Opening a connection from a PC or Machintosh

In order to transfer data from the BADC ftp server to your PC/Macintosh, you will need an FTP client.

Under Windows 95/98 and Windows NT, there is a simple command line interface which can be run in a DOS window. The executable is probably in c:\windows\system\ or c:\winnt\system\. The interface is the same as the Unix interface but using DOS commands instead (e.g. "dir" instead of "ls" to view the content of a directory).
Alternatively, you may have a windows-based FTP client. There are many such programmes available commercially (e.g. Exceed, FTP Explorer) or Freeware (e.g. CuteFTP, WS_FTP).
- A window showing the content of the default directory on your computer may already be opened. Go to the directory where you will put the data transfered from the BADC ftp server.
- The next step is to open a connection to the BADC ftp server.
- Generally, there is a toolbar from which you may connect to a remote machine. Follow the instructions (enter the address of the remote machine e.g. ftp.badc.rl.ac.uk and also your account details). A new window may pop up, displaying the content of your home directory on the BADC ftp server at the BADC.
- The presentation may be similar to the MS File Manager application. Hence once you reached the data directory of your choice on the BADC ftp server, using the mouse, you may simply move data files from one window to the next.
- There are many FTP application windows, but generally they all have a Connect button to get you started with your FTP session.
- The way of transferring files may vary from one application to the next e.g. using the mouse, arrow buttons, get and put toolbar options. The FTP commands are listed.
- Similarly, to terminate your FTP session, find an exit or close button or kill the window.
- In any case, if in doubt, use the help button or seek advice at your local system administrator or Computing Help Desk.

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