Difference between CIFS and FTP access

[gsa999]

Like many others on here I am unable to login to my NAS using CIFS or FTP despite various suggestions on the forum. I have a support ticket open but am not that hopeful.
My question is what exactly is the difference between accessing the NAS using ReadyNAS Remote though CIFS and FTP. Is there stuff I can do with one method and not the other. Its not clear to me which is the best access method.

Thanks

[rc3675]

From my understanding CIFS is a windows (and certain Mac's I think) over a local networt, whereas FTP is a protocol for remote (Internet) access.
For more info see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Server_Message_Block and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ftp

[techman05]

And what type of computer do you have since most new apple should be using afp and frontview should be broadcasting also in afp.

Do you have a static IP set up for the nas and does it show up on your router?