The following is a tutorial on how to download and use the WS_FTP program. FTP (file transfer protocol) programs allow you to transfer files from your computer to another computer on the Internet. WS_FTP is a windows based program which is easy to use but is by no means the only program available to FTP your files. The general settings are the same for most FTP programs.

Begin by using your browser to go to the Ipswitch web pages and download the version for your operating system onto your computer. *Note* If you download the WS_FTP LE 6.5. This evaluation version is free to those who qualify. Those who do not qualify for this free version must purchase the Ipswitch program which suits your needs. Download now at Ipswitch.

The Ipswitch program you downloaded is in a compressed format. Un-compress the files by using an unzip program. If you do not have a unzip program or are unfamiliar with a decompressing program it is recommended that you use WinZip.

After you have successfully installed your WS_FTP program, start it. The first thing you will see will be the Session Profile screen which will look similar to this.

Enter in the following information in the appropriate places on the Session Profile screen

1. Profile Name. This can be named anything you like to help you remember which profile is configured for your goNDTC Network Account.

2. Host Name/Address www.gondtc.com

3. Host type Unix (standard)

4. User ID Enter in your goNDTC user ID
This is the first part of your e-mail address (do not include the @stellarnet.com or @gondtc.com)

5. Password Enter in your goNDTC password

6. Choose Apply

7. Choose OK
*Make sure the Anonymous box is unchecked*

You will only have to add this information once. Next time you open your WS_FTP program all you need to do is choose your Profile Name and then choose OK to begin your FTP session.

You may have to enter your password again when you connect to the server.

You will now be at a screen which looks similar to this when you have successfully accessed your free goNDTC Network Account.

This screen is divided into two main parts. On the left sides resides your files on your local computer. On the right side of the screen is your home goNDTC Network account on the remote server you have logged into. Here you can FTP your files to your goNDTC Account by selecting the desired files on the right side and then clicking on the arrow button pointing to the left in the center of the screen to move the files to the left side/ your remote goNDTC account. Similarly files can be moved from your goNDTC account to your local system. Be careful to note the Binary and ASCII format selected when you transfer. Generally ASCII format is used for text based files while Binary is for graphic files. Checking the "Auto" checkbox will allow WS_FTP to decide which way to transfer the files.

Do not delete any of the files that are already there. They are used by the system, and should not be tampered with. Also, you won't initially have as many files on your account as the example shows.

If you are going to create a personal homepage, or want to share files with the general public, the one thing that you must do is create a folder called public_html. This folder is used by the webserver to give access to anyone and everyone, whether it be for web pages or files. Transfer the files that you want to share to this directory. Your main page must be named "index.htm", "index.html", "default.htm", or "default.html" (the default names for a home page) or you will receive an error when you go to your web page at "www.stellarnet.com/~your_user_id".

To end your FTP session choose either Close or end on the bottom of the screen.