FTP IFS
(c) 1998 Vit Timchshin
1. What is it?
-
It is an FTP client.
-
It is a File System Driver.
What does this mean? This means that you can map any ftp host you like
to a drive letter and use any the utility you have with the FTP host. Any
archiver, any File Manager, any BackUp program. This automatically
gives you possibility to make any program of your choise to easily work
with FTP.
For example: you may have drive W: as
hobbes.nmsu.edu.
2. What features it does have.
(Functions marked * are available only in registered
version)
-
For now it is a 'read and file create' ftp client. This means that you
may copy files to/from remote host, but can't edit files on the remote
host.
-
It supports directory caching
-
Supports automatic reconnecting to hosts.
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Partial file memory caching (for small files only)
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* Metadrive support: Map many hosts to a single drive letter.
To use this:
a) Map a drive to a '-' host ("ftpfs use <D>: -")
b) Change to the dir with the name formed as \[username[=password]@]host[;port]
Example:
C:\>ftpfs use w: -
C:\>w:
W:\>cd \hobbes.nmsu.edu
W:\hobbes.nmsu.edu\>
Note: You can remove mapping using 'rd \<MetaDirectory>'
command.
But NEVER try to delete the directory from any filemanager,
because it may empty the whole host.
-
* Passive mode support
Use this mode if you are under firewall (like NAT or
SOCKS) and have problems with the active mode.
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* Link number limit
This will limit maximum number of connection the FTP.IFS
will make to a host.
-
Reget support
Use "recopy.cmd <from> <to>". If file <to> does
not exist it'll be created.
Notes:
Use NO wildcards and put file NAMES in both <from>
and <to>
Use larger block size for fast hosts. Default block size
is 2048 bytes.
You may use recopy.cmd to copy from host to the local
drive too.
-
* Proxy support
Use this if you can't access Internet directly, but have
a proxy.
3. What feature it does not have.
This is a list of features which are not YET implemented. They are
in 'to-do' list or in development:
-
Full Write access. But I don't know if it is to be implemented. It'll be
the same as if you copy file to a local drive, modify and then send it
back. FTP protocol has no seek function so you can't change few bytes from
a file, but need to copy the whole file.
-
UNC support
-
New listing formats.
Current list of supported formats includes:
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'ls -a' format. Used by most hosts. Subformats recognized are:
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Novell listing
-
AIX listing
-
HPUX listing
-
OS/2 FTPD format.
Note: I would like to hear from you what FTP server listing FTP.IFS
can or cannot read.
If you want submit a new listing format, find in log a line with "Dir
string read" inside and send it me.
-
... Tell me what you want
4. Installation.
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Make a directory and unpack this archive (Below I'll use D:\PATH\
instead of the directory name)
-
Add folowing lines to the bottom of your config.sys:
IFS=D:\PATH\FTP.IFS
REM This password will be used if you will not provide one, and
ftp server requiers it.
SET FTPPASSWORD=<your email>
RUN=D:\PATH\R3COMM.EXE d:\path\logfile
-
Reboot
5. Usage.
Use ftpfs.exe to control ftp.ifs. Run ftpfs without parameters to get help.
6. Unknown problems.
If you experience any problems just kill r3comm.exe. Then restart
it and reattach the drives
While reporting any problems send me d:\path\logfile.
Note: All the passwords are in this file
as plain text. You may want to substitute it with "****". Find "PASS" string.
Your passwords are located right after this line.
7. Mailing list
There is a FTPIFS mailing list located at ftpifs-list@bmtmicro.com
email.
To subscribe:
1. send a message to majordomo@bmtmicro.com
2. the subject does not matter
3. the body of the message must read: subscribe ftpifs-list@bmtmicro
<your e-mail>
8. License
This program is provided "AS IS". Author is not responsible for any problems
you have.
The program is shareware. You may use a non-registered copy of this
program for 60 days for evaluation purposes.
For the period of evaluation the program will be function-limited.
You may copy this program if you want. But you should copy only the
original archive without any changes.
9. Contacting author
Author may be contacted at e-mail ftpifs@usa.net.
I'll be pleased if you contact me with or without error report.
Most active testers can receive registration key free.
If you want you may send postcard to the next address:
Vitalij Timchishin
Miropolskaja st. 17, ap.6
Kiev 253206
Ukraine
10. Where to find next versions.