Programs for working with FTP. Selecting and configuring an FTP client Uploading and deleting files via FTP

FTP is a file transfer protocol, the name of which is an abbreviation for the English File Transfer Protocol. And although almost all FTP functions are now available via another protocol - HTTP - it is still too early to consign it to the virtual dustbin - it is often used, for example, to access large archives of files on the Internet and on a local network, and is also very convenient for remote work with the server on which your website is hosted.

You can work with FTP servers directly in the browser window, but this is extremely inconvenient, since, in addition to the basic functions for working remotely with files, the browser does not have any additional capabilities. That is, you, of course, can save the file to a local disk, rename it, or even delete it, but, for example, you will not be able to search for the desired file or, say, edit the file’s attributes.

A good alternative to this approach is to use the functions built into file managers for working with FTP servers. Such functions are available, for example, in the popular Total Commander or the programmer favorite FAR.

But the topic of this article is specialized programs for working with FTP, so we will focus our attention on them.

Smart FTP
Unpretentious users who do not want to deal with a bunch of settings and are accustomed to the usual Windows Explorer interface may like the small but quite convenient program SmartFTP. What can SmartFTP do? Quite a lot to satisfy the needs of the average user: viewing the contents of FTP servers, working with several servers or with several connections to one server at the same time, resuming interrupted download processes.

In addition, SmartFTP supports Proxy/Firewall (SOCKS5, SOCKS4, SOCKS4A (MS Proxy) Wingate, Winproxy, CSM Passive Transfer Mode (PASV), has a built-in mechanism for finding the most suitable URL, allows you to configure a task scheduler, and so on. Good news for for those who are not comfortable with English: the SmartFTP interface has been translated into twenty languages.Russian localization is available at this address.

To conclude the description of “smart FTP”, I would like to note that this program is distributed as a trial version. That is, you can use all its functions only for a limited number of days, or rather 74. After which, if you like the program, you will need to pay for it.

Traveler
It's always good to have something to choose from. The FTP client market, of course, is not limited to SmartFTP. There are many other equally wonderful programs.

What's new?
Unfortunately, most FTP clients do not have the ability to monitor changes to the FTP server. Let's say the latest anti-virus databases on your local network are located in a folder specially designated for this. Logging in several times every day to check for updates is a task, you see, more suitable for a robot than for busy people. Fortunately, such robots exist. Here are two representatives of their tribe.

Simple FTP Monitor is a program designed to monitor changes on FTP servers.

I will briefly list the main features of the program. So, Simple FTP Monitor:

  • monitors the status of FTP servers (available / not available);
  • monitors the appearance, updating and deletion of resources on FTP servers;
  • generates reports on changes on servers in almost any user-friendly format;
  • provides the ability to locally view the contents of an FTP server (without establishing a connection);
  • searches for files by mask among scanned servers;
  • saves information about files in almost any user-friendly format (download sheets, links, etc.)
  • searches for FTP servers in the specified range of IP addresses;
  • Generates server status reports. For example, you can create a page on your own web server that monitors the status of FTP servers on a certain network segment

The status report is also configured through the "Program Settings" window. The report can be saved to disk or uploaded via FTP. The following parameters are displayed: status (available, not available, does not allow), address, name, login, password, updates (yes or not), time of the last scan, number of files (including new, updated and deleted), time of the last survey.

Another utility has similar capabilities - FTPInfo. If there are any changes on the specified FTP server, FTPInfo will automatically create a report and notify you by email.

WANTED!
What should you do if you know the name of the file, but not on which FTP server it is located? In this case, the FTP-Search service (for example, Filesearch.ru or Files.ru) will be useful to you. Unlike a regular search engine, FPT searches are carried out not by keywords and descriptions, but by file or directory name.

You are required to enter the name of the file (or part of it), and also select the category to which it belongs (about the file, music in mp3 format, pictures or something else). The result of the service will be a list of FTP servers that have files that meet the entered criteria.

FileZilla Client- a functional FTP client with a convenient and intuitive user interface, cross-platform, multilingual, supplied as free open source software.

    FileZilla Client features:
  • Supported protocols are FTP, FTP over SSL/TLS (FTPS) and SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP).
  • Built-in site manager allows you to easily manage connections, link local and remote directories
  • Working with several sites simultaneously is done through a system of tabs.
  • Ability to create, delete or rename files and folders, remotely edit files.
  • Search function for deleted files.
  • Function of synchronized browsing of local and remote directories.
  • The ability to compare directories, as well as use filters when viewing files, for example, show only images.
  • The ability to create bookmarks for local directories, remote directories, or a pair of related directories - local and remote.
  • Built-in function for setting limits on the speed of uploading and downloading files.
  • User interface with Drag & drop support - move files by dragging the mouse pointer.
  • Supports HTTP/1.1, SOCKS5 and FTP-Proxy.
  • Supports working with large files > 4GB.
  • The user interface supports many languages, including Russian and Ukrainian.
  • Cross-platform - supports Windows, Linux, FreeBSD and Mac OSX.

Download FileZilla Client for any operating system: https://filezilla-project.org/download.php

Core FTP LE- multifunctional FTP client for Windows. Free version of Core FTP Pro.

    Core FTP LE functionality:
  • Supports protocols - FTP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP and HTTPS.
  • Has a built-in functional site manager.
  • Supports moving files directly from one FTP account to another - Site to Site transfers.
  • Working with files by dragging the mouse pointer - Drag and drop support.
  • Setting up the default file viewer and editor, integration with the browser.
  • Remote file editing.
  • Support for sessions with subsequent resumption of transmission.
  • Searching for files on a remote server.
  • Customizable filters and masks for files.
  • Supports FTP/HTTP Proxy, Socks 4 and 5.
  • Ability to transfer files using compression.
  • Ability to work with the program from the command line.
  • Password protection of the program.

WinSCP- free FTP client for Windows.

    WinSCP features:
  • Supports FTP, SFTP and SCP protocols.
  • Customizable user interface - Windows Explorer type and Norton Commander type.
  • Support for a wide range of file operations - the ability to create directories, rename files and directories, set file permissions, and create symbolic links and shortcuts.
  • The ability to remotely edit files using the built-in text editor.
  • Possibility of synchronized viewing of local and remote directories.
  • Ability to compare and synchronize local and remote directories.
  • The set of connections and their settings are managed by creating and saving sessions. Switching between sessions is done using the drop-down menu.
  • Command line support and the ability to execute commands from a file allows you to use the program to solve automation problems and carry out backup processes.
  • Program settings can be stored in the system registry or in a configuration file.
  • Multilingual user interface, including Russian and Ukrainian.
  • There is a portable version of the program.

Official website of the program: http://winscp.net
WinSCP documentation, partially translated into Russian: http://winscp.net/eng/docs/lang:ru
Download WinSCP: http://winscp.net/eng/download.php
If the distribution does not contain the language you need, download the translation of the interface: http://winscp.net/eng/translations.php and unpack the contents of the archive into the folder with the executable file of the program.

NppFTP- plugin for Notepad++ - an open source text editor for Windows. The add-on includes FTP support and provides the ability to work with remote files over the network.

    NppFTP functionality:
  • Supports FTP, FTPS, FTPES and SFTP protocols.
  • Manage connections using profiles.
  • Each profile allows you to configure your own connection parameters - FTP server address, username and password, as well as connection mode, transfer type and local storage for downloaded files.
  • Ability to view the structure of a remote directory, create, delete or rename files and folders.
  • When you open a file over the network, it is automatically copied to local storage and opened for editing.
  • When saving a file after editing, the file is updated on the remote server automatically.
  • Displaying the queue of tasks and their progress.
  • Ability to view FTP protocol command statistics.

NppFTP is not supported by older versions of Notepad++, the latest version of which at the time of writing this material is 5.9.4 and the NppFTP plugin is supplied with the program.
You will find a description of Notepad++ in the text editors section.
Plugin page:

File Navigator- a free file manager for Windows with a built-in FTP connection manager. It is possible to move files directly between FTP accounts.

Description of the program in the section.

FreeCommander- file manager with built-in FTP client.
Allows you to create and save parameters for any number of FTP connections. Supports remote file editing.

Description of the program in the section File managers.

Nomad.NET- file manager for Windows with support for working via the FTP protocol.
Allows you to save FTP connection settings in bookmarks for future quick access. Supports remote file editing.

Description of the program in the section File managers - programs for working with files.

FTP servers:

FileZilla Server- free FTP server for Windows.

    FileZilla Server functionality:
  • The FTP server is installed as a Windows service.
  • Comes with a window application that provides a graphical interface for server administration.
  • Supports FTPS - FTP over SSL/TLS.
  • Configuring server binding to IP address.
  • Setting file transfer speed limits.
  • Configuring connection filters - ranges of IP addresses, networks or subnets.
  • Ability to transfer files using compression.
  • Supports setting up blocking of IP addresses after several failed authentication attempts.
  • The ability to create user accounts and groups with individual settings for shared directories, file manipulation permissions, IP filters and speed limits.

TYPSoft FTP Server- lightweight FTP server for Windows.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is one of the standard protocols created for TCP/IP and approved in 1971. Used to download web pages from private devices to hosting servers.

What is FTP

Formally, FTP involves connecting to a specific folder located on the server via the Internet. Despite its impressive age, this protocol is still used to transfer files, access remote hosts, and distribute software.

Unlike HTTP, FTP is session-based, supports user authentication and text mode, and allows you to perform operations on the file system. Its main feature is that it allows multiple (in particular, binary) connections. One of the channels is a control channel - through it commands are sent to the server and responses are returned. The rest are used directly for data transfer. At the same time, FTP allows you to reduce traffic costs and time spent on sending large files.

FTP functions

To work with the protocol, standard UNIX commands are used. Their full list can be found by typing “help” or “?” in a special line. The most commonly used commands are:

  • open- establishes a connection to an FTP site. Used when accessing different servers during one session. Requires preliminary closing of the previous FTP site with the command close;
  • user- Used to re-enter the username and password for authentication. The function is necessary in cases where the remote machine allows users with certain parameters;
  • bye or quit- used in parallel with close, closes all connections and ends the program;
  • remotehelp- opens help information on commands supported by the remote FTP server.

When working with functions, you must adhere to the following rules:

  • use the "/" character to separate directories;
  • monitor the use of lowercase and capital letters (case is important);
  • use prefixes that begin with a period (optional).

Commands and, most often, auxiliary programs for FTP connections allow you to upload files to the server from your computer and vice versa, as well as change access rights to individual objects.

Programs for FTP connection

Specialized software is used for efficient and visual work with FTP servers. Most applications are aimed not only at professionals, but also at beginners who can easily cope with the intuitive interface. Let's look at the most popular programs that perform the functions of FTP clients.

Far Manager

Far Manager is an example of a console file manager developed for Windows OS by Russian programmer Evgeniy Roshal. The program features a recognizable two-window interface and a standard blue and white color scheme. Control is carried out through a system of commands entered from the keyboard. When working with FTP, access is supported through various types of proxy servers, searching and replacing characters in multiple files, and automatic resuming is triggered. It is freely distributed software.

Total Commander

Total Commander has its own FTP client, which allows you to perform all standard operations with files and folders: copy, cut, create, rename, delete, view, edit. Please note that FTP accesses are saved automatically in the client and are stored unencrypted. Total Commander is free software.

FileZilla

FileZilla is a popular open source FTP client with a multilingual interface. Designed for Windows, Linux and Mac OS. Supports FTP over SSL/TLS (aka FTPS), IPv6, IDN. It works with non-Latin domain zones, is capable of transferring large files (from 4 GB), and allows you to set download and transfer speed limits. Implemented support for Drag-and-drop, remote file editing, working with tabs and the download queue. It is freely distributed software.

WinSCP is a convenient graphical client for working with FTP. Designed for use in a Windows OS environment. It supports copying files in protected mode, automation using scripts, integration with Pageant, and also features a recognizable Norton Commander-style interface. The client provides the ability to save connection settings, synchronize folders using custom algorithms, and has a built-in text editor. It is freely distributed software.

FireFTP is not a standalone application, but an extension for the popular Mozilla FireFox browser. Provides access to the FTP server in a separate tab. After installation, the extension can be found in the “Tools” panel. The client works in two-window mode and allows you to perform standard operations: moving, adding, renaming, deleting. Implemented support for multiple accounts, encryption of connections, changing access rights to files and editing them without first downloading to a PC. It is freely distributed software.

A specific client to work with can be selected based on what FTP is needed for and what the tasks of working on the server are.

How to connect to hosting via FTP

Select the appropriate client and install it on your PC. Next, use the following information to log in to your hosting:

  • login and password;
  • server host or address;
  • port for connection (you must specify “21”).

Additionally, you may need to specify the server type and login method. Next, you need to click the button to connect and start working with files and folders. To choose how to open FTP, refer to the previous paragraph.

The role of such a tool can be played by a file manager (fortunately, FTP clients are often already built into it) or a standalone FTP client. Theoretically, there is a third option - you can use the ftp.exe utility included with Windows, launched from the command line, but this is inconvenient. The undoubted advantage of file managers as a tool for working with FTP is that all operations with files and folders on servers are carried out in exactly the same way as on the local computer (which means that all this is already familiar to the user). However, the capabilities of file managers in terms of working with FTP servers are limited to the necessary minimum, although they are quite sufficient both for downloading files from the server and for uploading them to the server, as well as for remotely renaming and deleting files/folders and editing certain types of files.

The functionality of standalone FTP clients is usually much broader (Table 1) - they provide downloading/uploading files in a more secure mode (due to support for appropriate protocols, various encryption options, etc.) and at a much higher speed (which is achieved thanks to multi-threaded downloading, dividing large files into parts that are downloaded in parallel, and compressing files on the fly). In addition, the process of downloading/uploading files in FTP clients is more convenient, since they often implement one or another option for quick access to frequently visited FTP servers, it is possible to connect to several servers at the same time, work can be scheduled, etc. d.

Table 1. Functionality of specialized and built-in FTP clients

Ipswitch WS_FTP Home

Safety

SSL support

SSH support

Ability to work through a firewall

Data encryption

PGP encryption

Encryption using Kerberos

Control Features

Working with multiple servers simultaneously

Multi-threaded download

Creating shortcuts to FTP servers or individual FTP server folders

+ (only on FTP servers)

+ (via site directory)

Filtering files on FTP servers

Search on FTP servers

+ (only inside an open folder)

Scheduled work

Sync folders

Compare folders only

Automatically shutdown the computer after file transfer is complete

Working with files and folders

+ (partially)

Downloading from server to server (FXP)

Support for Multi-part Transfers mode

On-the-fly compression (MODE Z)

Editing files on an FTP server

+ (subject to setting up associations)

Considering that both options may be interesting for home users, depending on their preferences, we will look at examples of both.

Specialized FTP clients

The list of FTP clients offered on the market is unusually wide. However, if we focus on the level of popularity of such programs, guided by the number of downloads from http://www.download.com/ (Table 2), it turns out that there are not so many actively used here, more precisely three - these are SmartFTP Client, Cute FTP Home and Ipswitch WS_FTP Home. They have wide functionality and are really easy to use. Moreover, Cute FTP Home and Ipswitch WS_FTP Home solutions are designed for home users, and the SmartFTP Client program is free for non-commercial use, so these FTP clients cannot be ignored. However, taking into account that Cute FTP Home and Ipswitch WS_FTP Home are paid, and the functionality of SmartFTP Client may be excessive for many users, and its development will require a lot of time, in addition to the mentioned solutions, we will present two more FTP clients. These are FileZilla and ALFTP, which are free, easy to learn, have Russian localizations and are ideal for beginners. Moreover, FileZilla also provides the highest level of security of all the programs discussed in the article.

Table 2. Ten most popular
FTP clients (based on number of
downloads from http://www.download.com/)

Number of downloads as of mid-July 2007

SmartFTP Client 2.5

Ipswitch WS_FTP Home 2007

FTP Voyager 14.1

BulletProof FTP Client 2.59

FileZilla 2.2.30a

CoffeeCup Direct FTP 6.2

SmartFTP Client 2.5

Developer: SmartSoft Ltd

Distribution size: 3.74 MB

Work under control: Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista

Distribution method: http://www.smartftp.com/download/)

Price:$36.95

SmartFTP Client is a compact FTP client with advanced capabilities and increased security (128-bit TLS/SSL encoding, ability to work through a firewall, PGP encryption, support for one-time passwords), free for non-commercial use and therefore very attractive for home offices. However, this solution is designed for trained users and, due to its wide functionality, will require time to master, which is complicated by the lack of proper documentation (there are only a few online videos). You can speed up the learning process by downloading the Russian-language localization of the package (http://smartftp.com/localization/projects/russian/).

SmartFTP Client allows you to view the contents of FTP servers (including filtering), work with several servers (or several connections to one server) simultaneously, and can resume interrupted download processes. Connecting to an FTP server is made by entering the server address, login and password in the quick entry panel or in the New Remote Browser window, which allows you to configure the new connection in more detail. In addition, all frequently used connections can be bookmarked, allowing you to quickly load the corresponding FTP servers. At the same time, you can view detailed statistics for each connection, as well as flexibly configure the connection and data transfer process, for example, by assigning a maximum transfer rate to the connection. Transferring data between servers (FXP) is allowed. To upload files to an FTP server or, conversely, to download them from the server, you can directly drag them from one panel to another or use the copy and paste commands. Using the scheduler, it is easy to organize the downloading of individual files at a certain time, and after the download is completed, the program can perform specified actions, for example, turn off the computer. Multi-threading support and on-the-fly compression (Mode Z) provide increased download speeds. It is also possible to change the names of files and folders and delete them directly on the server, as well as remote editing of files - the latter, however, is done only after downloading them to the local computer. Support for the SOCKS5, SOCKS4, SOCKS4A, HTTP Proxy, Wingate, Winproxy, CSM, Checkpoint FW-1 and Raptor protocols has been implemented.

Cute FTP Home 8

Developer: GlobalScape

Distribution size: 6.25 MB

Work under control: Windows Me/2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista

Distribution method: shareware (30-day demo - ftp://ftp.globalscape.com/pub/cuteftp/cuteftp.exe)

Price:$39.99

Cute FTP Home is a very convenient FTP client that provides extensive capabilities for working with FTP. The package is a lightweight version of the recognized professional solution CuteFTP Pro, provides a level of security sufficient for most home users (support for secure SSL protocol in Implicit and Explicit modes with 128-bit encryption, ability to work with firewalls) and is accompanied by well-prepared documentation, and therefore can become An ideal solution for many home users.

Cute FTP Home allows you to view the contents of FTP servers (including filtering), work with several servers simultaneously and resume interrupted download processes. Connecting to an FTP server can be implemented in two ways: through the wizard and by directly entering the server address, login and password in the Quick Connect Bar or in the Connect window, which allows you to fine-tune the connection parameters. In addition, it is possible to form queues and connect by address (Connect to URL), when the server address is directly copied into the address bar in one of the supported formats (for example, as ftp://user: [email protected]). You can speed up access to frequently used subdirectories of some sites by creating shortcuts for them. To upload files to an FTP server or, conversely, to download them from the server, you can drag them from one panel to another or use the copy and paste commands. Large files are copied in the Multi-part Transfers mode, when the file is divided into parts that are downloaded in parallel, which increases the download speed. In addition, faster file transfer is achieved through automatic compression and multi-threaded downloading. There are also advanced searches for files and folders on FTP servers by name, size or creation/modification date, changing file and folder names and deleting them, as well as editing web pages and other documents directly on the server using the built-in editor. Possibility to work on a schedule. Support for SOCKS4/5 protocols has been implemented.

Ipswitch WS_FTP Home 2007

Developer: Ipswitch, Inc.

Distribution size: 10.52 MB

Work under control: Windows 2000/XP/2003 Server

Distribution method: shareware (30-day demo - http://www.ipswitch.com/_download/wsftphome.asp)

Price:$39.95

Ipswitch WS_FTP Home is a convenient tool for working with FTP servers, which is a lightweight version of the Ipswitch WS_FTP Pro package and is intended for home use. With support for secure SSL protocol (Implicit/Explicit) with 128-bit encryption and the ability to work with popular firewalls, it provides reliable file exchange over the Internet, is relatively easy to learn and comes with good documentation and an online video that makes it easy to understand the basic nuances of its use.

Ipswitch WS_FTP Home allows you to view the contents of FTP servers, but can only work with one server at a time, can download data into several streams and continue downloading from the interrupted location. There are several options for connecting to an FTP server. You can use one of the quick connection methods: either enter the server address, user login and password in the Quick Connect Bar, or select the FTP server name in the list of bookmarks, which is possible if you have already connected to this server before, or you can activate the connection wizard or open the site manager and specify information about the FTP server through them - the first option is more convenient for beginners, and the second for advanced users who need to configure a new connection in more detail. All connections entered into the database are saved and can later be edited through the site manager, in which, if desired, one of the entered servers can be easily designated as the default server, that is, the server with which a connection will be automatically established when connecting to the Internet. For individual sections on FTP servers, you can create shortcuts (HotDrops) that appear on the desktop and allow you to launch an FTP client with one click and open the desired folder on the corresponding server. Uploading files to an FTP server or, conversely, downloading them from the server is done by dragging them from one panel to another or by using copy and paste commands. Large files can be copied by first dividing them into parts (Multi-part Transfers mode), which are automatically combined after the transfer is complete. It is possible to change the names of files and folders and delete them, as well as edit documents directly on FTP servers.

FileZilla 2.2.32

Developer: FileZilla

Distribution size: 3.32 MB

Work under control: Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP

Distribution method: freeware()

Price: for free

FileZilla is an open-source FTP client with sufficient functionality for many home users and an advanced level of security (support for SSL (Explicit/Implicit) and SSH2 protocols, the ability to work through a firewall, GSS authentication and data encryption using Kerberos). In addition, the package is stable, has Russian localization, good documentation, and is easy to learn, which adds to its attractiveness.

FileZilla allows you to view the contents of FTP servers (however, it can only work with one server at a time), can download data in several streams and supports resuming. Connecting to an FTP server in its environment is carried out through the quick connection panel or through the site manager, in which it is convenient to store settings for frequently used connections. Uploading files to an FTP server or, conversely, downloading them from the server is done by dragging them from one panel to another or sending them to the download queue, tasks from which are executed by selecting the “Process task” command from the context menu or by clicking on the button of the same name. At the same time, file transfer acceleration is achieved due to their automatic compression and multi-threading support. It is possible to remotely change the names of files and folders and delete them directly on FTP servers, as well as editing remote files (with preliminary downloading them to the local computer), but subject to prior configuration of associations for specific file extensions. Support for SOCKS4/5 and HTTP1.1 Proxy protocols has been implemented.

ALFTP 4.1

Developer: ESTsoft Corp.

Distribution size: 2.78 MB

Work under control: Windows (all versions)

Distribution method: freeware (http://www.altools.net/Portals/0/ALFTP.exe)

Price: for free

ALFTP is a simple and free FTP client. The capabilities of this solution are limited to a minimum list of functions for working with FTP servers, although they are quite sufficient, for example, for exchanging photos with friends. But it’s not at all difficult to master (especially since ALFTP has Russian-language localization), and if desired, it can be configured to work with popular firewalls.

ALFTP allows you to view the contents of FTP servers, search for the necessary files on them, remotely rename files and folders, delete them, and also remotely edit text files (only after downloading them to your local computer). The client can work with only one server at a time and can download files from the FTP server to the local computer and vice versa with the ability to resume downloading them, which, however, is only possible if the download is correctly suspended, and not if the connection is broken. Connecting to an FTP server is made through a directory of sites where all connections are stored, and for convenience, the directory can store not only the addresses of FTP servers, but also links to the folders located on them. To upload files to an FTP server or, conversely, to download them from the server, simply drag them from one panel to another or install them in the task queue, from where file downloading is launched through the context menu. It is possible to launch download/upload operations using the “Download”/“Upload” buttons. At the end of the file transfer process, the program may disconnect from the network and even turn off the computer.

File managers with built-in FTP clients

File managers are indispensable for performing various operations with disks, folders and files. However, often, in addition to their direct purpose, they can be used to work with FTP servers due to the presence of built-in FTP clients (Fig. 2). Thus, the world's most popular file manager Total Commander, as well as lesser-known solutions from Russian developers Frigate and Far Manager, allows you to download and upload files from FTP servers.

Total Commander 7.0

Developer: Christian Ghisler

Distribution size: 2.23 MB

Work under control: Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista

Distribution method: shareware (30-day demo version - http://flint.wincmd.ru/files/tcmdr700.exe)

Price:$34

The main purpose of the Total Commander file manager is to conveniently work with disks, files and folders. And support for working with FTP servers is just one of the additional functions of this application. The FTP client built into Total Commander allows you to download files to your local computer and upload them to an FTP server, as well as transfer files directly between FTP servers (FXP). Moreover, thanks to the support of the SSL/TLS protocol, such file copying can be done in secure mode.

Connection to the FTP server is carried out by pressing the key combination CTRL+F and specifying the FTP server address, login and password. Working via the FTP protocol is practically no different from working with a local disk, since deleting, renaming and copying files and folders between the FTP server and the local computer are carried out in exactly the same way as on the local computer, for example, to download a file from the FTP server you can click on the F5 Copy button. There are options for creating task queues, synchronizing data between the server and the local computer (performed in the same way as synchronizing folders), resuming files when the connection is lost, searching on FTP servers, and working on a schedule. It is possible to change the names of files and folders and delete them on the FTP server, as well as remote editing of files, provided they are downloaded to a local computer and then uploaded back to the server.

Far Manager 1.7

Developer: Evgeniy Roshal

Distribution size: 1.14 MB

Work under control: Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP

Distribution method: freeware (http://www.farmanager.com/files/FarManager170.exe)

Price: for free

Far Manager is a Norton-like file manager that is quite popular among Russian users. The FTP client built into this solution allows you to download files from FTP servers to your local computer and vice versa and transfer files between servers (FXP), as well as delete and rename files on FTP servers and remotely edit text files. Far Manager supports resuming and allows you to compare the contents of folders on the server and the local computer.

To connect to an FTP server, you need to load a command window onto one of the panels by pressing the key combination Alt+F1 or Alt+F2 and select the FTP command. Then you need to create a connection using the keyboard shortcut Shift+F4 and entering the FTP server address, login and password. You can then work with folders and files on the FTP server in the same way as with folders and files on your local computer.

Frigate 3.35

Developer: WinFrigate.com

Distribution size: Frigate Std - 8.49 MB, Frigate Pro - 12.44 MB

Work under control: Windows 98/NT/Me/2000/XP/Vista

Distribution method: shareware (demo versions: Frigate Std - http://www.Frigate3.com/download/Frigate3_Std_v35.exe, Frigate Pro - http://www.Frigate3.com/download/Frigate3_Pro_v35.exe)

Price:$39.90, for Russian-speaking users: Frigate Std - 300 rubles, Frigate Pro - 500 rubles.

Frigate is a multifunctional file manager with a familiar Windows interface that supports all basic operations with files and folders. The FTP client built into this solution provides access to FTP servers and allows you not only to transfer and download files with the ability to resume them in the event of a connection failure, but also to directly move files from one remote server to another (FXP).

Connecting to an FTP server is performed by pressing the key combination CTRL+F and specifying the FTP server address, login and password. Working with FTP is the same as working with regular directories, and files can be viewed, edited, copied and deleted in the usual way. It is possible to synchronize data between the server and the local computer.