FTP client

looking for better software

[pita2k]

currently using dreamweaver MX for all site management, but we are not happy with the performance of the FTP client (speed, design notes on the production server, etc)in the software, any suggestions?
Thanx
pita2k

[jeremy goodrich]

Welcome to WebmasterWorld!

I use a freeware software called "smartftp" / if you search in Google, I'm sure you'll find it.

No affiliation, just happen to like the software :)

[txbakers]

I use a free software called Internet Explorer for my file transfers. If I need anything more complicated than file transfer I'll use something else, but just to drag and drop files from here to there IE works great.

[tbow007]

If I don't want any problems I use Bullet Proof FTP, does a great job. EFTP is another great one, free I might add, and uses encryption if your ftp server supports it.

[jasonc]

You can't beat WSFTP for reliability.

Not the prettiest interface, but it works a treat

[2_much]

FTP Voyager. I love it.

[mat]

If you have a fast line then 3DFTP is worth a look - supports multi-threaded transfers. Furthermore, if you want a site-sync tool then have a look at Site Publisher from Helexis, an invaluable tool.

For information, the just-announced-but-not-yet-released new version of DW MX makes big noise about improved (and secure) FTP functionality. I'm not holding my breath.

[Sinner_G]

You can't beat WSFTP for reliability.

I stopped using it because it disconnected too often. Also looked into 3DFTP and CuteFTP. Also not satisfactory.

Now I use Total Commander (The Application Formerly Known As Windows Commander), which has a very good and stable FTP client AND replaces the windows file explorer advantageously.

[pita2k]

Thanks all, I'll try them and make a choice.
p

[oilman]

I'd add in a vote for LeechFTP - killer software.
[stud.fh-heilbronn.de...]

Developement has been halted on the software but it's still available for download.

[Edouard_H]

I'll second that endorsement of Leech; hard to beat for free, though I recently downloaded core ftp (lite version) - also free- for its ftps support and it might be a step up. The "female voice pack" add-on is fun too.

[Stretch]

Hmm. If we're seconding things then I'll second jeremy_goodrich. SmartFTP for me. Does everything I want, has a very decent interface, regular updates and is free for non-commercial.

[henry0]

FTW pro from ipswitch
many years no problems

[RTM Communications]

We like WSFTP pro as well... although we use a bunch of proprietary CMS systems for clients as well; MS Sharepoint, MS FP, InvisionBoard, SnitzForums, Infopop products...

But for a simple, basic client, WSFTP seems OK. I agree with the comments about it disconnecting quickly though. It may have more to do with server timeouts or keepalive settings than the client software itself.

Rob

[netguy]

I've used WS_FTP Pro since 1997 (with much satisfaction, by the way), but 3 years ago, I found a much better way to quickly update my sites.

Its called WebDrive. The software creates an X-drive mirror of my server that shows up like the directories on your c: drive.

I simply load a project in HomeSite locally, make the changes, and as soon as I 'save' a page, it is automatically uploaded to the proper server location.

This may be overkill for a single domain, but I find it
indispensable for the dozens that I manage. And Yes, I know that HomeSite and others provide a way to handle auto uploads, but it is nearly impossible to make them work properly. This package is basically like having your server on your local machine.

- Just an alternative thought.

[txbakers]

Doesn't anyone use IE? I've had clients who couldn't connect to my server with one of the popular FTP programs only to have no trouble using their IE browser.

Am I missing something?

[Ryan8720]

I hate IE. It has no extra features. It sucks as a browser and sucks worse as an FTP client.

[NickH]

I hate IE. It has no extra features. It sucks as a browser and sucks worse as an FTP client.

How does that comment address txbakers' question?

[aspdaddy]

Just started using WSFTP, a joy after using internet explorer for the last 6 months.

>but just to drag and drop files from here to there IE works great

For me it regularly crashed, especially when creating new folders on the server.

[4serendipity]

I've been using Filezilla more and more often with each new release

[Mark_A]

No one else use Terrapin ftp?
Includes a simple macro tool that saves some time.

[MonkeeSage]

FileZilla user here. Free, light, openesource. :)

Jordan

[Marcia]

I used IE a few times way in the past and need to have someone upload pages themselves. That would be perfect for them, but I have no recollection how.

[Brett_Tabke]

Leech - far and away the best ftp client I've ever used. (I've used them all ;) A close 2nd would be FileZilla.

[lorax]

FileZilla here - FTP and SSH.

[MatthewHSE]

I also use WebDrive. It's been a fantastic time-saver.

For mass-uploading, WS_FTP.