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Design reviews
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FTP client applications are essential for web designers. There are other methods of uploading files to a remote server, but few are as convenient. The following are a mixture of Mac and PC based tools. These are our choice. Take your pick, or let us know about the one that you use.
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File transfer on the high seas |
Captain FTP
Captain FTP is fairly new and feature packed Mac OS X FTP client. As well as folder synchronisation, Captain FTP has a number of security transfer features including SSL-FTP and SFTP. It utilises remote server to server transfer, auto resume and auto-reconnect - both useful for slow or unreliable connections. It is only, perhaps, let down by a slightly unwieldy interface. In particular, the address book feature is unintuitive and could do with a rethink, in our opinion. But overall, we like this. On a feature by feature basis, it sets the standards that others must follow.
Mac OS X |
EmFTP |
http://www.emftp.com
EmFTP is a fairly new Windows FTP tool. What distinguishes it from some of its rivals is the ability to Synchronize uploads so that the same directory structure is maintained on you local PC and the server. A feature often only available in the 'Pro' versions of many of it's rivals. It also has a 'keep alive' function to maintain connections with fussy servers. Worth a look.
Windows |
Don't panic Mr Mainwaring! |
www.panic.com
Transmit is Panic Inc's top class ftp client. For Macs only, the interface is simple, powerful and - most importantly - user friendly. Best feature is the choice about how to set file permissions. OK, every ftp utility worth it's salt can change file permissions. But not all of them do it as simply and elegantly. Saves time when trying to remember what CHMOD 446 means, when you only have check boxes to deal with. If there is a criticism, it is that Transmit does tend to disconnect from the server after a very short period of inactivity. Although it's often hard to tell whether this is the servers fault or the client ftp tool, some sort of 'keep connection alive' facility, would make the product nearly perfect.
Mac OS X | Mac OS 9 |
CuteFTP |
http://www.cuteftp.com
CuteFTP comes in two flavours. A home edition and a professional edition. It is also available for both Mac and Windows. The 'Home' edition has the usual upload and download features, but also has a number of other useful tools. In particular the 'keep alive' command helps to ensure the accurate transfer of data without interruptions. The 'Professional' version has the same features, but also supports many secure transfer protocols, including SSH2 and SSL and synchronisation features.
Mac OS X | Windows |
Fetch |
http://fetchsoftworks.com
Fetch is the original Mac ftp tool that has been around for years. It has also changed very little in that time. But so what? It logs you in, you drag your files to the upload window, it uploads your files. Job done. Unfortunately, for $25 US, that's not a great deal and there are other tools that offer better value for money.
Mac OS X | Mac OS 9 |
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