Using Other as the Default System Type

When you select Other from the Default Sys. drop-down list box in the Open Connection dialog box, all files and directories on the server are shown, even if FTP is unable to recognize the system type. This is useful when the FTP server does not identify its system type or when the system type it uses is not supported.

Other is also useful if the server declares its system type but does not follow those conventions. When you select Other, then select the Force Default System Type check box, FTP displays a list of all the files and directories found in the current directory on the server.

In this case, FTP displays the file and directory names but no other details. You cannot determine the nature of a listed item until you attempt to perform either a file or directory operation on that item. If you try to perform a file function on an item, such as using the drag-and-drop method for your PC, FTP attempts to treat it as if it were a file. If the item is not a file, the FTP server displays an error message, indicating that the item is not a plain file. If the item is a file, the action is performed.

Similarly, an error message appears if you try to perform a directory function on a file, such as double-clicking to open it. If the item is a directory, double-clicking opens it and its contents are shown. You can move up a level in the hierarchy by selecting the parent directory item.