File Transfer Protocol or FTP is a common way to download files from the Internet. FTP can also be used to upload files from your computer to another computer on the Internet.

FTP works on a client/server model. Users run FTP client software (for example, WS_FTP95LE) on their computers to connect to an FTP server on the Internet. On the FTP server, a program called an FTP daemon allows users to download and upload files. When an FTP client contacts a server, the daemon will ask for an account number or user name and password in order to log onto an FTP site to perform download and upload tasks. When users log onto the FTP server, a connection called a command link is opened up between user's computer and the server. This link is used for sending commands to the server from user's computer, and sending messages and information back from the server to user's computer. When users want to change directories on the FTP server, the FTP client software (for example, WS_FTP95LE) sends an instruction to the FTP daemon, using the command link. The daemon changes directories and then sends back a listing of files on that directory via the command link. On the FTP client software, users will see a listing of files in the new server directory.

One of the most popular uses of the Internet is to download files. For example, programs that you can run on your home computer; graphics you can view or sounds and music you can listen to. Most of these files are download using the Internet's FTP.