MacUser / February 1997
Sending large files as e-mail attachments can be unreliable or even impossible. Another option often overlooked is to use FTP (file-transfer protocol). America Online subscribers and most people connecting to the Internet through an ISP (Internet service provider) have some space reserved on the server where they can leave large files for other users to download. Downloading files requires FTP client software, such as Fetch or AOL's built-in FTP software.
Here are some steps to follow for using FTP to exchange files with others, using AOL and ISP servers:
FTPing with AOL. Every AOL subscriber has 2.5 MB of space available for Web pages or files. To go to this space, use myplace as a keyword. Click on the Go To My Place button. The My Place window contains buttons for uploading files, creating directories, and accessing online help. Create a directory called incoming (it must be this name), and upload files for others there. Tell your recipients to go to ftp://ftp.ispname.com/screenname/incoming/. Their FTP software will let them download any files they find there.
AOL users can access this area simply by using FTP as a keyword, clicking on the Go To FTP button, clicking on Other Site, typing the full pathname given above, and then clicking on Connect. They can highlight a file and click on Download to transfer the file to their hard disk.
FTPing with an ISP. Most Internet service providers provide their subscribers with generous amounts of space for Web pages or files. Ask your ISP for details and for the pathname to your area. The pathname will look something like ftp://ispname.com/users/username/. You should be able to create directories there so that recipients can easily find the files you leave for them. Fetch or some other FTP client software will allow you to manage directories and files in this area.
AOL users can access the area by using FTP as a keyword, clicking on the Go To FTP button, clicking on Other Site, typing the first pathname given earlier, and then clicking on Connect. Note: You may have to set the read/write privileges of the directories, using the FTP site command (sent via your FTP client software) SITE chmod 0777 directoryname.