\title{The Comprehensive \TeX\ Archive Network}
\author[Sebastian Rahtz]{Sebastian Rahtz\\ArchaeoInformatica, York}
\begin{article}

\section{Introduction}
This article briefly describes the UK \TeX\ Archive
(Internet `Daughter' archive) on {\tt ftp.tex.ac.uk} for the benefit of
\ukt\ members. This archive is part of a collaborating network
of archives known as CTAN (Comprehensive \TeX\ Archive Network). This
is the creation of a \TeX\ Users Group working party on archives
chaired by George Greenwade which discussed the issue by electronic
mail during 1992. Following an initial implementation on {\tt
ftp.tex.ac.uk} in July 1992, the three main archives now follow the
same structure and have identical files ({\tt ftp.tex.ac.uk}, {\tt
ftp.shsu.edu} and {\tt ftp.uni-stuttgart.de}).

The preferred access method to the UK \TeX\ Archive is using the {\em
gopher} program which has a set of useful indexes to help you locate
what you are looking for, but Internet {\em ftp} access is also very
common.  JANET users may only access the machine using the {\tt
ftp-relay} site, as it has no X25 connection. The `Father' archive
on {\tt uk.ac.tex} remains open for JANET X25 access, and is regularly
updated from the `Daughter'.\footnote{Access the machine (DTE
000020120091) with username {\em public\/} and password {\em public.}}

\section{FTP access}
The CTAN archives all run an enhanced {\em ftp} server, which may
possibly confuse your client. If your {\em ftp} client crashes or
hangs shortly after login please try using a dash (-) as the first
character of your password.  This {\em ftp} server supports dynamic
compression, uncompression, and archive creation options. Fetch the
top-level file {\tt README.archive-features} for information.  The
server also supports site-defined commands to assist you.  Please read
{\tt README.site-commands} for a brief overview.
                                                                        
On Aston and SHSU servers, you can go to the top of the
archive tree using the alias {\tt CTAN:} --- type {\tt cd CTAN:} ({\em
with} the colon).

Please report any problems via e-mail to {\tt ctan-mgr@shsu.edu}.           

\section{Submitting material to the CTAN archives}
To submit a file to CTAN using {\em ftp}
to {\tt ftp.tex.ac.uk} or {\tt ftp.shsu.edu} as your point of entry,
please go to the {\tt /incoming} directory at the root level where you
entered this host.  {\tt cd /incoming} from any {\em ftp} prompt should get
you there.

Once in the {\tt /incoming} directory, please do one of the following:
\begin{enumerate}
\item if you are submitting a single file, simply put it in the {\tt
    /incoming} directory; or
\item if you are submitting a set of files intended to be used
  together as a package, please create a directory within {\tt
    /incoming} with: {\tt mkdir your\_name} (replace the string
  {your\_name} with the directory name you wish to use), then: {\tt cd
    your\_name}, then put your files in this directory.
  \end{enumerate} 
Be sure to use the proper mode (ascii or binary)
when you put your files into this directory.  Following this, please
send an electronic mail message to: {\tt ctan-mgr@shsu.edu} with the
suggested subject of: {\em CTAN Submission}. Your message should (a)
state what file(s) you have put where, (b) include a brief overview
of what the file(s) is/are intended to do, and (c) [optionally]
where you recommend placing your submission within the CTAN
directory hierarchy.

Once classified and moved into the CTAN directory hierarchy, your
submission will automatically be propagated to the other CTAN hosts.

Please do not abuse your privilege to access the {\tt /incoming} directory
by placing unauthorized files in it or for purposes of making your
files accessible to another site without the prior knowledge and consent
of the host university.  All {\em ftp} transactions to the host are
logged.  Abuse of this service will very likely result in complete loss
of {\em ftp} access to the host from your site until your system administrators
have been notified and appropriate intervention is made on their behalf.

Please forward any inquiries about this service to {\tt ctan-mgr@shsu.edu}.

\section{Archive hierarchy description}
We now describe the main directories which make up
CTAN; readers are referred to David Jones' {\em Index of \TeX\
Styles and Macros} for details of macro packages and
individual style files. 

{\small
\begin{description}
\item[archive-tools] contains the various archiving tools which users
  may find useful.
\item[bibliography] contains bibliography-related files, such as
  \BibTeX.
\item[digests] contains back issues of \TeX-related periodicals.
\item[documentation] contains files and tutorials which document
  various aspect of \TeX.
\item[dviware] contains the various dvi-to-whatever filters and drivers.
\item[fonts] contains a collection of fonts, both sources and
  pre-compiled.
\item[graphics] contains utilities and macros related to graphics.
\item[help] contains files which provide an overview to the archive
  and the \TeX\ system.
\item[indexing] contains utilities and related files for indexing
  documents.
\item[languages] contains non-English related implementations of \TeX.
\item[macros] contains macros for \TeX\ and its derivatives in unique
  subdirectories.
\item[support] contains files and programs which can be used in
  support of \TeX.
\item[systems] contains complete system setups, organized by operating
  system.
\item[web] contains WEB-related files and utilities.
\end{description}
}
\end{article}