FTP vs HTTP Protocols

[Dudley Henriques]

Hi; I have a question please about these two protocols.

Without getting too technical

Sometimes, when downloading a new program for my system, I'm given a choice
between using an FTP server or an HTTP server to do this.

Is there any advantage to using one over the other?
Does it matter which one I choose?
Which one SHOULD I choose and why?

I'm using IE6.0 for this.

Many thanks

Dudley

 

[Guest]

Either FTP or HTTP is fine. FTP is somewhat faster and more efficient, but
it doesn't work in some situations (through some firewalls, for example).

 

[Dudley Henriques]

Thanks Ron. That's exactly what I need to know.
Dudley

 

[Guest]

FTP is more reliable because it is 'connection' oriented protocol. HTTP is
'connectionless'.
HTTP is best effort. FTP is assured.