n.a specification that standardizes the exchange of files over a networkRFC 959, 1985The objectives of FTP are 1) to promote sharing of files (computer programs and/or data), 2) to encourage indirect or implicit (via programs) use of remote computers, 3) to shield a user from variations in file storage systems among hosts, and 4) to transfer data reliably and efficiently.Holland and Nielsen 1995, 31, fn. 4FTP, an acronym for File Transfer Protocol, is a communications program which allows one to transfer files between Internet-connected computers. FTP users are required to know some basic UNIX-like commands.Reid 1995, 337–338Unfortunately, as revealed in the CART [Committee on Automated Records and Techniques] final report, any type of distance-education package can be difficult and expensive to develop and update. However, information technology and increased connectivity may provide the means to make packages more readily available and, therefore, more attractive, despite the cost. Furthermore, if packages are placed on-line at file transfer protocol (FTP) sites, developers may even find it less costly and difficult to update and disseminate the materials from a central, automated location.Cawthorne and Bleiler 1997, 89FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, it is a special method of transferring files between Internet nodes. In other words, it is a tool that allows you to transfer files between two computers connected to the Internet. FTP can be used in two ways: 1) to copy public files from computer archives worldwide (anonymous FTP); 2) to move your own files from computer to computer.Millar 2006a, 107Every change in technology redefines notions of memory, and the computer is the latest, and perhaps the most dramatic, challenge to the idea of memory, and archives, as ordered and preserved accumulations of the past. In the world of computers, there is no “logical” order to information. A computer’s “memory” can be found in an internal storage area, on a hard disk, on a data tape, a CD, or a floppy disk. It can be transmitted physically, on chips, or virtually, through electronic transmission, e-mail, file transfer protocol, and so on.Bass 2013, 71Cloud storage is built on the client-server architecture: an individual transfers files from one personal computer to a commercial server, where the files are stored and can be accessed from any personal computer with an Internet connection. This system is similar to using File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client software to transfer files over the Internet by uploading them to an FTP host server.Barnard and Redwine 2016, 94In some cases, it may be desirable to use a network connection to transfer files from a creator to the repository for the purposes of preacquisition appraisal. The two most common strategies for network transfer are to use a Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) or Telnet client (e.g., PuTTY, SSH) or to store files in a shared space that can be accessed by repository staff (e.g., cloud storage, or a synced storage and sharing service like Dropbox).Cocciolo 2016a, 60Is cloud storage secure? There are a number of security concerns. The first concern is that when transmitting data over the Internet to the cloud, there is an opportunity for the data to be intercepted. At a minimum, you would want the connection between your host machine and the cloud service to be encrypted, which most cloud services either have as an option or require. Examples of unencrypted connections include standard FTP, which sends the username and passwords over an unencrypted channel as well as all the data, which can be intercepted. Secure FTP, which encrypts data, or some other method that uses encryption is highly recommended.Eckard 2020, 120As stated in chapter 3, protocols are communication standards and interfacing methodologies that enable one system to exchange information with another system. A number of these exist, many of which you are likely already familiar with. The HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and its counterpart HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), for example, define the exchange of hyperlinked text over the Web, while the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and its counterpart the Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) define the exchange of computer files over a computer network.
Notes
Archivists may use FTP when transferring digital content or resources for purposes of acquisition, appraisal, and storage. The related secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) encrypts files during transfer and authenticates users and servers.
