Copyright: Copyright © Quarterdeck Corp. 1995


Before You Begin

Be sure that you are connected to the Internet via a dialup connection to your Internet service provider or are on a network that is connected to the Internet.

Return to Overview


Changing Directories

To change directories:

1	Choose Change to Directory from the File menu.

The Change Directory dialog box appears.

2	Type a new directory name, then click OK.

The new directory name is highlighted.

Return to Working with Directories and Files


Changing the Directory List

The main window is split into two panes.  You can change the window to display only the directory tree or only the contents of the current directory.  You can also display different types of file information.

Displaying the Tree Only

Displaying the Directory Only

Refreshing the Tree and Directory List

Sorting the Directory Contents


Close Connection (Toolbar)
Close Connection

Disconnects the current host connection.


Closing the Connection

After your file is downloaded, you do not have to remain online to read or use it.

When you are done transferring files:

•	Choose Exit from the File menu.

The host connection closes and you exit the program.

NOTE:  If you transfer a file and it does not work on your computer or it contains strange characters at the end of each line, it was probably transferred using the wrong transfer method. If you transferred the file using the ASCII transfer protocol, try using BINARY (or vice versa).  For more information, see the Troubleshooting help file in your Quarterdeck program group.


Connecting to More Than One Host

You can log into several FTP sites at once.  Your networking software determines how many simultaneous remote host connections you can have active.

To connect to more than one host:

1	Log into the first FTP server as described above.

The main window displays the first FTP site.

2	Choose Open Connection from the Connection menu.

The Open Connection to FTP Server dialog box appears.

3	Log into the second FTP server.

The main window displays the second FTP site.

4	You can repeat steps 2 and 3 to add additional FTP Servers.

Return to Starting QFTP


Creating a Directory

To create a directory:

1	Choose Create Directory from the File menu.

The Create Directory dialog box appears.

2	Type a new directory name, then click OK.

The new directory appears.

Return to Working with Directories and Files


Customizing the Main Window

This topic describes how to change the main window display to suit your personal preferences.

The Toolbar

Removing the Status Bar

Splitting the Window


Delete a File (Toolbar)
Delete File(s)

Deletes a file or files from a remote host.

See Deleting a File.


Deleting a File

To delete a file:

1	Select the file(s).

2	Click the Delete file(s) button on the toolbar, or choose Delete from the File menu.

The Delete Selected File(s) dialog box lists the filename(s) and the current directory.

3	Click OK to delete or Cancel if you change your mind.

Return to Working with Directories and Files


Displaying the Directory Only

To display only the directory contents:

•	Choose Directory Only from the View menu.

The window displays the filenames and directories in the current directory.

Return to Changing the Directory List


Displaying the Tree Only

To display only the directory tree:

•	Choose Tree Only from the View menu.

The window displays the directory tree for the current remote host.

Return to Changing the Directory List


Downloading a File

To download a file using drag and drop:

Before you begin, make sure the selected file(s) are visible in the main window and the destination directory is visible in the File Manager window.

1	Drag the file(s) from the main window to the destination directory in the File Manager.

The Get File From Remote Host dialog box displays the selected filename(s) in the From field.  The To fields display the selected filename(s) and the current directory on your PC.

2	To accept the information and use the filename(s) and destination shown, click OK.

To change the information, type or select the new directory or filename, then click OK.

You can watch the transfer's progress as the Getting dialog box displays the number of bytes transferred, how much time has elapsed, and the estimated time remaining.

3	Click OK when the transfer is complete.

That's all there is to it.

You can alternatively download a file using the File menu or Toolbar.

To download a file from the menu or toolbar:

1	Click the Get a file button on the toolbar or choose Get from the File menu.

The Get File From Remote Host dialog box displays the selected filename(s) in the From field.  The To fields display the selected filename(s) and the current directory on your PC.

2	To accept the information and use the filename(s) and destination shown, click OK.

To change the information, type or select the new directory or filename, then click OK.

You can watch the transfer's progress as the Getting dialog box displays the number of bytes transferred, how much time has elapsed, and the estimated time remaining.

3	Click OK when the transfer is complete.

See also:  Closing the Connection

Return to Transferring a File


Finding FTP Sites

Where should you begin your FTP site exploration?  To get you started, QFTP provides a few interesting FTP sites to explore.  You can also check articles and books that provide Internet address listings.  Most of them include FTP site descriptions.

NOTE:  FTP sites are provided as public services and are not permanent.  All FTP sites listed in this document are subject to change.

MORE INFO:  The Internet has thousands of FTP sites.  To see a comprehensive list, use Quarterdeck Mosaic to view URL http://hoohoo.ncsa.uiuc.edu/ftp.interface.html.

Return to Overview


Get a File (Toolbar)

Get a File

Downloads a file from a remote host.

See Downloading a File.


Help (Toolbar)

Help

Displays the online Help file.


Help Contents
   Using Quarterdeck FTP

Contents

Overview

Starting QFTP

The Main Window at a Glance

Using the Toolbar

Transferring a File

Working with Directories and Files

Changing the Directory List

Customizing the Main Window

Troubleshooting


Installing QFTP

For information on installing QFTP, see the Installation and Internet Connection Quick Reference.

Return to Overview


Logging Into an FTP Server

An FTP server is a computer that provides files to users via the FTP (File Transfer Protocol).  For example, the FTP site ftp.ira.uka.de provides Mandelbrot images in its /pub/graphic directory.  To get you started, the Open Connection to FTP Server dialog box lists a few interesting FTP sites to explore.

To log into an FTP server:

1	Select an FTP server from the Hostname drop-down list box.  Or, type an FTP server name in the Hostname field.

The hostname can be an unlimited number of alphanumeric characters and can include the @ and "." characters, for example, ftp.qdeck.com.  You can also type an Internet Protocol (IP) address in the hostname field.  For example, Quarterdeck's FTP IP address is 149.17.8.10.

The hostname usually identifies an FTP site, but it can also identify any remote host or your own PC, if you want to connect to your PC from a remote host.

2	Press the Tab key, then type your user name in the User name field.

You must have permission to access the FTP site, unless you log in anonymously.  Anonymous login is easy because you do not have to remember user names and passwords for each remote site.  Most FTP sites accept anonymous logins.

To log in anonymously, type anonymous in the User name field.

3	Press the Tab key, then type your password in the Password field.

If you are logging in anonymously, type your e-mail address in the password field.  For example,  yourname@qdeck.com.

4	Click Connect.

You can watch the connection progress in the status bar.  Once you connect to the FTP site, the main window appears.

NOTE:  If you cannot connect to the FTP server, refer to the Troubleshooting help file in your Quarterdeck program group.

The main window displays the server's name in the tree and logs you into its root directory.  Your access permissions to files and directories are determined by the login name you are using.

You are now ready to transfer files.  Before you do, take a moment to look at the main window.  See The Main Window at a Glance.

Return to Starting QFTP


Open Connection (Toolbar)
Open Connection

Displays the Open Connection dialog box, which you can use to log into a remote host.

See Logging Into an FTP Server.


Overview

In this Help file you will learn how to:

•	Log into FTP sites.

•	Τransfer files to and from FTP sites.

•	Μanage directories and files on a remote host.

When you find or hear about an interesting file on the Internet you may want to copy it for use on your PC.  The Quarterdeck File Transfer Program (QFTP) provides a simple way to transfer files to and from a remote host on the Internet, called an FTP site.  FTP sites contain free software, shareware, commercial demos, or text files, and can even include graphics, sound, and video files.

QFTP uses a simple point-and-click Windows interface.  Now you can navigate through unfamiliar FTP sites on the Internet with ease.

Who Should Use QFTP?

What You Can Do Using QFTP

Before You Begin

Installing QFTP

Finding FTP Sites


Refreshing the Tree and Directory List

If a directory's contents change while you are accessing a remote host, the tree and directory list will not reflect the changes until you refresh them.

To refresh the tree and directory list:

•	Choose Refresh from the Window menu.

The program updates the current tree and directory.

Return to Changing the Directory List


Removing a Host Connection

To remove a remote host connection from the tree:

1	Click a hostname, directory, or user name in the tree, then choose Delete Connection from the Connection menu.

If you select a user name or a directory, it will be deleted along with the remote host connection.  If you select a hostname, all user names associated with that host are also deleted.

The Close and Delete Connection Information dialog box asks you to confirm the deletion.

2	Click OK.

The application deletes the hostname.


Removing the Status Bar

The status bar at the bottom of the main window displays information about the active directory window.  You can remove the status bar to save space.

To remove the status bar:

•	Choose Status from the Options menu.

The status bar disappears.

Return to Customizing the Main Window


Renaming a File

To rename a file:

1	Select the file.

2	Choose Rename from the File menu.

The Rename File dialog box appears.

3	Type the new filename, then click OK.

The new filename appears.

Return to Working with Directories and Files


Run File Manager (Toolbar)
Run File Manager

Starts the Windows File Manager, which you can use to keep track of the local host's contents.

See Running the Windows File Manager.


Running the Windows File Manager

The main window displays the FTP site's directory contents.  As you transfer files, the best way to keep track of your PC's directory contents is to run the Windows File Manager alongside QFTP's main window.

To run the Windows File Manager:

•	Click the Run File Manager button on the toolbar, or choose Run File Manager! from the File menu.

The File Manager appears to the left of the main window.  Now you have a complete view of both the FTP site and your PC's files.

NOTE:  If you are running an alternative shell program such as Quarterdeck's SideBar, this procedure will replace it with the standard Windows File Manager.

The easiest way to transfer a file is to drag and drop it from the QFTP main window (the remote FTP site) to the Windows File Manager (your PC).  You are now ready to select a file to transfer.

Return to Transferring a File


STOP (Toolbar)
Interrupt Connection

Cancels the current file transfer activity.

See Stopping a Transfer in Progress.


Save Connecton Info (Toolbar)
Save Connection Info

Saves the current login information and adds it to the list of hostnames in the Open Connection dialog box.


Selecting a Directory and File

Directory and file selection in the main window is much the same as in the Windows File Manager.

To switch to a different directory on the remote host:

•	Double-click its folder icon, or choose Change Directory from the File menu, then type the directory's name.

The directory is highlighted and a list of the directory's files appears.

TIP:  If you are browsing, the pub directory is a good place to start.  For more information on what the FTP site contains, download the README or 00-INDEX file.

To select a file from the directory tree:

•	Click the filename in the directory tree.

The program highlights the filename.

To select two or more files in sequence from the tree:

1	Click the first file you want to select.

2	Press and hold down Shift while you click the last file.

The program highlights the filenames.

To select two or more files out of sequence from the tree:

•	Press and hold down Crtl while you click each file.

The program highlights the filenames.

Return to Transferring a File


Send a File (Toolbar)

Send a File

Uploads a file to a remote host.

See Uploading a File.


Sorting the Directory Contents

You can sort the files and directories by name, size, or the last modification date and time, so you can easily find the file or files you want.

To sort files alphabetically:

•	Click the Name button in the directory windowpane or choose Sort from the View menu, then choose By Name.

The active directory window sorts the files alphabetically.  Files that begin with numbers appear first.

To sort files by size:

•	Click the Size button in the directory windowpane or choose Sort from the View menu, then choose By Size.

The active directory sorts the files by size, with the largest files first.

To sort files by the last modification date and time:

•	Click the Date/Time button in the directory windowpane or choose Sort from the View menu, then choose By Time/Date.

The active directory window sorts the files by date, with the most recently modified file first.

Return to Changing the Directory List


Splitting the Window

The split bar divides the main window between the tree and the directory contents.  You can move the split bar at any time to change the size of the tree and directory panes.

To move the split bar:

1	Move the cursor over the split bar until it becomes a double-headed arrow.

2	Drag the split bar left or right.

3	When the split bar is where you want it, release the mouse button.

Return to Customizing the Main Window


Starting QFTP

To start QFTP:

•	Double-click the QFTP icon in the Quarterdeck InternetSuite program group.

The welcome screen appears momentarily, and then the Open Connection to FTP Server dialog box appears.

NOTE:  If you are running Quarterdeck Mosaic, you can also start QFTP by selecting FTP from Mosaic's Tools menu.

Logging Into an FTP Server

Connecting to More Than One Host


Stopping a Transfer in Progress

What happens if you suddenly realize the file you are downloading is very large and is going to take too long to download, or is not the right file?  You can stop the transfer.

To stop a transfer in progress:

•	Click the Cancel button in the Getting dialog box.   You can also click the Interrupt connection button if you want to disconnect from the remote host.

NOTE:  There might be a slight delay while the connection is interrupted.

Return to Transferring a File


Storing your Favorite FTP Sites

You can store the information needed to connect to your favorite FTP sites for quick access later, eliminating the need to retype long URLs or Internet addresses each time you log in.

When you add a remote host connection, you do not actually connect to the host, the application just saves the connection information for later use.

To add a remote host connection to the host tree:

1	Choose Add Host from the Connection menu.

The Add Host dialog box appears.

2	Type the hostname, then click OK.

The hostname can be an unlimited number of alphanumeric characters and can include the @ and "." characters.  For example, Quarterdeck's FTP hostname is ftp.qdeck.com. You can also type an IP address in the hostname field.  For example, Quarterdeck's FTP IP address is 149.17.8.10.

QFTP adds the new remote hostname to the tree and the drop-down list in the Open Connection dialog box.

You can add a user name and password to the remote host connection information, making it even easier to log in.

To add a user name to a remote host connection:

1	Choose Add User from the Connection menu.

The Add User dialog box appears.

2	Type the user name and password, then click OK.

The application adds the new user and password to the remote host connection information.

To edit a user's password:

1	Click the user name in the tree.

2	Choose Edit Password from the Connection menu.

The Edit Password dialog box appears.

3	Type the new password, then click OK.

The application adds the new password to the remote host connection information.

See also:  Removing a host connection

Return to Transferring a File


The Main Window at a Glance

The first window you will see when you connect to an FTP site is the main window.  The main window looks similar to and works much the same as the Windows File Manager.  It shows a visual overview of the FTP site's contents.  You can use this window to access any QFTP program function.

The main window contains a Toolbar and other standard Windows components, including menus and icons.  The left window pane displays a tree diagram of the host computer's directory contents, while the right pane displays the contents of the directory selected in the left pane.

Many menu items and buttons are dimmed until you select a file.  For example, the Get button is dimmed until you select a file from a remote host.  See Selecting a Directory and File.

The Toolbar, which appears just below the menu bar, is the easiest way to access the program functions you will use most often.  For a description of what each button does, see Using the Toolbar.

At the bottom of the window is the status bar, which displays helpful messages about your current activities.

What's next?  Now that you are connected to an FTP server and are familiar with the main window, what you read next depends on what you want to do:

Where to Look Up Common QFTP Tasks

If you want to	See the topic

Learn more about the Toolbar	Using the Toolbar

Transfer a file	Transferring a File

Move between directories	Working with Directories and Files

Delete files 	Working with Directories and Files

Sort the directory and file list	Changing the Directory List

Change the display	Customizing the Main Window


The Toolbar

The Toolbar menu item on the Options menu determines:

•	Whether the Toolbar appears on the main window

•	The Toolbar button size

•	Whether the Toolbar buttons display text descriptions

To change the Toolbar button size:

1	Choose Toolbar from the Options menu.

A cascading menu appears.

2	Choose a button size: Small, Large, or Large with text.  Large is the default.

The toolbar buttons appear in the new size.

To remove the Toolbar:

1	Choose Toolbar from the Options menu.

A cascading menu appears.

2	Choose None.

The toolbar disappears.

Return to Customizing the Main Window


Transfer ASCII (Toolbar)
Transfer ASCII

Selects the ASCII transfer method, which you can use to transfer files and keep with the ASCII standard.  Operating systems use various values for carriage returns, line feeds, and other formatting codes.  This transfer method translates these formatting codes into the proper values for that operating system.


Transfer Binary (Toolbar)
Transfer Binary

Selects the Binary transfer method, which you can use to transfer most files.  This method copies the file without modifying it (does no translation, i.e. ASCII).  This is the default transfer method.


Transferring a File

QFTP can transfer a file in two directions.  It can download a file from the FTP site and place it on your PC.  Or, it can upload a file from your PC and put it on an FTP server.  If you are like most people, you will download files much more than you will upload.

The basic steps to transferring a file are:

1.	Run the Windows File Manager.

2.	Select a file to transfer.

3.	Drag the file from one host and drop it on another.

The next topics describe these steps in detail.

Running the Windows File Manager

Selecting a Directory and File

Downloading a File

Stopping a Transfer in Progress

Storing your Favorite FTP Sites

Uploading a File


Troubleshooting

Information on solving problems with Quarterdeck Internet products is contained in a Troubleshooting help file included in your Quarterdeck program group.  To view this file, double-click on its icon.


Uploading a File

If you want to share a file with the rest of the world, you can upload it from your PC to a remote host.  Before you begin, make sure the selected file is visible in the File Manager and the destination directory is visible in the main window.  Most FTP sites have directories named incoming or upload that are meant to receive uploaded files.

To upload a file using drag and drop:

1	Drag the file from the File Manager to the destination directory in the main window.

The Send File From Remote Host dialog box displays the selected filename(s) in the From field.  The To fields display the FTP site's current directory and the destination filename(s).

2	To accept the information and use the filename(s) and destination shown, click OK.

To change the information, type or select the new directory or filename(s), then click OK.

You can watch the transfer's progress as the Sending dialog box displays the number of bytes transferred, how much time has elapsed, and the estimated time remaining.

That's all there is to it.

You can alternatively upload a file using the File menu or Toolbar.

To upload a file using the menu or Toolbar:

1	Click the Send a file button on the Toolbar or choose Send from the File menu.

The Send File From Remote Host dialog box displays the selected filename(s) in the From field.  The To fields display the FTP site's current directory and the destination filename(s).

2	To accept the information and use the filename(s) and destination shown, click OK.

To change the information, type or select the new directory or filename(s), then click OK.

You can watch the transfer's progress as the Sending dialog box displays the number of bytes transferred, how much time has elapsed, and the estimated time remaining.

3	Click OK when the transfer is complete.

Return to Transferring a File


Using the Toolbar

The Toolbar contains a row of buttons that give you quick access to frequently performed tasks.  You can perform any of the actions detailed below by clicking on the appropriate Toolbar button.

Click on any icon below for an explanation of its function.  These options are also available on the pull-down menus at the top of the window.


What You Can Do Using QFTP

QFTP does more than retrieve files.  You can use QFTP to:

•	Help yourself to a wide range of files by simply dragging and dropping from FTP sites to your PC.

•	Upload files to FTP sites.

•	Access multiple FTP sites simultaneously.

•	Browse and access directories and files on the Internet.

•	Store a list of your favorite FTP sites for quick access later.

•	Manage directories and files on a remote host.

NOTE:  This Help file focuses on how to transfer files to and from FTP sites on the Internet.  However, QFTP can also transfer files between your PC and any remote host or between two remote hosts that use a TCP/IP network connection and have FTP servers.

Return to Overview


Who Should Use QFTP?

To use QFTP, you need no previous FTP or UNIX experience.  If you have experience using UNIX FTP, you will find QFTP is not only much easier to use, but it gives a better overview of the host computer's contents.  Also, the files come straight to your PC without you having to know about transfer protocols and methods.

Return to Overview


Working with Directories and Files

This topic describes how to use the main window to perform basic directory and file management activities on the remote host, much the same way you use the Windows File Manager on your PC.  You can change working directories, create directories, rename, and delete files (if you have permission, of course).

Changing Directories

Creating a Directory

Renaming a File

Deleting a File