FTP (File Transfer Protocol) was initially used in Unix systems a number of years ago to copy and move shared network files. With the development of the Internet, FTP found broader application in uploading and downloading online data, and especially posting websites on ISP servers.
These tasks can now be performed by a special program called FTP Clients. While the operating system of MS Windows contains a built-in FTP client system, it has failed to gain popularity and can only run in command line mode.
Before choosing an FTP program, it is especially important to look for a solution that delivers a full range of options for files and folders both on local computer systems and FTP servers, such as uploading , downloading, moving, deleting and modifying file properties. All other features are helpful, but non-essential options which tend to clutter the interface and usually duplicate the functions of other programs.
FTP Commander is ideal for aspiring webmasters
If you are on a business trip or vacation in a distant Internet cafe on some tiny island, where you only have access to a computer with a small CPU, hard drive and limited RAM, are forced to count every kilobyte and minute online, hate having to avoid cluttering the owner's system registry with your own data, are used to Norton Commander, turned off by dwarfs and banners hopping all over your screen, when all you really need to do is transfer a few files - then this program is a must for you!
FTP Commander is simple and easy to use. It's really the bare minimum with no extra frills or thrills. It offers a no-nonsense interface consisting of two side-by-side local computer and FTP server panels. The latter contains a list of about a dozen pre-set FTP servers. It's easy as pie to establish a connection. All you have to do is select the server you want on the list and push the Connect button. Pre-configuring a list of most frequently accessed servers will make your life even easier. An application also enables users to execute two-way file exchanges and activate multiple downloads. FTP Commander also makes it possible to run programs located on local disks, or view documents. The program occupies far less space on hard drives and RAM than other similar paid programs. It also allows you to delete, rename and and copy files, create and delete directories in the FTP server and work in command line mode. A session log file is also available. That's basically it because anything else would just be overkill.
Overkill is kool 2!
Overkill comes in handy when you're running a professional website equipped with a search engine, database, scripting facilities executed on a server or other such large-scale functions. In this case you'll need to assign access permission to remote servers, synchronize directories that will enable you to take advantage of many other splendid options offered under the new version of FTP Navigator program. This program for Windows 9x/Me/NT is a recognized market leader. Its user-friendly interface becomes instantaneously apparent. Smooth running instills trust in the program itself.
Main features
The superb options of FTP Navigator program include: directory synchronization on local and remote access computers (for comparing modified or new files), a full range of keys and options to monitor command line control, manual input of FTP commands, etc.
The program lets you upload and download data or delete one or more files, including whole folders along with subdirectories. The transfer interface window shows what percentage of files has already been uploaded or downloaded. It can also automatically resume and complete file transfers, which for some reason, have been interrupted, or periodically attempt to connect with the FTP server if the pervious link was unsuccessful.
Servers usually break off a connection automatically when the user is inactive for more than a specified period of time. The program includes a command that allows you to "keep connection," which means that retention prompts are periodically generated to maintain the connection. It also contains a passive file transfer mode. Server directories are sometimes hidden from view, which means that the directory modification option will be extremely helpful.
The properties window of the FTP server offers a number of highly convenient options: "Initial Directory on FTP Server". The service functions of the application include drag-and-pop, pop-up and a context sensitive menu, which can be called up by right-clicking the mouse. If you consider yourself an "advanced user" try working in command line mode. The program is compatible with Proxy, Firewall, SOCKETS 4, 4.5 and 5.
Program settings allow you to automatically assign file transfer parameters: ascii or binary, depending on file type, which can easily be extended. All commands and control operations can be assigned using the log file. The pre-set list of public FTP sites is also very useful.
Other novelties
The program is error-sensitive and automatically corrects mistakes made by users. Other programs tend to use different input and setting formats to access the FTP server. FTP Navigator was designed to be smart and sensible software. It will enter the right address even if you attempt to connect using any one of the following formats.
ftp.hostname.com
ftp://ftp.hostname.com
user@ftp.hostname.com/folder
ftp://user:password@ftp.hostname.com:port/dir
ftp://user.password@ftp.hostname.com:port/folder
ftp://user@ftp.hostname.com:port/folder
ftp://user@ftp.hostname.com
ftp://user@ftp.hostname.com:port
http://ftp.hostname.com
For example, if you make a mistake and enter a blank space in the address, the program will automatically remove it from the address, as well as any other inadmissible symbols, and will correct the address while the connection is in progress.
The program is compatible with virtually all types of servers and allows you to frame a special server response format and a rule for reading the list of server-based files and folders. The most frequent connections can be saved and subsequently entered by single- clicking the mouse. The program can save the default folders both for remote servers and local computers.
Files shown in upper and lower case will appear on the server as separate files . Therefore, sometimes when you upload a file or picture, it won't be visible on a website. For example, your site contains a link to the file asona.gif but you uploaded Asona.gif. Here you will need a program command which allows you to change the case type, both on local computers and remote servers.
You can set the screen properties and menu options to confirm various operations which can be modified in the menu item "Program Settings".
The program also contains standard file management functions. You can:
* View files or folders as tables, lists, large and small icons;
* Sort data according to date, size or name, both in local computers and remote servers;
* Use the filter mask to display files, and highlight the files filtered through the mask.
The program menu is context sensitive and will display only items which can run in the operating mode you have selected.
Should you require special commands not available in the program, all you have to do is go to "custom commands", which can be saved for later use.
And last but not least, you will be amazed that such a powerful program comes in such a tiny package.
See a sreenshot
http://www.internet-soft.com/doc/responce.jpg
While the program is preconfigured for the vast majority of servers, there may be cases where a remote server is structured differently. You can look at these file structures by
selecting "Text format". Then you need to configure the response format in "Custom" mode. The word number is given in the response.
For example, let's assume that a word with number 9 is assigned the value "File name".
Microsoft FTP v-4.0 and v.5.0 is a special configuration for Microsoft version 4.0 or 5.0 ftp servers.
In "Text format" you can only see the format of files on the server download files from a local computer but you will not have any local menu options for the FTP server.
For virtually all servers we recommend using the "Default" response type.
The free version of the program can be downloaded at: www.internet-soft.com
