A guide to free FTP clients. Guide to free FTP clients Open ftp servers for personal needs

No matter how actively cloud technologies are promoted, storing files is traditionally, often easier and cheaper on FTP servers. In fact, FTP clients are the same necessary category of software as regular file managers. Of course, we don’t have to talk about “newbies” here: there was and is an established selection of programs among both paid and free solutions.

This review will focus on free FTP clients, which are not so much well-known as they are “variegated”. The greatest attention will be paid to such aspects as protocol support, security, interface, as well as additional functions (synchronization, caching, search, and others).

FileZilla

FileZilla is a cross-platform, multilingual client that is easy to use, supports basic protocols such as FTP, SFTP, FTPS, etc., and has a convenient drag-and-drop interface, tab support, directory comparison, synchronization and remote search. The program is regularly updated, which indicates the active status of its development.

The graphical shell is really convenient - it is not overloaded, as is usually the case in programs of this kind, with many panels. At the top and bottom of the window are the Message Log and the Job Window; in the main part there is a two-column file manager. If the manager seems inconvenient to navigate, you can enable a tree list for local/remote file lists. Tabs are supported. This interface can be called almost classic for GUI FTP clients.

To quickly connect to the host, you can use the Quick Connection Panel; the transfer protocol is also indicated here, for example, sftp://hostname or ftps://hostname. But it’s more common to make a list of the necessary sources to connect to in the Site Manager. In the settings, again, you can change the protocol (FTP/SFTP), enter credentials, assign local and remote directories that open when connecting, change the type of file transfer (more options are provided in the general program settings). In the Site Manager, as well as in the main window, you can create bookmarks during navigation.

FileZilla has quite flexible data transfer management. Firstly, we mean a visual process of completing tasks, with the ability to pause (for files not exceeding the 4 GB limit). Secondly, the client supports synchronized browsing, directory comparison, filters, caching and, as already mentioned, remote search - standard and necessary functions for navigation.

HTTP/1.1, SOCKS 5, and FTP proxies are supported. Encryption is additionally available for the FTP protocol.

Summary

A simple client that will not satisfy the needs of a professional, but includes all the basic capabilities for working with the FTP, SFTP, FTPS protocols.

[+] Documentation in Russian
[+] Simple and convenient interface
[+] Cross-platform
[−] No command line (server) support

FTPRush

FTPRush is a former paid client that joined the list of free ones relatively recently. Notable features include such functions as FXP - transferring files from one site to another “on the fly”, flexible interface configuration (in the tradition of panel MS Office 2000-2003), SSL/TLS/SFTP encryption, Z-compression during transfer .

The appearance is more flexible than FileZilla; just look in the “View” menu or open the context menu of any of the areas. The following is provided: dragging, turning on and off panels, buttons, setting column columns.

The connection manager has a lot of server settings in stock; SFTP is supported (and in the corresponding section there are options for setting up SSL), SSH, unsecured FTP, TFTP. You can specify a time zone, define local/remote directories, and add bookmarks. If you have several configurations, it is convenient to use global settings, eliminating the need to reconfigure several configurations. Exception lists, notifications, priorities and other advanced options are available. A number of options are presented related to connecting the program to the server and transferring files. There are several types of proxies to choose from, including SOCKS, and Z-compression settings. Not to mention setting up hotkeys and mouse actions.

The scheduler is accessible through the Task Window. Not to say that it is ideal in the current implementation, but it performs its functions and, in addition, allows you to specify a script or action from the list to be executed. To create scripts, use the designer, which is available in the “Tools” menu. Also in this section you can find a list of FTP commands. Remote search can be found in the FTP menu section.

Perhaps the only point that causes criticism is the very poor quality of the translation into Russian.

Summary

The result is a free product with the functions of a professional product.

[−] Poor interface translation
[+] Excellent functionality
[+] A large number of settings
[+] Support for secure protocols and encryption methods

WinSCP

WinSCP is an open source client that works with the FTP, SFTP, SCP and FTPS protocols (protocol comparison table), scripting and command line support.

One of the primary features is the ability to select an interface in one of two options - Explorer or Commander. In the first case, the result is a simulated Explorer panel (with remote access mode) with a left sidebar and accompanying hotkey scheme. If we talk about the second type of interface, then there are rather similarities with Far Manager, MC, Norton Commander, while the keyboard shortcuts are also close to classic file managers.

Support for sessions, tabs, directory synchronization, source/destination file comparison are among other features. Many panels are customizable; you can pin/undock them or remove them through the View menu. However, WinSCP is at least a graphical client in the typical sense; here the device is somewhat different. The functionality will not impress an inexperienced user due to the fact that many options are hidden in the command mode - in the menu you can find access to the Putty utility, the command line and other special tools for working with the above protocols.

The stated support for scripts will be useful when automating data transfer or scheduling tasks (which will be of interest to experienced users). Quite detailed instructions on scheduling tasks in Windows via the command line are in the manual.

As for FTP, the functionality is quite mediocre, and, moreover, there is no FXP function, which in FTPRush, for example, is listed as almost the main one. However, FXP is not supported on every server.

On the page with translations you can find partial Russification (80% complete).

Summary

The client is intended for an audience of experienced users who primarily work with the SFTP, SCP and FTPS protocols using a terminal.

[+] Control via console
[+] Flexible configuration of SFTP, SCP and FTPS
[+] Good automation capabilities

Cyberduck is not a typical product in the FTP client niche, since it is primarily positioned as a “file browser” for the Windows and Mac OS platforms. FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Cloud Files, Google Drive, Google Storage and Amazon S3 protocols are supported.

When launched, the program prompts you to import hosts from FileZilla, and the specified addresses will be bookmarked. The program uses a single-panel mode, which in this case is not optimal for a desktop client and only causes inconvenience. To upload files, you need to open a separate window, and similarly to view the job queue. To change access rights, you need to go to the “Access Rights” tab of the “Info” section. All standard operations related to working with FTP are collected in the “Action” menu. In the program you can see a search window, but, as it turned out, this is a kind of filter by name, but not a search by file.

If the program cannot be noted for the convenience of the FTP mode, then perhaps someone will be attracted by some additional features, including support for storage of cloud services such as Google Drive or Amazon S3. There were no fine settings for integration with services. To export documents from Google Docs, you can choose the file format, in the case of Amazon - encryption settings, etc. Regarding functionality, again, nothing can be said in defense of Cyberduck: for example, a simple operation like assigning access rights to Google Drive is much more intuitive in the original interface. The use of an inconvenient alternative here seems questionable.

In general, due to its very simple interface, Cyberduck cannot be called the optimal client for working with the above services. However, as a file manager for viewing documents, it is quite suitable. One can only hope that the developers will improve the functionality in one of the directions - either working with FTP or supporting cloud services.

Summary

Despite support for FTP, SFTP and other protocols, Cyberduck is only suitable for uploading or downloading files, viewing documents on Google Docs and other simple operations. That is, the most basic work with the declared protocols and services is provided.

[+] Unified interface
[−] Few settings
[−] Inconvenient file manager
[−] poor support for cloud services

CoreFTP LE

This file manager is notable for supporting the protocols SFTP, SSL, TLS, FTPS, IDN, command line mode, FXP, and several types of proxies. LE is a free lightweight version of the client, PRO contains many additional features such as file encryption, zip archiving, synchronization and .

The CoreFTP LE shell has an "old school" feel to it. And, although the layout of the panels is quite intuitive, for comfortable work you need to reconfigure everything. You can use the Reset View command to change the display mode: for example, move the logs up, remove unnecessary panels, etc.

If we talk about the capabilities when working with FTP, the standard functions of CoreFTP include creating tasks for several sites, recursive operations with files (uploading, downloading and deleting). Multithreading is not available in the LE version, however, a considerable number of options are open in the “Connections” section. In the Transfers section you can enable compression - in the LE version, however, not all options are available.

The site manager is very flexible in configuration; the number of protocols and options provided for SSH, SSL/TSL are pleasing. Security settings can be found in "Advanced File Settings". Proxies are not forgotten, FTP Proxy/HTTP 1.1/SOCKS are available in the list. For advanced users, the “Script/Cmds” section will be of interest, although, apparently, the command mode here is presented more modestly than in WinSCP, and there is no terminal.

Summary

FTP client with a traditional interface and good functionality for the free version, with a large number of settings regarding security, data transfer, and connection.

[−] No scheduler
[−] Outdated interface
[+] Good functionality
[+] Advanced SSH, SSL/TSL and proxy settings

BitKinex

The list of features indicated on the BitKinex website comes down to the convenience of the user environment, however, if you pay attention to other aspects, the bottom line is support for the FTP, FXP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP, HTPS, WebDAV protocols, FXP and Indirect Transfers (FTP) functions ->SFTP, WebDAV->FTPS, HTTP->FTP, etc.). Other possibilities are listed on the page. It follows from them that BitKinex can also be used to create mirrors, as a download manager - that is, a very versatile client.

To create a connection, the “Quick Connect” setup wizard is used, which, however, can be skipped by going to the “Control Window” window. Data sources for various protocols are collected here, each of which can be carefully configured. All sources are grouped by protocol type.

Operations with files on the server are performed in another window - the “Browse Window”, which opens when connecting to the source. This window presents a standard two-column manager. In the main area there are local and remote sources, on the left there is a list of hosts, at the bottom there is a list of tasks and a log.

Integration with Windows Explorer is possible, dragging between windows is supported, and, most interestingly, drag & drop of data between protocols. Many operations with files and folders are available, such as comparing, blocking, changing CHMOD access rights and other operations. The program supports command line mode. Additional features worth noting are synchronization and mirroring.

Summary

A universal manager for a wide range of protocols, with its own interesting ideology and flexible settings. Will be of interest to users who work with multiple sources, experienced webmasters and system administrators.

[+] Excellent functionality
[+] Convenient grouping of sources
[−] Insufficiently intuitive interface

CoffeeCup is known for its simple, “casual” programs, and the Free FTP client is no exception. The word “easy” is often used when describing features. However, not only the FTP protocol is supported, but also SFTP and FTPS, which made it possible to include this client in the review.

To create a connection, you need to go to “Manage Servers”, where your S-Drive account has already been established. The program quite intrusively “recommends” connecting this service; it cannot be removed from the site manager.

It is obvious that the CoffeeCup Free FTP client is aimed at working with static sites, since it has a built-in editor with auto-completion, code folding, highlighting and other amenities. Alas, it is only available in the paid version and at the same time takes up half of the program’s work area and a separate settings section. It can be easily removed from view by switching to FTP View mode.

There are few basic options, especially regarding secure protocols. In principle, it is logical that a novice user would rather prefer the insecure and more familiar FTP. The settings also contain proxy parameters, although you cannot select the connection type, you can only add server(s) to the list. One of the notable features is the built-in ZIP archiver. Strangely enough, there was also a place for the PuTTY client here - a “spare” in case CoffeeCup Free FTP is used by experienced users?

Summary

The CoffeeCup client is extremely easy to use because the functionality does not allow you to get confused. Perhaps it will be useful for novice webmasters who need to edit HTML files on the server, or during the period of familiarization with web technologies.

[+] The client is easy to learn
[−] S-Drive obsessiveness
[−] Lack of search, synchronization and comparison of directories
[−] Built-in text editor

Pivot table

	FileZilla	FTPRush	WinSCP		CoreFTP LE	BitKinex
Developer	Tim Kosse	FTPRush	WinSCP		CoreFTP LE	BitKinex
License	Freeware (GPL)	Freeware	Freeware (GPL)	Freeware (GPL)	Freeware	Freeware	Freeware
Platforms	Windows, Linux, Mac OSX	Windows 2000+	Windows 2000+	Windows, Mac OSX	Windows	Windows XP+	Windows XP+
Protocols	FTP, SFTP, FTPS	FTP, SFTP, TFTP+	FTP, SFTP, SCP, FTPS	FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Cloud Files, Google Drive, Google Storage, Amazon S3	SFTP, SSL, TLS, FTPS, IDN	FTP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP, HTPS, WebDAV+	FTP, SFTP, FTPS
Console	−	+	+	−	+	+	+
Proxy	FTP, HTTP, SOCKS	FTP, HTTP, SOCKS+	FTP, HTTP, SOCKS, Telnet+	systemic	FTP, HTTP, SOCKS	FTP, HTTP, SOCKS	+
Remote search	+	+	+	−	+	+	−
Synchronization	+	+	+	+	+	+	−
Directory Content Comparison	+	+	+	−	+	+	−

Therefore, if you regularly have to exchange large amounts of data with other users, then it is wiser to create your own FTP server, which will allow you to organize this process in a much faster, safer and more convenient way. Using an FTP server, you can not only open access to certain folders on your own computer, but also flexibly manage the volume of traffic, as well as the lists of available files and users. At the same time, it will also become much more convenient for the users for whom the materials are intended to receive them, because they will be able to use their familiar FTP clients to download files, which provide resuming downloads and can download in multiple threads.

Diversity in the FTP server market

There are a lot of applications on the market for creating FTP servers. However, a significant part of such solutions are quite difficult to set up and cost a lot, and therefore are more suitable for a professional audience. At the same time, if you wish, you can find affordable or even free (in some cases only for non-commercial use) solutions. Moreover, among them there are also those that any non-professional can set up. It is these FTP servers that will be discussed in this article.

If we evaluate the solutions we selected for review from the point of view of functionality, then the maximum level of administration is provided in the commercial package Gene6 FTP Server (Standard edition) - table. 1, which is one of the best home office apps. The Serv-U (Standard edition) and FileZilla Server packages are quite close in functionality to this solution, however, due to the lack of Russian localization (and in the case of FileZilla Server, any documentation at all), they are somewhat more difficult to configure. However, in any case, all three of these solutions are more suitable for trained users.

Table 1. Functionality of FTP servers

	Gene6 FTP Server Standard ($49.95)	Serv-U Standard ($49.95)	Serv-U Personal (free)	FileZilla Server (free)	zFTPServer Suite (free)	Cerberus FTP Server ($59.99, free for private use)	TYPSoft FTP Server (free)	Golden FTP Server Pro ($29)
Basic settings
Ability to use one-time passwords
Running as a system service						Possible, but only if the corresponding checkbox is enabled
Allowed number of domains
Dynamic DNS support
SSL encryption support
Monitoring FTP server activity
Data compression
Blocking a transfer between two FTP servers
Passive FTP (PASV) support
Prohibition of creating multiple client connections in a short period of time
Remote administration
Access control
Creating temporary accounts
Virtual directory support
Access control by IP addresses
Limit the number of connections per IP address
Limiting the number of connections and connection time for a user
Blocking access to certain file types
Bandwidth limit
Disk space limit for user files
Maximum allowed number of parallel connections				Not limited	Not limited	Not limited	Not limited	Not specified
Ability to limit the number of parallel connections
Maximum number of accounts	Not limited			Not limited	Not limited	Not limited	Not limited	Not limited

For beginners, it is wiser to turn to simpler tools, among which the leader in the most successful combination of extreme availability coupled with a sufficient level of security, low requirements for system resources and ample capabilities is the zFTPServer Suite package. To be fair, it should be noted that among similar solutions there is also an even simpler FTP server, Golden FTP Server Pro, but its capabilities are still so limited (and this at a price of $29!) that it is difficult to recommend it to a wide audience. Although it also makes it easy to turn your computer into an FTP server, and even the most inexperienced user will need no more than 5 minutes to master this program, coupled with setting up the server.

FTP Servers Overview

Gene6 FTP Server 3.9.0.2

Developer: Gene6 SARL

Distribution size: 3.96 MB

Work under control: Windows 2000/XP/2003 Server

Distribution method: http://www.g6ftpserver.com/files/g6ftpdsetup.exe)

Price: Standard edition - $49.95, Professional edition - $119.95

Gene6 FTP Server is one of the best FTP servers with advanced administration and a high level of security for transmitted data. It is relatively easy to set up, has Russian localization and help in Russian, and therefore is very attractive for trained home users. The package is available in two editions: Standard and Professional. The standard edition is designed for two domains and 25 parallel connections per domain and is therefore optimal for home users and small organizations. In the professional edition, the number of domains and the number of simultaneous connections is unlimited, which allows it to be used in medium and large companies that actively use data exchange via FTP.

Gene6 FTP Server allows you to open access to data for specific users or groups of users through their accounts, manage access rights for files and directories, and restrict access by IP addresses. In this case, several virtual FTP nodes can be created and the number of connections can be limited (for IP, domain, user), and expiration dates for accounts can be set. It is also possible to fine-tune the access rights of specific users, for whom it is easy, for example, to determine the maximum size of files uploaded to an FTP server, to make some files in an open folder blocked or, conversely, accessible, to define speed limits when downloading and uploading files , set FTP server availability time intervals, etc. There is support for ODBC databases, compression of transmitted data is possible (MODE Z), and 128-bit SSL encryption can be used to exchange important files. Detailed statistics of activity on the FTP server are kept in real time, recorded in log files and visually displayed in text and graphic form.

Remote administration tools are provided that allow you to add, change and delete user accounts, as well as change all available domain settings remotely (as if the administrator were at the computer on which the server is running). It is possible to delegate administration to another administrator by creating a new user account with limited administrator rights. The remote administration connection is encrypted using SSL and runs on its own custom port.

Serv-U 6.4.0.4

Developer: Rhino Software, Inc.

Distribution size: 2.74 MB

Work under control: Windows 2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista

Distribution method: shareware (30-day demo - http://epix.tucows.com/files/ServUSetup.exe)

Price: Personal - free, Standard - $49.95

Serv-U is a powerful FTP server that provides flexible administration and an increased level of security. It is relatively easy to install and configure and has a free version, which makes this solution very attractive for home users. The package is available in five editions, of which two may be of interest to a wide range of users: the free Personal and the paid Standard. The personal edition is designed for one domain, two parallel connections and five user accounts, which, in principle, is enough, for example, to exchange data with friends. In the standard edition there can also be only one domain, but 25 parallel connections and up to one hundred accounts are possible.

Serv-U allows you to open access to the FTP server to specific users or groups of users, set write/read/modify rights for directories and files, and also control access by IP addresses. The simultaneous operation of several users is possible (the maximum allowed number of which is easy to limit), as well as setting the account expiration date. For each connection it is easy to set the maximum speed of upload/download operations. Zlib on-the-fly compression support is provided, providing increased data transfer speed. Detailed statistics of activity on the FTP server are kept, recorded in logs and visually displayed in the Activity branch, where you can find out the name under which the user is logged in, the IP address of his computer, folders of interest to him, operations performed, etc. There is support for 128-bit SSL -encryption to ensure secure connections. As for remote administration tools, they are supported only in the corporate version of the package - Serv-U Corporate (the price of which - $ 350 - is too high for home users), so we will not consider them.

FileZilla Server 0.9.23

Developer: Tim Kosse

Distribution size: 3.49 MB

Work under control: Windows (all versions)

Distribution method: freeware()

Price: for free

FileZilla Server is an FTP server with SSL encryption support and advanced administration. It is relatively easy to install and configure and is also free, making it quite attractive for home users. However, the package is in English and has no documentation, which makes it somewhat difficult to master.

FileZilla Server provides the creation of anonymous or password-based (for individual users or groups) access to data and allows you to manage access rights for files and directories, as well as limit access by IP addresses. It is possible to introduce restrictions on access to the FTP server as a whole or for each user individually, as well as limiting the total number of connections and the maximum download speed. Support for compression of transmitted data (MODE Z) is implemented, and 128-bit SSL encryption can be used to exchange important files. Detailed statistics of activity on the FTP server are kept in real time, which makes it easy to monitor the connections that have taken place, which will allow you to always be aware of what the users who connected to it were doing on the server. Remote administration is possible.

zFTPServer Suite 2.0

Developer: Nicklas Bergfeldt

Distribution size: 3.75 MB

Work under control: Windows NT/2000/XP/2003

Distribution method: freeware (http://download.zftpserver.com/zFTPServer_Suite_Setup.exe)

Price: for free

zFTPServer Suite is a convenient and multifunctional FTP server with support for 256-bit SSL encryption, which is easy to set up, fast to operate and has minimal requirements for system resources. In addition, it is free and has a Russian-language localization, which makes it possible to recommend this solution for a home office.

Using zFTPServer Suite, it is easy to organize anonymous or password access for individual users or even groups of users, setting for them the required restrictions on working with information on the FTP server. Parallel connections are supported, the number of which can be limited. It is possible to automatically detect and block multiple attempts to connect in a short period of time, as well as blocking certain accounts when a specified period occurs. There is access control by IP addresses and limiting the number of connections for individual users and IP addresses. The ability to limit bandwidth has been implemented, as well as limiting the disk space provided to the user for resuming. Remote administration of the FTP server is possible.

Cerberus FTP Server 2.45

Developer: Cerberus, LLC.

Distribution size: 1.6 MB

Work under control: Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP/2003/Vista

Distribution method: shareware (30-day demo - http://www.cerberusftp.com/files/CerberusInstall.zip)

Price:$59.99, free for non-commercial use

Cerberus FTP Server is a compact and resource-intensive FTP server with support for SSL/TLS encryption. It is very easy to set up, provides all the basic functions of an FTP server and is free for personal use, making it a good solution for home users.

Using Cerberus FTP Server, it is easy to create an FTP server that is accessible either to everyone or only to selected network users, setting for them a list of available folders and files and defining access rights, as well as limiting the allowed number of parallel connections and FTP access allowed -server time limit. It is possible to control access through IP addresses by creating lists of addresses from which access to the server will always be either allowed or denied. There is a function to block multiple client connections in a short period of time in order to protect against annoying clients and DDoS attacks. Statistics of established connections are kept.

TYPSoft FTP Server 1.10

Developer: TYPSoft

Distribution size: 472 KB

Work under control: Windows (all versions)

Distribution method: freeware (http://files.typsoft.com/ftpsrv110.zip)

Price: for free

TYPSoft FTP Server is a simple and convenient FTP server, characterized by a minimum of settings, has Russian-language localization and, in addition, is free, and therefore ideal for home users. It allows you to open access to specific folders for all users (anonymous) or only for selected users using a password, as well as restrict access by IP address. It is possible to limit the number of simultaneous connections. It is possible to set restrictions on permissible operations with files and subdirectories: you can only allow downloading of files, or you can allow downloading, deleting, renaming, etc. All connections that have taken place are recorded in a log file.

Golden FTP Server 3.02

Developer: KMiNT21 Software

Sizedistribution: Golden FTP Server - 895 KB, Golden FTP Server Pro - 954 KB

Work under control: Windows (all versions)

Distribution method: shareware (21-day demo version: Golden FTP Server - http://www.goldenftpserver.com/golden-ftp-server.zip, Golden FTP Server Pro - http://www.goldenftpserver.com/golden-ftp- server-pro.zip)

Price: Golden FTP Server Pro - $29, Golden FTP Server - free

Golden FTP Server is a very simple FTP server with an intuitive, multilingual (including Russian) interface. The package is available in two editions: free Golden FTP Server and paid Golden FTP Server Pro. The free version allows you to create only anonymous connections, and therefore has little prospects for the vast majority of users, although it will be interesting as a very simple and convenient tool for teaching schoolchildren the basics of working with FTP. Golden FTP Server Pro can be considered as a possible solution for novice users (although its price is clearly too high), who may be attracted by the extreme ease of setup, complemented by a Russian-language interface. This package allows you to set up both anonymous and password access to the FTP server, as well as block access from specific IP addresses.

It supports multiple parallel downloads, and statistics are kept on all connections that have taken place.

The transfer of information on the Internet is carried out in several ways. According to the rules of the HTTP protocol, data is represented using hypertext markup language. Any browser receives site content from the server in the form of a hypertext description and converts it into an image of pages.

The FTP protocol is designed for simple file exchange between network nodes when files are transferred without any changes or transformations. When you connect a remote computer to an FTP server, copying files between them occurs similar to operations in the local PC's Explorer. At one time, FTP was developed specifically for sending files and therefore this protocol is the optimal file sharing tool.

Using the World Wide Web (www), we download and send data to servers using the http protocol every day. You can also download files stored on numerous FTP servers to your PC. Thousands of FTP servers provide anonymous free access to gigabytes of a wide variety of data: software distributions, images, text, audio and video files.

In addition, on many servers there are writable directories for storing user files. This ensures that libraries are replenished with fresh information. These partitions can be used for the purpose of backup or further distribution of files over the network. Thus, FTP archives are a dispersed depository of information stored in the form of files on various servers around the world. Today's popular cloud data storage services are just a modern alternative to FTP file sharing services.

Although FTP is one of the oldest network protocols, for many users FTP Internet resources remain an unexplored area.

There are many desktop applications for working with ftp hosts. One of the popular ftp clients is the free FileZilla program.

Download FileZilla Client from the official website http://filezilla.ru/get/

To connect to an FTP server using such a client application, you need to have its address. And definitely know that the file you are looking for is written in one of its directories. And you need to know the name of the file, or at least part of its name. In fact, this is no longer a search for a file, but an accurate and targeted retrieval of it.

You can find out the name of the file on the pages with its description by first googling, for example, the topic of interest. Next, having the file name, you can turn to ftp search engines. Many such special search engines have been created. You can find them on the Internet by searching: “ftp search engine”. There are also directories of open ftp servers, such as: https://goo.gl/U7e4us

Let's try to find and download from an ftp server a small useful program for burning a disk image, ImgBurn.

To search in ftp archives we use the service krasfs.ru. Enter the file name in the search bar and search only in FTP:

Upon request, a dozen files with the application distribution package are opened. Right-click from the context menu with the command: “Save link as...” open PC Explorer and save the file to the selected directory:

It seems that this file search is not at all impressive. After all, it’s easier to download the latest version of such a free program from the developer’s official website.

It is worth turning to ftp resources when the required file is not found on the website pages using the usual method. Or you have to copy a large file from the network - more than 100 MB. Because, all other things being equal, a file from an ftp archive will be downloaded faster.

And now let's see how the FileZilla manager works. Downloaded, installed and opened the program. Copy the link address from the krasfs.ru search engine:

and paste it into the program field: “Host:”. We do not fill in the remaining fields, since access to the server is anonymous, and click the “Quick connection” button. After some time, the application connects to the hosting. In the right part of the program window, expand the directory structure of the ftp server, go to the final folder according to the link from the search engine: ftp://82.209.233.14 /media/soft/Beloff/BWPI/Portable/ ImgBurn.exe and in the lower right quarter of the window we find the file we are looking for:

Right-click the file, click the “Download” command in its context menu and observe the copying process:

It is very convenient to work in FileZilla - a friendly interface, all directories are at a glance. At the same time, if the connection to the server is lost, the file can be downloaded in the ftp client. If you simply download using a browser, as shown above, after an interrupted connection you will have to start copying again.

Let's pay attention to the krasfs.ru service. In addition to files from FTP archives, this search engine finds distributions on the sites of two dozen popular torrent trackers. To search, we use the names of films or books, the names of authors of works, performers. When the file is found, copy the link address and add it to the torrent client:

So, armed with the universal service krasfs.ru and ftp directories, we begin to explore the available ftp repositories. By exploring ftp resources in search of what you need, you can also find other interesting and exclusive materials in the folders - unique files from a variety of areas. It's reminiscent of fishing - catching one can catch unexpected luck. That is, there is an intrigue to find something rare, little-known.

What is FTP for?

Quite often there is a need to transfer files of significant size (from several to hundreds of megabytes). It is not always possible to use email for these purposes, since the volume of the letter for transmission may be limited by the mail server, and dividing the file into a large number of parts is not entirely convenient. In such cases, we offer our clients to use the company’s FTP server to exchange files.

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. The main purpose of FTP is to forward (copy, transfer) files on the Internet (from a remote computer to a local one and vice versa).

FTP servers are able to receive and send (upload & download) files with resuming the download at the interrupted location.

To use the FTP protocol, you will need a special program - the so-called FTP client. An FTP client can be an Internet browser (for example, MS Internet Explorer), Total Commander, Filezilla, a specialized program CuteFTP and others.

All files prepared for transfer to our FTP server must be archived.
You can only upload individual files! Do not try to download the entire catalog at once.

Catalog incoming available for recording, for uploading data to the server.
All other directories are readable for copying data from the server.

Description of working with the most popular FTP clients:

Internet Explorer

This is perhaps the easiest and fastest way. The standard browser for all operating systems from Microsoft.
In the "address" line type ftp://ftp.site. If the connection is successful, you should see a list of directories on our FTP server.
You can simply drag and drop files into this IE window.

Another simple and convenient example.
Free FTP Manager Filezilla. You can download Filezilla from the official website http://www.filezilla.ru.

Install and run the program.
In the "Host" field we type ftp://ftp.site and press "Enter". If the connection is successful, the FTP server directories appear in the right window.

The process of copying files to or from an FTP server is as follows.

To copy a file from the server:

• in the right window, enter the desired folder on the FTP server
• select the file to download and right-click on it
• select "Download". Copying will be done to the directory opened in the left window of the program.

To copy a file to the server:

• in the right window, enter the folder incoming on an FTP server
• in the left window, select the desired archive file and right-click on it
• select "Upload to server"

When you copy a file to a directory that already contains a file with the same name, the new file is written over the old one.
If the connection is lost for any reason, we “resume” the file.

Total Commander 7.0

The easiest way is to press Ctrl+N to call up the ftp connection prompt and enter ftp://ftp.site.

The process of copying files to or from an FTP server is no different from simply copying files to your hard drive.

Still have questions?

Q: Why can't I download some files?
A: The names of files uploaded to the FTP server of the company ZAO NVP "Bolid" may contain only letters of the Latin alphabet, numbers, symbols "." (dot) and "_" (underscore). The file name must not begin with a dot.

Q: Why can't I upload a folder with files?
A: You can only upload individual files. It is best to archive the data before downloading.

Q: Why can't I connect to the FTP server?
A: You need to check your connection to the FTP server. The easiest way is using the command line "Start - Run - cmd". On the command line type "telnet ftp.site 21", and you should see similar screen lines.

If the connection is successful, you should see a response from the server (see Figure 2). If the connection is not established, you will see an error message. Contact your network administrator to determine your Internet connection type.

It is also possible to work via FTP protocol through a proxy server. Most FTP client programs support this feature. Check your proxy server settings with your network administrator.

For any questions please contact