If you are using ftp, you will need either the name of the host or the Internet number. For example, to connect to ymir, listed as ftp: ymir.claremont.edu [134.173.4.23] you will need to type something like
ftp ymir.claremont.edu
If that doesn't work, try using the number:
ftp 134.173.4.23
If that doesn't work, on Unix systems you can use nslookup (it's usually /usr/etc/nslookup) to find the host number -- it might have changed. Type the entire host name, and after a few seconds nslookup will give you the address. Of course, if you have nslookup installed, the first form will probably work...
Once you have connected, you will need to go to the appropriate directory, lists its contents, and retrieve the files.
Most of the machines listed here run Unix, and you use ``ls'' and ``cd'' to list files and to change directories. Ymir runs VMS, and you will have to put square brackets around directory names, like [this].
Remember that although Metafont sources are text files, pk fonts are not ASCII, and you will have to use binary mode for them. In general, use text mode for README files and *.mf files, and binary mode for other font files. Files ending in .Z are compressed binary files -- you will need to use binary mode, and then uncompress the files when you get them.
You can get files from ymir by sending mail messages to
mailserv@ymir.claremont.edu
For example,
send [tex.mf.misc]cmapl10.mf
will get the file cmapl10.mf from the directory ``tex.mf.misc''. You can't get binary files in this way.
There is an ftp-by-mail BITNET service, BITFTP, for BITNET users.
Before getting large files by mail, please remember to get permission from all intervening sites. Ask your site administrator, who can send mail to Postmaster at each site on the way if necessary.