SmartFTP 2.5 Review

Moonday! Since I am not Garfield, I don't hate Mondays at all. Usually, I have no problems to get started, and when I have the chance to start my week playing with a very good FTP client, I get really happy. Today's reason for my happiness is called SmartFTP, and in this article I hope we'll all get to see how smart this program can be...

Setup

In this moment, the last stable version of SmartFTP is 2.5. If you're really into statistics, then you should write down the full version number, which is 2.5.1006.38, but for most people, 2.5 should be enough.












The trial version has no functional limitation, but you'll have to purchase a license after 30 days, if you want to continue using this program. The setup package has 4.3MB in size, and installing it is pretty easy. I used the Complete install mode, but there's no big difference between the components installed in Typical mode and this one. I checked the Custom mode to see what you can select to install, and there are only two options - the program files, and the Backup tool.

Interface
In the past, I had the occasion to use SmartFTP a few times, and I remember that its interface was simple, easy to use and highly customizable, but now I think it looks much better than before. All the toolbars can be resized, moved, and even detached from the main window, and the 4 auto layouts available allow you to quickly load a predefined layout for the main window. Also, you can swtich between the handsome tabbed interface that reminds me of CuteFTP and the classical one.

Features

As usual, I'll start telling you about the features of this FTP client with one of the most important characteristics - the support for various connection types. In this case, there's not much to say, because SmartFTP supports only regular and secure FTP connections, but for most users, these should be enough.

Another useful thing to look for is a library of built in FTP servers, nicely organized in various categories. Unfortunately, SmartFTP only has 2 predefined connections categories, with 8 sites. Of course that you can add your own favorite FTP locations, but I would like to see more built in ones included in the program in future versions.

The Backup tool that I mentioned earlier can't be used to backup your files to a remote server, as I was thinking. All you can do with it is backup the configuration of the FTP client to a folder on your drive, to load it on another computer or restore it on your PC if something goes wrong.

The statistics about past operations of the program can be checked in the Log window, and you can also view a very good speed graph. Additional features include a transfer queue manager that's very easy to use, scheduled downloads, including recurring ones, and very detailed and powerful configuration options.

The Good

SmartFTP looks good, is highly customizable, reliable and decently priced. Beginners shouldn't have any problems learning how to use it, and advanced users will love it too, I am sure. This program is certified for Vista, and is also available for 64-bit operating systems.

The Bad

I would like to see more connection types and built in FTP locations added in the future versions.

Conclusion

Now, I think I can answer the question asked in the beginning... SmartFTP is not brilliant, but it's exactly as its name says: smart. If you're still looking for a good FTP client, give it a try, because I am sure you won't be disappointed.

Developer: SmartSoft Ltd.
Price: 36.95$
Trial Link: Download