Problems with File Transfers

Check the Flow Control

In order for the modems to speak properly, they have to agree on which
one is in control.  Modems have two ways of handling this feature,
commonly called flow control. One method is at the hardware level and
the other is in software.

If your modem supports the hardware level flow control, sometimes
called CTS/RTS or hardware handshaking, enable this method and disable
the XON/XOFF setting.

If your modem does not support hardware level flow control, you must
use the software level flow control.  In this case, enable the
XON/XOFF setting.


Filenames

Make sure your local host can handle the name of the file you are
transferring. A common cause of errors is trying to download a file
whose name doesn't fit the local host filename restrictions.
  
Unix can handle file names up to 256 characters long with any
combination of characters, numbers, symbols and even "spaces" in the
filename.  The only character that can not be used in a UNIX file is
the forward slash.  This character is used to identify directories and
may not occur in a filename.

Although Unix allows most any other character in a file name you
should avoid using the following characters:
		  ! $ % ^  & * ( ) [ ] { } ; ' " ` < > ?

These characters have special meaning to the UNIX command shell and
may cause confusion when using them in filenames.  Also space, tab,
return, line-feed, control-characters will need special care when used
in a filename.


Diskspace Limitations and Using /usr/tmp


The World maintains a temporary area that you can use to store files
temporarily.  If you don't have enough diskspace in your home
directory, you can transfer a program file from an ftp site down to
The World's /usr/tmp area before downloading it to your local host
computer.  This area is available to all World customers and therefore
we request that you remove your files once you have completed the 
transfer.

You may download a file to /usr/tmp directly, or better, create a
directory named after your login name, and place the temporary file
there.  For instance, say your login name is bzs, make a temporary
directory for yourself:
        world% mkdir /usr/tmp/bzs

and change over to it:
        world% cd /usr/tmp/bzs

Now conduct your file transfer, and download it to your local host
computer.  When you're done clean it up (or we will!):
        world% cd                       # go back to your regular directory
        world% rm -rf /usr/tmp/bzs      # and blow the temp space away!



Serial Board Problem

Another common cause of file transfer failure is not having a fast
enough serial board to keep up with your V.32 or V.32bis modem. This
is generally only a problem with PC's using old 8550 based serial
cards. These cards can not quite keep up with 2400b, and with
higher speed transfer it's hopeless. While you may have no trouble
with other online service, that may only mean the other service has a
relatively slow transfer rate. The World modems are v.32bis and will
attempt the fastest possible speed during file transfers.

If you buy a V.32 or V.32bis modem be sure to get a 16550-based serial 
card to go with it. A two-port card typically costs around $50.  This 
will allow your serial port to keep up with the modem transfer speed.



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