I have automated an ftp process that FTP's files from one UNIX box to another in the following format:

ftp -n -v $REMOTE_SERV << EOF
user $FTP_USER $FTP_PASS
cd $REMOTE_PATH
put $CUR_NAME $NEW_NAME
bye

But how can I accomplish this SFTPing from a UNIX box to a LINUX box?

I've seen talk about an authenication key. But, what if I don't have that set up? Am I S.O.L.?

I am a very novice shell scripter so any help (especially spelling it out for me) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Tim

Check out the manual pages for "ssh", "ssh_keygen" and "scp".
"scp" might be better for what you try to accomplish.

I was looking at your suggestion and I have asked the administrator to set up the keys for me, so I can use those commands. But, it doesn't answer the question can I do this without having the keys set up?

Without the keys you need to authenticate (log in).

if you have access to the remote user. then generate the key yourself and copy it to your local server.