We review four top FTP apps and find a gem for beginners and advanced users alike.Sure, your browser can download a music file here and a shareware program there. But can it upload your personal Web page? To upload and download, you need a file transfer protocol (FTP) program. FTP clients let you bounce from one file depository or FTP server to another in an instant without having to wade through page after page on the Web to find the downloads you're after. The software makes it easy to queue up scores of files for upload or download, then automates the process so that you can work on other projects while the bits stream into or out of your system. A few even include strong encryption for secure file transfers.
But how easy are these programs to use? How do they work, and do they work well? ZDNet put four FTP clients--BulletProof FTP, CuteFTP, FTP Voyager, and WS FTP Pro--through our annual download grinder. We connected to scads of servers and downloaded dozens of files, both manually and with the programs' download schedulers. Then we investigated how well each client synchronized files on the hard disk with those on a server, a repetitive chore for anyone who maintains a Web site.
The shareware versions of these clients are free and none of the permanent versions costs more than US$50 to register. But only one is worthy of your hard drive. Read on to find out why.
Bulletproof Software Bullet Proof FTP 2.4
This bargain-basement FTP client offers advanced users a no-frills interface but lacks key features.
CuteFTP 4.2.5
CuteFTP 4.2.5's easy-to-use interface makes it a good choice for FTP newbies, but experts who need SSL encryption and folder synchronization should look elsewhere.
Rhino Software Rhinosoft FTP Voyager 9.0.1
If you're open-minded and want a great deal of power and flexibility in the interface, give this a try. Otherwise, WS FTP Pro is a safer bet.
WS_FTP Pro 7.5
WS FTP Pro 7.5 combines outstanding features, ease of use, and performance to make it the best FTP client around.
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