IT@TT - Online

CuteFTP 4.2

CuteFTP is among the oldest and most widely used FTP (File Transfer Protocol) clients for Windows. Actually, the version changes from 1 until now aren't in keeping with significant enhancements to the product. The version changes usually reflect that this very latest build is impervious to the various hacks and cracks available online. I'll give you a hint: search and you shall receive.

Still, CuteFTP is ideal for those new to effteepeeing. The Windows Explorer-like interface means your learning curve is very shallow. And the recently-added firewall support ensures that CuteFTP can be used at home and work.

CuteFTP's Explorer-like interface has multiple panes that show storage folders, server contents, and files queued for download. To transfer files inwards to your PC, just drag 'n drop them from the FTP server folder to your drive. You can also queue several files to be downloaded by drag 'n dropping them into the bottom panel. To make this file transfer business easier, CuteFTP also integrates into Windows Explorer's right-click menu. This way you can also upload files using the shortcut menu.

Let me update you that Cute' lets you transfer files both ways: from PC to a remote site and vice-versa. You can also configure it to monitor the clipboard. This way whenever you click on a file download link, Cute' will take over. The advantage of this approach is a lean, clean Windows
installation that only includes programs you need.

The built-in Site Manager is pre-configured with many of the Web's best, most-reliable FTP sites. To open one, you need only select the site and click Connect. Site Manager also supports searching, so you can drill down to locate the site or file you need. Also included is MP3 and File Find which helps you troll though the Net looking for MP3 and other files.

This is essentially a file transfer utility. And the features on tap include remembering all the manual steps you use for file transfers for a particular location. The program records and automates the process so that the next time you want to exchange files with that particular location you can do it with one click.

If you too suffer poor data connects during the business day. Or want to only download at specified times to take advantage of your ISPs generosity. Well, CuteFTP's transfer scheduler is there to help. It can even dial-up to your ISP, grab or send the queued files. And then disconnect to save your account from being wasted. It can even shutdown the PC after it has completed downloading files. The Directory Compare helps synchronize files between your PC and the remote site. This tracks file status so that you can ensure you have a mirror image of your designated folder.

Equally helpful is the Smart KeepAlive makes ensures that FTP servers don't drop you if you've been logged on for a long time. And were a server to does drop the connection, Cute will auto reconnect and resumes a file download.

Cute' previously supported firewalls. However, getting the application to "talk" to a firewall was a hit-and-miss affair that oft involved lots of swearing, rude words and loss of hair. Now most of the guess-work has been taken out and Cute is more firewall-friendly; so essential for these our
insecure times.

CuteFTP is still restricted in some options. It doesn't allow you to transfer multiple files in a single instance. You need to open another copy. It also can't hold on to a connection when it meets a server that restricts the amount of data you can download in a single session.

But that's just one strike against. Overall, CuteFTP is just what every non-technical user needs. And the interface is so easy to use, you too will soon ask yourself: why didn't i begin earlier.

Team IT@TT
[email protected]

Top

Other Articles