FTP is a program that allows users to copy files back and forth between two computers, usually two computers connected via the Internet. Strictly BITNET users will need to use e-mail instead of FrP to transfer files. After typing "ftp" to start the program, one can input any computer address and try to connect with it. A username and password will be asked for. Many sites offer an anonymous FI'P directory - users can log in with the username "anonymous" and have access to all the text files and rograms that the site administrator has made available.
Often an anonymous FTP site is set up like a trading post. An incoming directory is set up with anonymous write and execute permission, but usually not read permission. Users can then upload files they want to share with others without those others knowing the files are available. The system operator can evaluate the files before making them publicly available. One common security hole with anonymous FTP is that two auxiliary directories called "etc." and 'bin" are often owned by the FTP account. If this is the case, and if they are not write protected, any user could upload their own malevolent versions of system programs and batches.
