downloading

[richard1971]

What does download using http and ftp mean

[KebabMeister]

The internet is made up of many different protocols, such as Hyper Text Transfer Protocol(http) and File Transfer Protocol (ftp).

Basically the http means that you will download the file from the website itself.  Whereas ftp is often a storage directory dedicated for downloading and you can use a dedicated download program to download these files (program would allow multiple downloads plus better control of the downloads.  It may be a little faster as well).

So, if you don't have a FTP program then use http! :)

[stevie21]

I don't think this should trouble the average user much - you click "download" and a while later you have the file(s) on your hard drive.
Don't let the technicalities of how it gets there keep you awake at night.

If you *really* want to know the difference, there are zillions of websites out there explaining it which can be found via any search engine. I wouldn't worry myself.