Do I need Java to use FTP?

[Raven]

I'm trying to upload a design file to a sign supplier via their FTP site.
It tells me I should download Java Version 6 Update 5.
I don't think I need to, BUT when I drag my file to their window, nothing happens.
Is it a Java issue that won't let me do this?

I did a search on my OS and there are many Java icons there. Not sure which is the right one or the lastest one.
Suggestions, please?

OS 10.3.9

[Xairbusdriver]

Probably. They are probably using some Java to take care of the loading and placement of the file(s). Or, they may just use Java as a 'front end' for their site (not too smart, IMHO). It won't hurt anything to install it. But I would also encourage you to use a browser that lets you disable Java (and especially javascript!) except when you know it's safe.

[Raven]

What exactly does Java do or not do?

[tacit]

No, you do not need Java. You need an FTP program.

Please explain in detail, step by step, exactly how you are trying to upload the files. Are you using a Web browser like Safari? A Web browser is not an FTP program.

[Xairbusdriver]

QUOTE

via their FTP site

FTP, of course, Franklin! My eyes move faster than my brain. I thought their site had a browser-based upload system.

[Raven]

I went to their website using Safari 1.3.2 on OS10.3.9...
http://www.speedpro.com/index2.php
Then to FILE UPLOAD which takes me to...
http://www.speedproftp.com/
The message there is:
"Note: You will need the latest version of Java software for this application to work. You may download it here"
It would not let me drag any files to their window.
If you follow the Java Download links, it takes you to apple.com. That's where I got stuck wondering what to do.

Next I used Firefox. It gave me the same message. But I could drag the files to the window, and it seemed to load and send.

I've used other printing companies FTP site and never a problem uploading a large file.

What's the difference?

[Paddy]

I don't think they're using FTP - they're using something like this Java applet:

http://www.javaatwork.com/

(MyUploader 1.9  -  HTTP Java Upload Applet)

Platform independent and allows uploading through a browser window - and yes, does require you to have Java installed. (you no doubt already have it - it's installed with the OS - though note that Apple still hasn't released Java 1.6 for whatever reason, which may be why the site thinks you need to update, having detected that you're running 1.5. However in this case, 1.5 seems to work)

FTP is File Transfer Protocol - it's a network protocol for moving files around (uploading or downloading) - there is no web page involved, although you can often download files via FTP in a web browser. You generally need a standalone FTP client in order upload files with a Mac, though there is a plug-in for Firefox called FireFTP that allows you to use Firefox to connect to an FTP server and do the same thing. On PCs, Internet Exploder has built in FTP abilities for both up and down.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_Transfer_Protocol

HTTP is Hypertext Transport Protocol - or the protocol used on the World Wide Web to transfer information. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTTP

[jcarter]

I use Cyberduck and love it!

Ive got a question about css, that I should put in another thread,,,,,,,,
Jane

[tacit]

QUOTE(Raven @ Apr 9 2008, 02:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I went to their website using Safari 1.3.2 on OS10.3.9...
http://www.speedpro.com/index2.php
Then to FILE UPLOAD which takes me to...
http://www.speedproftp.com/
The message there is:
"Note: You will need the latest version of Java software for this application to work. You may download it here"
It would not let me drag any files to their window.
If you follow the Java Download links, it takes you to apple.com. That's where I got stuck wondering what to do.

Next I used Firefox. It gave me the same message. But I could drag the files to the window, and it seemed to load and send.

I've used other printing companies FTP site and never a problem uploading a large file.

What's the difference?

Well, let's start with the basics. The URL has the letters "ftp" in it, and the Web site says "Speed pro FTP," but it is important to understand that it is not an FTP site. It has nothing at all to do with FTP in any way, shape, or form.

Many people wrongly believe that anything that has to do with sending files through the Internet is FTP. This belief is incorrect. It's like saying that anything involving the Internet is a Web site, and then seeing people say "I run iChat and use it to talk to my Web site so I can chat with my mom." Chat is not a Web site, and file sending is not the same as FTP.

A good way to figure out if you are using FTP: You do not generally use a Web browser like Safari or Firefox to go to an FTP site. You use an FTP program like Fetch. if oyu are running Safari, you are at a Web site, not an FTP site.

The so-called FTP site that they have is not an FTP site, it is a Web site that allows you to upload files. They allow you to do this using a computer program written in a computer programming language called Java. In order to run a computer program written in Java, you must have a Java virtual machine installed on your computer.

If you use Mac OS X, your computer came with Java and there is nothing else you need to do. You click on the list to choose the place that you want to upload your files to, then you go to another page. You should see a picture of a cup of coffee for a few minutes while the Java computer program downloads to your computer, then you should see a list box that you can drag files into.

If you are not using Mac OS X, then you probably will not be able to find a version of Java that will work. Mac OS 9 has not seen a Java update in many years.

You can download and re-install Java by clicking here. You will see a disk image appear on your desktop. Inside the disk image will be an installer, which you will need to run. however, it should not be necessary, as your computer came with Java already.

If you can not get the Web site to work even after re-installing Java, then I suggest you call them and see if they can arrange some other way for you to get the files to them, or (better yet) stop using them and use a different company instead.