Free FTP Software

The acronim FTP comes from File Transfer Protocol, a standard network protocol that is used when transfering or sharing files on a network with IP or TCP basis such as the internet. This protocol is constructed on the client-server design and uses separate control and data connections between the client and the server. FTP is used to encourage file sharing , especially the upload and download of massive files, big in size. It also represents a secure alternative to download documents or files from the internet without the constant fear that you might harm your computer when doing so. It is an efficient method, as it allows you to manage file tranfer of big files in a relatively short amount of time.

This software is usually used by the web sites that offer free or paid download, by the networks that enable file transfers between personal computers in the network through the server, the intranet  that allows users to share, send and receive encrypted files with important information belonging to the company they work for. But it can also be used by the medical institutions for sending the private medical records of the patients or other useful and confidential information. Usually the big customers for paid or free FTP software are the people who manage the networks or web sites, the web administrators and web masters, the ones in charge with the good functioning of the server or with the medical online system I was talking about. Usually these people are the ones who purchase and install FTP software in order to help the users performed the operations of download, sharing files and sending encrypted information in a secure environment and in a reasonable amount of time. In fact this is the reason why we don't even know or realize that we are using FTP software application when we  visit these web pages or access the networks that have one running.You should consider four main aspects when purchasing such a software: the first and most important one is security - the software should be able to enable a secure transfer of files, not just any kind of transfer; the second one is to transfer ability and connectivity as it is important to use it on any kinds of connections and on different operating systems; then there's the set of tools for the user - tools that must be very handy and in big number so you can choose from many the one that  you want; and the last one is technical support - as this is quite  big and complicated software and needs a lot of intricate steps to be followed before setting it up, it is important to have access to online or telephone help from the producers.



According to the preference of the users these are the best ten FTP software, that you can also find as download or shareware in demo versions or with limited features: Smart FTP, Cute FTP Pro, WISE-FTP, FTP Voyager, WS FTP Pro, FTP Commander Deluxe, Ace FTP Pro, BulletProof FTP, Coffeecup Direct FTP, FTP Explorer.

For the ones interested in getting free FTP software, I recommend www.softsea.com (free trials of software), or www.cnet.com (for 13 pages of totally free FTP software).

Usually most of the FTP software are quite similar; the only difference may be in the special features that some might have and some not. Smart FTP 2 is one of the best and you can have it for free if you want it for personal reasons and pay only $36 if you want to sell it with a licence.



SmartFTP offers a secure and quick file transfer and a wide collection of tools for the users. Its security works both ways: you can either upload or download data without the risk of being hacked or getting a virus. This is possible due to the verifications made, the filters used and through SSl/TLS connections. The modules of this software has around 15 versions and they also host non-English forums, where people who do not speak English (quite a lot around the world) can ask questions and find answers or ask for help in their mother tongue.

If we are talking about security, you can consider SmartFTP one of the most secure protocols available. It does its job perfectly and supports most antivirus software Raptor, CSM, Zone Alarm, Norton), without making the connection to the server or file transfer more difficult because of that. It supports anonymous mogin and one-time password for the incidental users. It supports HTTP connection and a lot of proxies and protocols, in order to make its use without any flaws. The tools provided by SmartFTP come in an impressive collection and are very easy to use. You don't have to be a server guru in order to handle its specifications and guidance. You have the possibility to customize any setting you like or configure connection settings . Yoi have a lot of options, too, when it comes to transfers, interface or queue settings. Because it addresses an international market this software is available in more languages besides English: Cinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Italian and some other European languages.



However, this software does not allow you to edit HTML files or use macros. One of the strongest points for them is the immediate support. They really answer the emails sent by their users, offer tutorials for initiation and also specialized forums. The general impression of the users of this software was that it is indeed one of the best available.



In the end I take the liberty of giving you some advice: due to the incredible number of offers available for free or free trials, and the very small differences between the software packages, you should better figure out your purpose for using the software and read the reviews of other users on the internet (especially on forums), identify their main features and compare them to your needs. This is the best way to find the perfect free FTP software for you.