(These FAQs were copied from http://www.alt2600.com/faqs)

Q: What is FTP?
A: FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. An FTP site is an internet server set up specifically for the transferring of files.

Q: What software do I need?
A: In order to log into an FTP server, you will need an FTP client. There are plenty of FTP clients, the most popular ones are CuteFTP, WS_FTP, Bulletproof FTP, eLeetFTP, and FTP Voyager. But there are dozens more. Try them all and see which one you like best.

Q: Which FTP client is the best?
A: No particular software is the best. Each does most of the same things that the others do. The difference is only in how you interact with the software. If you want to know which client is the most popular, click here.

Q: How do I set up my FTP client?
A: You can find detailed instructions on setting up the most common FTP clients here.

Q: How do I set up an FTP server?
A: Setting up a server requires patience and a good understanding of the FTP process. It will also require you to spend a lot of time maintaining it.

Q: Okay I've got an FTP client, now what?
A: The first thing you should do with ANY software before using it is set up the options. This is no exception. Set the default number of retries as low as it goes, and set the delay between retries to at least 60 seconds. Also, set the default email address to a valid email address.

Q: Why a 'valid' email address?
A: There are a lot of reasons for this. If the operator of a site finds out a file on his site contains a virus, he can email anyone who has downloaded it and warn them. If you upload a file, and it is found to contain a virus, he can communicate this to you without posting a public message in a newsgroup, thus saving face for you. If you were downloading something and the operator had to shut down the server, he can email you explaining why you were disconnected, and tell you when you'll be able to re-connect. If you are doing something wrong, he can tell you what it is, and how to do it right

Q: But I don't want people to know my email address, what if they use this information to try to harm me?
A: There are plenty of free email services that you can use. This way you will have a valid email address without having to use the one provided by your ISP. What is important is that the site operator can contact you. Most FTP operators only want to help. It is not their intent to harm anyone, or to use this information against you.

Q: What is 'hammering'?
A: When you try to connect to a site that is busy, many FTP clients will automatically retry the connection. If you keep retrying the connection every few seconds you are 'hammering on their door.' This is roughly the same as someone who keeps ringing your doorbell even though you are on your way to answer.

Q: Why is hammering so bad?
A: Every time you attempt to log in to a server, your client connects. Then when the server denies the connection your client disconnects, reconnects, and attempts to log in again. When you are doing this every few seconds, you are tying up bandwidth from that server, thus slowing down anyone currently connected to the site. Think about it... if you slow them down, they'll stay connected longer, and you'll have to wait longer for them to finish before you can log in. Always set your delay between retries to at least 60 seconds. It is best to set your number of retries to a low number as well.

Q: How do they know it's me?
A: When you log into an FTP site, the server software automatically traces your connection, revealing your IP address and information about your ISP. This information can be used to ban you from the site for misuse, or if you are making malicious attacks on the site, your ISP can be informed.

Q: What is a ratio?
A: A ratio is an upload requirement that must be met before you can download. Some FTP sites use ratios to force people to upload to them. There are two types of ratios, file count and byte count. They monitor the number of files/bytes uploaded, then allow a number of files/bytes that you can download.

Q: What is the proper way to upload to a server?
A: Look for a directory called /Uploads or /Incoming. Most sites only allow uploads to one directory, making administration easier. Inside the Uploads directory, create a directory with your name or nickname. Now upload your files into that directory. This way, the administrator will know who sent what without having to look through long log files.

Q: I was uploading a file to a site, but I got disconnected. What do I do now?
A: Some sites allow resuming of interrupted uploads... perhaps you can continue where you left off. If not, rename the file that was interrupted so the administrator knows it's a fix, and upload it again.