FTP Software
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is the most secure and reliable method for transferring files from one location to another, such as from your local PC to a web server that hosts your web site. Some of the best wysiwyg editors have built-in FTP support for uploading your finished pages to the web server. Unknown to most users of these applications, FTP is being used to complete the transfer.
If you need to upload files to the web server and your favorite code editing tool doesn't provide built-in FTP support, you will need a stand-alone FTP tool that you can download and install on your PC. The FTP software can be configured with the username and password of your hosting account and can then initiate transfers between your PC and your web site. Working on your website in this fashion provides you with a local copy of your website, and is recommended over direct editing of files on the web server.
FTP applications that you can download and install typically come in two different flavors: paid and free. Here is a list of my favorite FTP applications that I've used over the years:
- WSFTP - This FTP application was my favorite for many years until I started having PC problems and had to transfer all my utilities to another computer. I had installation problems and ultimately had to pay for WSFTP a second time. When I notified IPSwitch that I had to pay a second time to get the application working, I was given the "too bad" story. That was a few years ago, but I moved on as a result of poor customer service. To be fair, the FTP application, however, always worked flawlessly.
- CuteFTP - This is another excellent FTP tool that I've used previously. It is light and compact and works great. The only reason I don't use it today is that I got really annoyed having to pay for it every year.
- FileZilla - This FTP application is open source. I've been using it for all my FTP tasks for many years now and it always works flawlessly. The best part of it is that it's FREE. Although there are many good FTP applications out there, there is nothing like a good, free tool that you don't have to keep paying for year after year. FileZilla is my recommendation for anyone needing a good, reliable and dependable FTP application.
What I've discovered is that most companies have really terrible support for customers that have installation, licensing, or technical problems, and these problems are almost always associated with tactics for insuring that customers pay for their software. I really don't mind paying for software that I find useful but when paying means a whole range of installation and licensing problems, then I'll try to find a FREE alternative. When it comes to a choice between paid software and free software, and the free software is at least as good or better, then obviously the free software should be your choice. In the case of FTP software, FileZilla is hands down the best choice.