I have written a basic script to ftp files from a local machine to a remote one and put it into a crontab to automate the process as the directory has more files added to it. I also have a cron which periodically removes files from the local directory to stop the filesystem from becoming full. However the after I ftp the file the time stamp changes from the original file.

What I need to know is

(a) Is there any way I can keep the original timestamp
(b) Once the file is ftp'ed accross can I selectively stop it ftping files which have already been transfered.

(a) I don't think so.. When the file is ftp'd to the remote system, it's "creation" time becomes whatever the time is on that system.

(b) Not sure exactly what you mean.. you could delete the file on the local system as soon as it's ftp'd to the remote one.

never tried this but you can tar the file on the host before it is FTPed over. this way, I think only the tar file gets its timestamp updated, not the actual file that is IN the tar file itself.

not sure, try it tho and see if it works

I decided to try it so I zipped a couple files and ftp'ed them to another server .. it worked, the creation times were preserved for the files inside the zip file ..

say what???? so am a genius?? noooooooo, stop playing.

seriously, am happy for you. one day I hope I become the first human UNIX DOCTOR. my logo would be "Is your unix system sick?, if so, COME TO ME, the doctor"

lol