Fetch

Fetch is a Macintosh application that allows you to transfer files between your (local) computer and a remote computer, using the file transfer protocol (FTP). Fetch can transfer documents, data files, and software files in any medium. In addition, Fetch handles data compression and decompression using most of the popular Macintosh compression schemes, providing fast and efficient transfers.

Making a Connection

• Start Fetch by double-clicking the Fetch icon, located in the Applications folder on the hard drive. The New Connection dialog box will appear.
• In the Host field, enter the address of the computer you would like to reach. Names commonly start with ftp, but this is not always the case. (host for Bryn Mawr: ada.brynmawr.edu)
• In the User ID field, enter a username. If you do not have a username, you may be permitted to log in anonymously by entering anonymous in this field. Note: Some systems, such as our own, do not allow anonymous logins.
• In the Password field, enter the password corresponding to the username. If you have chosen to log in anonymously, enter your complete e-mail address in this field.
• If you leave the Directory field blank, Fetch will open your home directory on the remote computer. If you have a path for the file you wish to get, enter that path in this field.
• Click OK when you are ready to contact the remote computer. A new window will appear and display the status of your connection.

Getting Files

• Getting Files means that you are retrieving files from a remote computer and putting them on the computer that you are currently using.
• Follow the above instructions to make a connection.
• Once you are connected, a list of files and directories will appear in a box within the Fetch window. Above them is a pull-down menu which lists the directory you are viewing on the remote computer (click Path to view more directories).
• To go to a subdirectory, double-click on the name of the directory. These are represented by file folders.
• To go back a directory, select the desired one from the directory pull-down menu.
• Once you have located the file you wish to obtain, select it. Then click the Get File button. The file will be downloaded to the Downloads folder on the Desktop.
• The status of your transfer will be displayed in the Fetch window.

Putting Files

• Putting files means that you are copying a file from the computer that you are using to a remote computer.
• Follow the above instructions to make a connection.
• Once you are connected, a list of files and directories will appear in a box within the Fetch window. Above them is a pull-down menu which lists the directory you are viewing on the remote computer.
• To go to a subdirectory, double-click on the name of the directory. These are represented by file folders.
• To go back a directory, select the desired one from the directory pull-down menu.
• Once you have found the location where you would like to put your file(s), click the Put File button. You will be prompted to specify the file(s) that you would like to upload.
• Specify the file(s) and click Open. The status of your transfer will be displayed in the Fetch window.
• You can also drag files and folders from your desktop to the desired folder on Fetch.

Note: If you have connected to a site anonymously, you will probably not be permitted to upload files.

Closing a Connection

When you have finished with a connection and would like to quit or connect to another site, you may click on the small box in the upper left-hand corner of the New Connection window.
If you would like to quit, choose Quit from the File menu.