FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standardized method on the internet for transferring files to and from a remote network site. Many computers allow users to connect via ftp anonymously (without a password) and access public files. Most WWW browsers are able to connect to these FTP sites and allow users to peruse them without leaving the browser. Additionally, sites may be accessed with specific FTP applications.
An ftp site may be accessed by using a URL that begins with ftp://. For example, to access the file usr/myname/afile.txt at the site some.site.edu, you would use the URL: ftp://some.site.edu/usr/myname/afile.txt
Because most browsers support FTP, it can provide a simple way to place pages on the World Wide Web. Simply place your hierarchy of pages in a location accessible via anonymous ftp and they are part of the Web! It is important to note that, although your pages will be fully accessible, some html features are disabled when accessed through FTP. These include form support and image maps. For more information about anonymous FTP, refer to your system administrator.
For further information on FTP, try The Internet and FTP by Tim McLellan.