Free FTP Clients Review

One of the most basic utilities and essential that you would need if you maintain or build your own website is an FTP client. Unfortunately, it is not so simple to move files from your PC to your hosting server - at least not as simple as just cutting and pasting files on your local PC, or drag and drop files between records. To copy files from your local PC to your hosting server you will require something called an FTP program - a protocol file transfer program. Your FTP program is what you use to copy files from your PC to your hosting server. There are a number of very good free FTP programs available - I will review 3 of them from different perspectives, but also a usability perspective, since this probably accounts for most, If you're new to the whole thing to work with files on the Internet. 1. FileZilla FileZilla is available for download at the project site FileZilla - Just search in Google. You must download the FileZilla client, not the FileZilla server! Overall, FileZilla does the job - can upload and download files, you can make changes locally (established associations with file types that you want to edit in Edit-> Settings-> Settings interface-> File Viewing / Editing). It can run in safe mode, and has a "keep-alive" function. It also has drag and drop, so you can drag and drop files from your local computer to the server. What I do not like about FileZilla is that its interface is complex. There are too many windows when you fire up - it can be very confusing for a newbie. The different windows may be closed but I still have not figured out how to save this particular configuration because there are too many possible settings, and frankly I'm too busy trying to figure it out. 2. Smart FTP Smart FTP is free for noncommercial use. And it will continue to tell you that. There is a nag screen that lights every time you open the program after your 30 day trial has expired. This can become a bit boring after a while. Otherwise, SmartFTP has some very nice features like the ability to connect to multiple servers simultaneously and do in-place editing of multiple files. At least that's the theory, and it operates to some extent, but do not be surprised if everything comes crashing around your ears if you try to change too many files at the same time. Other characteristics is that you not only need to copy the PC to the local server, you can also copy files from server to server, although this can be extremely slow. It is actually faster to copy to the local server, then back to the server. Smart FTP Flash tutorials really help you get started, and a broad knowledge base with 'How To' questions. The functionality of site manager "is not straight, you can manage" favorites. "In addition to Smart FTP is really intelligent .... 3. FFFTP Core FTP can be downloaded from the sites download free software such as download (dot) com - Search for "Core FTP. The first result is Core FTP LE - it has been downloaded nearly 2 million times, which should tell you something about its popularity! You can also go directly to the FTP site and download basis from there. Core FTP has a solid, almost chunky, the old interface - I like it! It is simple to use and offers all the features you expect from an FTP program. It lacks some advanced features, such as multi-site management, however, I recommend Core FTP all my heart if you are a novice user and just want to have your files on the server. It offers in-place editing and transfer drag, so it is really best if you are looking for a solid, no-nonsense FTP client with a simple interface.