ftp how?

[jumpy]

I have 50mb of dsl space provided by my isp. I activated it ages ago, but never got my head around how to upload files etc using an ftp program- the program would connect ok but would timeout after about 30 seconds.
A mate of mine recently told me that I can access my dsl space (he has the same isp) as a 'network place' so I can connect to it as if it were just another folder attached to my pc. How does this work? I have tried to set up a connection but after I enter username/pw etc I get the little torch icon searching followed by a message telling me that there is no authorisation to access this area. Also if I enter the address to my dsl space in my web browser (as my isp tells me to do to 'view your webspace') I get the following:
Directory listing is denied

The Web server is configured not to display a list of the contents of this directory. Please try the following:
Contact the Web site administrator if you believe this directory should allow browsers to display a list of its contents.HTTP Error 403.14 - Forbidden: Directory listing denied.
Internet Information Services (IIS)

Technical Information (for support personnel)
Go to Microsoft Product Support Services (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=8180) and perform a title search for the words HTTP and 403.
Open IIS Help, which is accessible in IIS Manager (inetmgr), and search for topics titled Web Site Setup, Securing Your Site with Web Site Permissions, and About Custom Error Messages.
Am I getting the wrong end of the stick or what? :-? There must be something I'm not doing right...:hmm:
Any suggestions are much appreciated.

[tycho102]

What program? What operating system (XP, 2000, WinME, Vista, 2003)? What firewall? What router?

With Linux, I recommend using gFTP. Kbear is horriblely unstable. It's been too long since I allowed Windows an internet connection, I'm not completely sure what I used to use. I think WS-FTP for awhile, and then there was some other one I was using. Maybe that was Serv-U. Sorry, I forget.

At any rate, could be your router. Make sure you've got stateful inspection, or open ports 21/22.

As far as using it in your "network space", I think this applies along the lines of "integrated authentication". You may have to make yourself a login and password on your machine that matches the one your ISP needs.