What is Anonymous FTP?

A method for downloading public files using the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). Anonymous FTP is called anonymous because you don't need to identify yourself before accessing files. In general, you enter the word anonymous or ftp when the host prompts you for a username; you can enter anything for the password, such as your e-mail address or simply the word "guest". In many cases, when you access an anonymous FTP site, you won't even be prompted for your name and password.