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FileZilla by SourceForge.net |
FileZilla packs a punch of necessary features to help you upload and download those files to your web space. Easy to setup and easier to use, you can't ask much more from freeware. |
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download HERE! |
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FileZilla by SourceForge.net I have been looking for a way to perform file transfers other than using the web based file manager that came with my site provider. FileZilla was brought to my attention via the alt.comp.freeware newsgroup. Well, I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only is FileZilla easier to use, but it's sooooo much faster than using the web based route. Here's the goods: Platform...... The site states 'Win32' applications, so I would guess that just about every windows barring 3.1 including my XP Pro. Web Site.......... FileZilla is based on a project platform with many member in the group. The site has a ton of info on what the program contains, how it has been shaped, what to expect in future releases and for the techno, detailed info on structure and downloadable source! The site is bright and easy to read and the download page not only included the latest release but has previous releases for download too. Talk about choices! Downloading........ Size Downloaded: about 3.3 megs for the .exe file. There are different kinds of downloads depending on what compression and version you want. Check the page for details. The source is also available! Size Installed: aprox. 12 meg, give or take a few k! Installation.......... Double click on the .exe file and you'll be prompted for the language of your choice! There was Chinese, French and even Bulgarian! Then there's the EULA, pick your components (Icons, source, etc.), and a directory to put it all in. Then, your asked if you want to run in 'Secure Mode' where it will not remember any passwords. That's it for the software however, there may be a setting or two in the program itself. Once you're into the program, go to the File => Site Manager => window to include the details of your FTP account such as the host name, username and password. I'll have a pic of this screen later on in the review. Help Files.......... A good indication of a great piece of freeware is the help files and FileZilla doesn't disappoint! Using a standard help file developer, they have included easy-to-read text with some excellent screen shots to make setting up and working this baby easy. Kudos go to the project team listed in the credits in the help file for this! Of course, the web site has a forums area for help questions. Interface & Features ........... FileZilla is displayed in a 'Windows Explorer' type of interface which usually works well when dealing with programs that manipulate files. The windows are configurable and optional including windows for Local Site, Remote Site, Status Bar, Quick Connect Bar and Message Log. Here's a pic of my setup with the view menu item open to give you an idea to the possible window settings and configurations:
Clicking on Edit => Settings will bring up the setting windows where you will make changes to the program itself. Selections are made via the tree like display on the left with your choices to the right. Here's a couple of pics:
Regardless of the settings when Filezilla is installed, the program worked for me the first time I fired it up and entered a site in the 'Site Manager' window. I really didn't have to change anything else in FileZilla. It just worked. Hopefully you are as lucky as I was however, you should check the settings anyway just in case you have special adjustments to make. In regards to the site manager, there is really nothing fancy about it. I just does exactly what it's suppose to do; keep control of all of the ftp sites that you may possess. Here's a pic of the site manager:
There may be times when you find an interesting FTP address while searching the Internet or given to you through E-mail. The main program window has a quick connect bar which lets you input the info fast and connect instead of trying to make an account in the site manager. If you like the site your connected to, one quick click on the File => Copy Connection To Site Manager will keep your new connection saved for future use. You can see it in the first pic on this review, just below the icon bar. There are three transfer types, six settings for overwrites, manual transfers, and configurable file views. Plus, there's resumable downloads (if supported by the server), timeout detection, firewall support, authentication and encryption. There's more too but you'll just have to download the program and give it a try. Problems....... This program has been running solid and fast for me since I've loaded it up a while ago. The site lists past bugs and has a discussion area for users so I'm sure that problems, if any, are addressed. Being an open source like Mozilla, you can expect the best release available. If you find something or have a suggestion, go ahead and let them know! You may see it in a future release! In Closing .......... This is the fastest FTP utility that I have used yet and it sure beats web based file managers, by a LONG SHOT!! If you find yourself using online web space storage sites and need a program to transfer those files that costs nothing and works beautifully, give FileZilla a try! Enjoy!! Buzzy J |
