Chapter One

Introduction and Features

1.1 File Transfer Protocol Explanation and History. File Transfer Protocol (FTP) has been used for many years to transfer files between remote computer systems. It was used almost exclusively on UNIX workstations and mainframes. After PC users gained access to the Internet, it became a popular alternative to BBS systems. Early FTP compliant software used a command line interface that was difficult for some beginners to work with. As the Internet grew in popularity, new standards appeared (Gopher, WWW), providing more user friendly interface. However, FTP still remains the popular choice among computer professionals.

1.2 CuteFTP Overview. CuteFTP is a Windows-based File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client that allows users to utilize the capabilities of FTP without having to know all the details of the protocol itself. This excellent FTP program has a lot more than just a pretty interface. In addition to previous features found in 1.8, Version 2.5 of the long-time favorite now offers the following features:

  • Queuing of transfers. One of CuteFTP's newest features. You can now select multiple files from various directories and tag them for later transfer. Section 4.5

  • Resume downloading. CuteFTP can resume downloading of incomplete files. This works with all FTP sites that implement this feature. To resume an aborted download, attempt to download the file into the same directory you did the first time. CuteFTP will then ask if you wish to Resume, OverWrite, Rename, or Cancel. To check if the FTP site can resume an aborted download watch the Log Window (upper window) for a message that reads "This site can resume aborted downloads". If the site cannot resume the download you will get a message like this: "This site cannot resume aborted downloads".

  • Caching of entire directories on remote servers. Once connected, CuteFTP sends a LIST command to the server, that displays the files on the current directory. If you go to another directory, and at any point come back to the previous one, CuteFTP doesn't have to send another LIST request because that directory has been stored in temporary memory, also called a cache.

  • Scores of pre-defined sites in the newly modified Site Manager.

  • Directory comparison feature. This allows for the comparison of local vs. remote directory contents. You can set options for CuteFTP to ignore case, and to compare by date and/or size. Files that are different from each other will be highlighted. Files that are the same will not. Section 4.7.5

  • Macro record/playback scripting. With the macro recorder, you can record logins to sessions, transfers and file deletions, and then 'play' the macro back or launch the script from a command line for completly automated sessions. Section 4.8

  • Keep Alive "NOOP" command. This feature allows you to stay connected to a server for up to thirty minutes while CuteFTP is idle. Sectioon 4.1.5.1.2

  • Print file list. Print he contents of either your local or remote directory. Section 4.1.7

  • Force upper/lower/preserve file case. You can make CuteFTP 'force' a file to upload in lower, upper, or preserved case. This is good if you are creating files with mixed case on your system, but need them to be all upper or lower case on your server. Section 4.1.1.2

  • Can import ALL previous version site entries, including WS_FTP's

  • Additional host types added, including 'generic' host for misconfigured sites

  • Displays progress rate on task bar icon

  • Directory download and upload. Upload and download entire tree structures to/from the Internet. This features allows for easy mirroring of websites. Section 4.4.1, 4.4.2

  • Remote file editing. This will allow you to make changes to your HTML documents without having to download your web page, edit it, save it, and then find where you saved and upload it. Section 4.4.4

  • Quickconnect "remembers" last five sites. Section 4.1.2

  • Save filter masks for remote and directory listings.You can produce filtered listings (useful when trying to get a small piece of a large directory) by typing in a file extension or a wildcard. Section 4.1.1.1

  • Bookmarking of remote directories. Bookmarks are intended to help you keep track of favorite directories on remote servers. Section 4.3

  • Delete entire remote directories Section 4.4.9

  • Auto-renaming of file extensions. CuteFTP has the ability to rename a file extension automatically during upload or download. Section 4.1.5.5

  • Right click change file attributes (CHMOD). Brings up GUI interface for easy modification of file attributes. Section 4.4.12

  • Sophisticated masking for index files. Section 4.1.5.3 & 4.1.5.4

  • New help file. Completely re-written help file in HTML.

  • Improved code, for faster performance, transfers, and better system resource usage.

  • Bug fixes

    1.3 Purpose of the Manual. This manual was written for both the novice and expert FTP user. Chapter: Two covers installation; Chapter Three: Quick Start, will cover the step by step procedures for running the program; Chapter Four: Menu Bar Commands, covers all components of the Menu Bar; and Chapter Five: Trouble Shooting, covers the solutions to the most frequently asked questions.

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