Netscape Communicator as an FTP client.
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Limitations
Please note that Netscape's FTP client has some limitations as a fully functional FTP client. In particular:
1. You cannot delete files or directories.
2. You cannot rename or move files or directories.
3. You cannot change file/directory permissions.
4. You cannot batch-download files.
5. You cannot upload file (using newer PC Netscape Versions).
As such, Netscape's FTP functionality is not recommended for daily use beyond the occasional update to an existing page.
The Plus Side
On the other hand, Netscape does have some redeeming factors for an FTP client. First, it is installed on many machines. If you are using someone else's computer and need to make a simple update to your site, you won't need to download and install a brand new FTP client. Second, it is available for just about every conceivable operating system you may use.
Using Netscape FTP
Following are screenshots from the Mac version of Netscape Communicator v4.5. Note that older versions of Netscape or versions for other operating systems may be slightly different.
To connect to your site, type your username and domain into the location bar of your browser in the following form:
ftp://username@mydomain.com/
...where 'username' is your username. Remember, your username is case sensitive, so you will need to ensure that you have typed your username in with the proper mix of upper and lower case letters. When finished, hit return. You will be presented with the following dialog:
Type in your password and hit return again. As with the username, ensure that it is typed with the proper mix of upper and lower case letters.
If you receive a message stating that authentication has failed, you can attempt to log on again. Otherwise, you will be presented with a directory listing of your account's root directory.
Within your directory, you will be presented with a listing of its contents. If you wish to open a directory, simply click on its name in the listing.
Uploading Files
To upload a file, make sure you are currently within the directory that you wish to upload into, then select the 'Upload File...' command from your File menu. (Unfortunately, not all versions of Netscape have this option.) You will be prompted to locate the file you wish to upload. Once you have made your choice, your file will be sent to the server.
Note that if you upload a file into a directory containing a file with the same name, the older copy will be replaced. This is usually how updates work. You should always keep a current copy of your site on your local hard-drive to prevent unnecessary data loss.
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