Anonymous FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a configuration of an FTP server that allows users to connect to the server without providing a username or password. Instead, users log in as “anonymous” or use a generic username (such as “ftp” or “anonymous”) and typically provide their email address as the password. This login method grants users limited access to the server’s publicly available files, often in a designated directory called the “anonymous FTP directory” or “pub” directory.

Key points about anonymous FTP:

1. Username and Password:
   • Username: “anonymous” or a generic username like “ftp.”
   • Password: Users usually enter their email address as the password, although some servers accept any string.
2. Limited Access:
   • Users have restricted access to specific directories on the server, typically a directory designated for anonymous FTP users. This prevents unauthorized access to sensitive areas of the server.
3. Purpose:
   • Anonymous FTP is commonly used to share public files, software, documents, or other resources with a broader audience. It facilitates the distribution of open-source software, public domain files, and other publicly accessible information.
4. Read-Only Access:
   • Users are usually granted read-only access, meaning they can download files from the server but cannot upload or modify them. This read-only access helps maintain the security of the server and prevents unauthorized changes.
5. Common Usage:
   • Anonymous FTP is often employed by software repositories, educational institutions, and public websites to distribute files to a large user base. It allows users to download files without the need for individual accounts.
6. Usage Example:
   • To connect to an anonymous FTP server, a user might use an FTP client and enter the server’s address, username (“anonymous” or similar), and their email address as the password.

plaintext
Server: ftp.example.com
Username: anonymous
Password: user@example.com

7. Security Considerations:
   • While anonymous FTP is convenient for sharing public files, server administrators should configure it carefully to ensure that sensitive information is not inadvertently exposed. Regular monitoring and security measures are essential.

Overall, anonymous FTP serves as a simple and widely used method for distributing non-sensitive files to the public, fostering collaboration, and making resources accessible to a broader audience.