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August 23, 2007 5:23 PM PDT

Killer Download: The best free FTP clients

by Jason Parker
Killer Download(Credit: CNET Networks)

If you maintain a Web site or blog, you need a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client. Mainly used for uploading and downloading files to and from a Web server, FTP clients can also download obscure files and documents from any number of servers around the world. The good ones make the process of uploading and downloading fast and painless with features that eliminate unnecessary steps and offer common security protocols.

I've tried a number of different clients and found many that work quite nicely. But the things I look for in an FTP client, like drag-and-drop support and user friendly bookmark management might not be as high on your priority list. What's most important is finding one that offers the best features for your specific needs.

There are plenty of FTP clients you can buy with all the features you need, but why pay if you don't have to? Here are a couple of free ones I've found that make the process a little easier.

FileZilla

Right-clicking a file brings up a contextual menu giving you multiple options for your transfer

(Credit: CNET Networks)

FileZilla offers a paned, side-by-side interface in which you can drag-and-drop files to and from a specified server. It has all the advanced features you might need, like timeout detection and SSL secured connections. The site manager makes it easy to sift through your sites (if you have more than one) so updating specific pages is easy. You can also run multiple simultaneous transfers.

Core FTP LE

The side-by-side interface makes it easy to pick files that need an update

(Credit: CNET Networks)








Core FTP LE is a feature-packed FTP client that's free to home users and students. This one offers drag-and-drop transfers, a session manager, auto-transfers, and much more with an easy to understand interface. It's a wonder this one costs nothing.

If you need a good FTP client or are looking to switch from your old one, check out one of these free programs. As always, let me know in the comments if you have a FTP client you like better (so I can use it!).

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Article discussion: Killer Download: The best free
by secretrana August 23, 2007 6:58 PM PDT
working gud
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Best free FTP client
by venkycool August 24, 2007 6:31 AM PDT
Hi. i have used "SCFTP and download manager" which is a free FTP client and also a download manager. (you have to download panda software as well, but you can uninstall it later if u wish).

I feel it is very easy and simple FTP client that i have come across.
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SmartFTP client is free
by jbuck814366460 August 24, 2007 9:09 AM PDT
Don't forget about SmartFTP - it's free for personal use and it's among the most powerful FTP software programs I've tried. It offers bookmarking and drag/drop among other things. Plus when you download things it can retain the date and time so you can do remote/local syncronization if you like.
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Got the best right here.
by SceptreX August 24, 2007 9:15 AM PDT
Firefox + FireFTP = the best FTP integration you can get.
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RamBooster VS. Cacheman
by Cursear August 25, 2007 1:03 PM PDT
Hey Jason, I got a little program that may interest you; Cacheman. Please compare Cacheman (which I am using right now) to RamBooster and let me know what you think! I would like to know the opinion of a professional such as yourself. Cacheman definitely has more customization and you could even save/load different pre-installed Ram profile for gaming, web surfing etc, and even make your own custom profile. So please let me know as maximizing computer performance is an issue that dominates my life right now. Thank you Jason.
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Killer Download: The best free FTP clients
by maher_rashid August 26, 2007 5:11 AM PDT
Killer Download is The best free FTP clients
Reply to this comment
nice tool very nice
by com1477 August 27, 2007 5:42 AM PDT
just trying it out
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Great Client
by johndogru August 27, 2007 6:28 AM PDT
This client is great, but its like any other client. In theorey, using something
besides ftp to share files is better.. Check out mongofiles.com to move those
other massive files around.. I found it better than using ftp. But if you have to,
this is a great ftp client.
Reply to this comment
AceFTP Freeware client
by deadzoro August 27, 2007 7:50 AM PDT
AceFTP is a free client that I use and it's really impressive! You can have multiple connections simultaneously.
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this software is good
by stavros911 August 27, 2007 8:23 AM PDT
tha't very cooooool
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Fire FTP a wonderful solution for firefox users
by rakeshinnovation August 27, 2007 7:45 PM PDT
Hi this is one add on which i will always recommend for the firefox users/ easy to install and cool and userfriendly and right inside your browser. These are the merits for this wonderful addon..
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Windows explorer FTP client
by gabbo93 August 28, 2007 3:58 AM PDT
If you are a windows user, windows explorer comes compatible with exploring FTP servers, so i would say thats the best one, drag and drop, multiple connections, and secure access.
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