Other ways than email to send files and information on the Internet


Sometimes you want to send a really large file that is too big for email, or from a computer where your email is not set up. There are three possible ways of doing this.

Via Telnet

Telnet is a software program that lets you use the resources of a distant computer somewhere else in the world - meaning that you can tap into your computer from anywhere. You can log onto a "host" computer, issue commands as if you were on your own computer, and gain access to all of that computer's resources.

Telnet works by running a piece of software on your computer that tells the distant computer that you can use its resources. This other computer is called the host. The host computer allows many different computers to simultaneously access its resources. To use Telnet, though, you will need to know the address of the internet host whose resources you want to access.

When you use Telnet, you must log in and "take over" the host computer. Usually, host systems will let you sign in as "guest," but some require a user name and password. You can Telnet into many different computers and computer systems. Each one works differently. When you contact the host computer, the distant computer and your computer negotiate how they will talk with each other. To make things easier, many hosts use a menu system allowing you to mimic the host's computer. This is called terminal emulation.

Via FTP - File Transfer Protocol

FTP is particularly good for transferring very large files. Many software companies incorporate FTP into their websites to enable you to download program files and software patches quickly and easily. If you have your own website, you will want to have an FTP program for transferring files you create on your computer to your ISP's server.

When you connect to the other computer using an FTP program, you get a split screen, with the files on your computer's hard drive on the left side and the files of the computer you dialed into on the right. In the middle of the screen are arrows. Highlight the file you want to transfer and then click on the arrow - the left one if you want to download or receive something, the right arrow if you want to upload or send a file from your computer. FTP can transfer enormous quantities of data. It is used to transfer computer software and upgrades, anti-virus utilities, games, graphics and so forth.

Via digital fax and voice mail

All faxes can sent or received digitally. This used to require configuring fax software on your computer, but now you can send and receive faxes via email. Several companies now offer this service. Two of the better ones are Jfax and Efax. These are especially helpful to people who travel a great deal. Callers can also leave voice messages, which are then sent to your computer as an audio file. Both companies now also provide interaction with cell phones, pagers, and mobile devices like PDAs.

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This article was sent to us by: Stephan Errols at 08212010

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