What is an FTP server?

An FTP server is a network protocol that allows for the transfer of files over the Internet. This requires the use of a software program called a client, which is able to establish a connection between the computer running it and a remote computer.

FTP servers are generally password protected, with user names and passwords for members set by the administrator running the server. This gives the person operating the FTP server some control over who can access shared files. The administrator can also set the mode for the FTP server, giving users the ability to sent only text files (plain text mode) or other types of files (binary mode).