Listed below are several systems that are used to deliver digital
files to their destinations.
Telephony: The telephone system is an example of an
existing communications system which is used to deliver digital information
from one point to another. Modems
are used to enable the analog telephone system to carry the digital files.
LAN/WAN Networks: Several computers can be linked
into networks which allow digital files to move to any location within the
network.
(LAN) Local Area Network: A LAN is the connecting
of multiple computers to a private network which is located in a specific
area such as within a single facility.
(WAN) Wide Area Network: WAN is the connecting of
two separate LANs (Local Area Networks) or the connecting of multiple computers
in multiple locations.
Internet: Files can be transferred via the Internet,
either through FTP (File Transfer Protocol), e-mail attachments, or through
a direct connection. Check with your supplier to see what they can accept.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol): A tool that is one
of the fastest and most efficient ways to transfer graphic files. A password
is required to access files when using FTP, so it is a secure method of
transferring data. There is also no limit on the size of the file that can
be transferred.
One problem that may occur is that the recipient may grab
the file too soon before the transmission is complete, so it is best to
notify them verbally that the file will be coming. Make sure the file is
compressed and don't send more than one file at a time. This will ensure
that every file is transferred as efficiently as possible.
E-mail: Useful for small files, but it isn't as
secure as FTP. File transfers should be limited to 1 Mb or less which puts
restrictions on the types files that can be sent by E-mail. If the recipient
does not have the same application that was used to create the file, they
may not be able to open the file. Most computers will be able to open word
processing files that have been saved as plain text or in Rich Text Format.
Direct Connection: A direct connection to the
Internet can speed up the file transfer process. For example, you can operate
one or more host computers as a local area network (LAN) wired directly
into the Internet. A small business can acquire status as a network and
register a user name. Once registered, a network number is provided to allow
the host computer to operate multiple computers as a local network with
each having direct Internet access.
