tools	Opens a submenu where you can select on of the Procomm Plus fax tools.
	Tools | Scripts	Opens a submenu where you can select from several script-related menu items.
	Tools | Image Viewer	Opens the Image Viewer, where you can select and view images in several formats. See The Image Viewer for more information.
	Tools | Scheduler	Opens the Scheduler, where you can set Procomm Plus to perform functions automatically at a predetermined time. For more information, see The Scheduler.
	Tools | Action  Bar Editor	Opens the Action Bar Editor, where you can design your own Action Bars for use in the Terminal window. See The Action Bar Editor for more information.
	Tools | QWK  Mail Viewer	Opens the QWKMail Viewer, where you can view and reply to messages you’ve retrieved from a BBS. For a detailed discussion, see The QWKMail Viewer.
	Tools | Caller  ID Directory Editor	Opens the Caller ID Directory Editor, where you can add, modify or delete Caller IDs from the current database. See The Caller ID Directory Editor for more information.
	Window |  Change Window	Allows you to change the current window to one of the other modes of operation including the Data Terminal, the Telnet window, the FTP window, Internet Mail Client or the News Reader.
	Window |  New Window	Allows you to open a new window in one of the other modes of operation including the Data Terminal, the Telnet window, the FTP window or the Internet Mail Client or the News Reader.
	Window | 1, 2, 3...	If you have one or more Procomm Plus communications windows open, they will be listed at the bottom of the Window menu. To make one of them the active window, select it from the menu.
	Help | Wizards...	Opens the Procomm Plus Wizard Manager dialog, where you can launch wizards to help perform common tasks within Procomm Plus.
	Help | Help Topics	Opens the Help Topics  dialog.
	Help | Script Reference	Opens the Help Topics dialog for the ASPECT Reference help file.
	Help | About  Procomm Plus	Opens a dialog with information about Procomm Plus.


The Host IP Address

  Related Topics

Like other networks, the Internet uses an identification or addressing system to distinguish between particular computers or systems that attach to the network. Each machine on the Internet is assigned a unique number that distinguishes it from other systems. The unique number assigned to a system is called its IP Address, and the same Internet IP address can be expressed with either words or numbers.

Numeric Addresses

Each host on the Internet is assigned a numeric address comprised of four groups of numbers separated by periods, such as 208.226.167.23 with no trailing period. In most cases, however, you will use an Internet site's domain name, rather than its numeric IP Address.

Host Names

Most Internet hosts also have a host name comprised of words separated by periods. You can use the host name when you supply an Internet host address instead of numeric IP address; the host name is automatically translated to the correct numeric address by the Domain Name Server (DNS) for use across the Internet.

Most host names are designed to indicate the type of service or connection they represent. For example, Symantec's Web site's host name,

www.symantec.com

indicates that it is a Web site operated by a commercial enterprise.

Whether you enter a numeric IP address or a host name, it is important to enter it accurately. Host names are typically case-sensitive and contain no spaces; periods will also affect the interpretation of the address. Try to be as precise as possible when you are obtaining an Internet address.


Working with Files in FTP

As you have seen, the FTP window's file and folder display areas work much like Windows Explorer's standard view. However, the similarities do not end with selecting files or navigating folders!

For example, if you select one or more items in a pane, and right click on them, the FTP window displays a pop-up menu with a number of options. The choices on this menu include:

Open

The Open command displays or activates files. When you select a file and click on Open, one of three actions occurs, depending on the file type you've selected:

•	Associate. In Windows 95/NT, some applications are associated with certain file types. This means that if a type of document is double-clicked in Explorer, for example, Explorer knows which application to run in order to properly display the file. An example of this would be the association of Microsoft Notepad with files that have a .txt extension.

If you select an associated file from the FTP window and click Open, the associated application is launched, and the file is displayed. If the file is located on the host system, the FTP window transfers the file to a temporary directory on your local system before processing it.

For help in associating a file type with an application, refer to your Windows documentation.

•	Run. If the file is itself an executable or an application, it is launched.

•	Display. If the file is neither associated with an application, nor an application itself, the file is displayed in the current viewer. The ASPECT Editor is the default viewer.

Send To...

Choose this command to transfer the item(s) you've selected to the other side of the session. If you right clicked the item(s) on the host side, they're copied to you local system; if you right clicked your local system, they're copied to the host.

Cut

Choose this command to copy the item(s) you've selected to the Windows Clipboard, and delete them in their current location once you've safely pasted them into another folder.

Copy

Choose this command to copy the item(s) you've selected to the Windows Clipboard, from where you can paste them into another folder. The original items are unaffected.

Paste

Choose this command to copy item(s) from the Windows Clipboard into a folder.

Delete

Choose this command to delete the item(s) you've selected.

Rename

Choose this command to rename a file or folder you've selected. Note that this command only works on one item at a time; if you select more than one item, only the first will be renamed.

Properties

If you select this command, the FTP window will display the available information for the currently selected file or folder. This command works on only one item at a time; if you select more than one item, only the first file's attributes will be displayed.


Your TCP/IP Connection

Internet

Before you can access an FTP host, you will need to establish a connection to the Internet, either with an Internet Service Provider or with a direct network connection to the Internet.

Other Network

The FTP window can also be used for file transfers over TCP/IP networks that are not connected to the Internet. The same procedures and configuration issues apply as for Internet connections. However, your TCP/IP connection must be established before you can access an FTP host.